Top Five Famous Contemporary Irish-American Women

The Irish spirit of perseverance through adversity has undoubtedly shaped America, the nostalgic conception of the American dream, and work ethic in American life. Here is a list and short description of five famous contemporary female Americans of Irish descent who exemplify the Irish spirit.

Soledad O'Brien: This multiracial CNN news reporter refused to change her name. Her mother is Afro-Cuban and her father is an Australian of Irish descent. O'Brien, a Harvard graduate, overcame many prejudices on her rise to fame. Noted for her professional coverage of Hurricane Katrina, John F. Kennedy Jr.'s plane crash, and technologically savvy topics, O'Brien serves on the board of directors of The Harlem School of the Arts.

Janeane Garofolo: This outspoken comedian, political activist, actress, and writer is of Irish and Italian descent. Holding degrees in history and American studies, Garofolo struggled as a bike messenger in Boston after graduating college and deciding to pursue a career in stand-up comedy. Frequently criticized as being too negative, Garofolo's acerbic wit has etched out a personal niche for the actress in Hollywood. In The Matchmaker (1997), Garofalo notably portrayed Nancy Tizard, a young American woman sent begrudgingly to Ireland to research a Boston politician's ancestry in hopes of a political win. She is a prominent anti-war activist and feminist, former Air America radio host, and lender of fame to liberal political causes.