Paul Mescall was perfectly cast as Connell, the vulnerable, charming, hot, and confused character he plays in the BBC adaptation of Sally Rooney's acclaimed novel, "Normal People" (opens in new tab), available April 29 on Hulu. In the 12-episode series (opens in a new tab), not only is his performance excellent, but Mescal embodies the Connell that Rooney envisioned when he wrote the book. When she gave me her blessing, it was a weight off my shoulders," Mescal revealed to GQ U.K. (opens in new tab)

For those who may not be familiar with the novel, "Normal People" is about a 17-year-old Irish high school student, Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Connell (Mescall), and their complex relationship as they spend the next four years searching for their way out of each other's lives. Connell, the popular boy at school whose mother works as a housekeeper in Marianne's home, struggles with his identity. Their roles and labels change when they leave their hometown and enroll at Trinity College.

If you can't stop thinking about Meskar while binge-watching the series (same), here's everything you need to know about the 24-year-old Irish actor.

Watching "Normal People," it's hard to believe this is Mescall's television debut; in an interview with BBC U.K. (opens in new tab), Mescall revealed that he was more nervous meeting Rooney than during the audition.

"I met Sally for coffee in Dublin after I was cast as Cornell, and I think I was more nervous walking to the coffee shop to meet her than I was during the audition. These characters were created in her brain and put there for five or six years. She was very kind and gave me incredible endorsements. The fact that she said she was happy gave me a lot of confidence going into the shoot," he says (opens in new tab). 'Sally didn't show up on set very often, but when she did, she was incredible. I can imagine everyone on set being nervous when the creators of the story come on set, but she was a real calming presence and very positive.

In both the book and the Hulu series, Marianne and Connell attend Trinity College together. Coincidentally, Mescall also attended Trinity College and received her Bachelor's degree in acting from Trinity's Reel Academy in 2017.

After graduating from Trinity College, Mescal played the role of Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby at the Gate Theatre in Dublin. He also played the Prince and other roles in "The Red Shoes" at the same theater.

Mescall was reportedly forced to give up the sport due to a jaw injury, even though he was not supposed to play the sport in the first place while acting in college. Mezcal told GQ (opens in new tab), "I had a game the Saturday before I started college, and I broke my jaw trying to catch the ball." He had to lie and say, "I was robbed in the garage where I work.

He continues, " If I had the opportunity to take a year off (from acting) before I got older and less fit, I would definitely go back and play for a year."

Mezcal's artistic Instagram is filled with photos of him and his family. Mezcal has a sister, Nel, and a brother, Donnacha.

As far as we know, Mescal is single, but he continues to show his love and support for his co-star Daisy Edgar-Jones." This is the end of the normal. I can't even begin to tell you how grateful I am right now." He wrote on Instagram (opens in new tab) in October 2019." Thank you @elementdistribution guys for making my dream come true. @daisyedgarjones I couldn't have worked with a better person. You are truly incredible. Now we drink ❤️"

One scroll through the 24-year-old's Twitter feed reveals that he greatly appreciates the reviews and feedback he has received about his performance.

His Instagram caption says it all: "Normal People premieres tomorrow on @bbcthree. Making this show has been the best experience of my life, thank you to everyone at bbc and @hulu for trusting me with the show. I especially have to thank Renee and Hetty from @element_pictures and everyone who worked on the show during filming. You all have been an absolute ride and we love you. ❤️ The show will air next week on @hulu, @bbcone, @stanaustralia and @rteone. Enjoy.

"Normal People" premieres Wednesday, April 29 on Hulu. Click here for a free trial (opens in a new tab).

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