George MacKay tries to keep his partners away from the media spotlight, though he was linked to one of his former co-stars. This enigmatic quality of the actor only fuels his fans’ curiosity, who are constantly left wondering about his possible romantic liaisons.
George MacKay stepped into the acting world as a child, landing a part in “Peter Pan” at the tender age of 10. From there, his career flourished with roles in numerous TV shows and films such as “Captain Fantastic,” “Pride,” and “True History of the Kelly Gang.” However, his exceptional performance as Lance Corporal Will Schofield in the critically acclaimed film “1917” skyrocketed him to international fame.
His role in “1917” won him several awards, including awards at the Newport Beach Film Festival, Online Film & Television Association, and Santa Barbara International Film Festival, and he earned many more nominations. This newly found recognition has, expectedly, sparked interest in his romantic relationships.
George MacKay attends the 92nd Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on February 9, 2020, in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
George MacKay Was Saoirse Ronan’s “First Proper Boyfriend”
While current details of MacKay’s personal life remain unknown, he was once romantically linked to the talented actress Saoirse Ronan, best known for her roles in “Lady Bird” and “Little Women.”
The spark between them ignited while filming the dystopian drama “How I Live Now,” where they played distant relatives who fell in love amidst the chaos of war. The movie’s director, Kevin Macdonald, confirmed the couple’s off-screen relationship. He said:
“It was Saoirse’s first proper boyfriend, and, in a way, I think she was living through the same thing that the character is going through. I suspected what was going on, but they kept it very quiet.”
Despite their discretion, MacKay has always been vocal about his admiration for Ronan, praising her choices both professionally and personally. He has even referred to her as an “amazing human being.”
Saoirse Ronan, Harley Bird and George MacKay attend the Moet Reception at the Moet British Independent Film Awards 2013 at Old Billingsgate Market on December 8, 2013, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
George MacKay Likes to Keep His Love Life Secret
MacKay is not keen on sharing much about his personal life with journalists. He also doesn’t have a presence on social media, which further fuels fan speculation.
In a 2020 interview, the actor was asked about potential relationships with co-stars but kept his comments vague, stating that such relationships are a natural outcome of spending time together.
He refused to say if he was single then, but according to another media outlet, he was dating someone new in 2020 and asked the reporter not to share details about his relationship.
Allen Leech and Doone Forsyth attend the Winter Whites Gala in aid of Centrepoint at Kensington Palace on November 26, 2013, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
One media outlet claimed that MacKay might be romantically involved with Doone Forsyth, a makeup artist known for her work on films like “The Batman” and “Beauty and the Beast,” and shows like “Succession” and “The Crown.”
She also worked on “1917”—the movie that made MacKay a household name. Previously Forsyth was linked to “Downton Abbey” star Allen Leech after they were spotted at several public events together. Yet it is unknown whether there’s truth to the speculations about MacKay and Forsyth’s relationship.
Actor George MacKay attends the “11.22.63” Sundance premiere Q&A on January 28, 2016, in Park City, Utah | Source: Getty Images
George MacKay Once Said He Was Raised around Gay People
MacKay starred in 2014’s “Pride,” where he played a young man who joins the activist group Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners. In the 2023 LGBTQ+ thriller “Femme,” he also plays a deeply closeted gay man leading fans to wonder about his sexuality. The actor has not spoken about his sexuality but has been linked to women.
He once confessed he “had been brought up around lots of gay people,” as his mother worked in ballet and theater. Talking about “Pride,” the actor expressed hope that this movie would help anyone worrying about the reaction from family and friends to their coming out.
The actor empathizes with the difficulties faced by those who cannot reveal their true identities to their loved ones, showing himself to be a solid ally to the LGBTQ+ community.