Roma Downey, the beloved actress who captured hearts as the angel Monica, has unveiled a striking new look. The star, now 65, recently appeared with bright blonde hair, marking a significant change from the brunette beauty fans remember from her nine-season run on the hit series Touched by an Angel.
From Heavenly Icon to Powerhouse Producer
The Northern Irish actress became a household name starring alongside Della Reese and John Dye in the inspirational drama that aired from 1994 to 2003. Her role as the gentle angel Monica, helping troubled humans, cemented her status as a television favourite.
However, Downey's career has evolved far beyond acting. She is now a formidable producer and executive, working closely with her husband, television mogul Mark Burnett. Together, they have created some of the most successful faith-based programming in recent history.
A Landmark Production: The Bible
Their most notable collaboration is the monumental miniseries The Bible, which Downey co-produced and starred in as Mary, mother of Jesus. The project was a colossal success, reaching a staggering audience of over 100 million people.
In a 2013 interview, Downey shared the couple's motivation: "My husband and I wanted to be able to make a series that would glorify God, one that would tell God's love story. We felt a calling in our hearts." She described the experience as both "humbling and exhilarating."
A Multifaceted Career and Personal Life
Downey's impressive portfolio extends to portraying Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in the Emmy-winning A Woman Named Jackie, and producing major films like Ben-Hur (2016) and Son of God. She currently stars in and produces the series The Baxters and appears in the new show Merv, where she debuted her blonde transformation at a screening last month.
As President of Lightworkers Media, MGM's faith and family division, she oversees a slate of content. She is also a published author, with books including the best-seller Box of Butterflies and her 2023 release, Be an Angel.
Born in Derry, Northern Ireland, Downey attended a Catholic girls' school before training at The Drama Studio in London. She later worked on Broadway before finding television fame in Hollywood. She married Mark Burnett in 2007 after he proposed the previous year. She has a daughter from a previous marriage to director David Anspaugh and two stepsons from Burnett's previous relationships.
Her new blonde look signals a fresh chapter for the star, proving her career and personal style continue to evolve decades after her angelic role first touched millions.
