Danika McGuigan (4 January 1986 – 23 July 2019) was a Northern Irish actress, born in Northern Ireland and raised in England. She was known for her role as Danielle Mullane in Can't Cope, Won't Cope (2016–2018). She was posthumously awarded Best Actress at the 2021 IFTA Awards for her final role in Wildfire (2020). Her previous films included Philomena (2013), Mammal (2016), and The Secret Scripture (2016).
Early life and education McGuigan was born in Newry, Northern Ireland on 4 January 1986, the second of four children and only daughter of Barry McGuigan, a former world champion boxer, and his wife Sandra. She had three brothers, including Shane.
McGuigan spent her early childhood in Clones, County Monaghan before the family settled in rural Kent, England near Whitstable. She attended St Edmund's School Canterbury and then boarded at Benenden School. She trained in Dublin, graduating from the Gaiety School of Acting in 2006, and The Factory (now Bow Street) in 2013 before moving to London.
Death McGuigan was first diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at age 11 in 1997, but recovered from the illness after two years. She was pulled out of school at the time for her treatment at St Bartholomew's Hospital, London. She died from bowel cancer on 23 July 2019, aged 33.
Filmography Film Year Title Role Notes 2000 Malicious Intent Barmaid (Debut role) 2010 Glory Laura Short film 2012 Remains Eva Short film 2013 The Food Guide to Love Maureen Philomena Bridie Film nominated for 4 Oscars, including Best Picture Stay Deirdre McGilloway 2015 Lost in the Living Grace (Uncredited) Traders Orla 2016 Mammal Ann Marie The Secret Scripture Chrissie 2020 Wildfire Kelly Posthumous release Final role *WON* IFTA for Best Lead Actress in Film
Television Year Title Role Notes 2007 The Tudors Chambermaid S01E03 – Episode: 'Wolsey, Wolsey, Wolsey!' 2009 Hollyoaks: The Morning After the Night Before Ruby TV series Mid Life Christmas Cranchesterford teenager Television film 2010 Dani's House Belle Charlotte S03E12 – Episode: 'Buddy Movie' 2014 Undeniable Miss Maclean Miniseries - Ep. #2 Play Next Door Dyla S01E02 – Episode: 'If Those Lips' 2016–2018 Can't Cope, Won't Cope Danielle Mullane Main cast12 episodes
Awards and nominations Year Award Category Work Result Ref 2021 IFTA Awards Lead Actress in a Film Wildfire
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