Biography - Risteard Cooper graduated from the acting programme at the Samuel Beckett Centre, Trinity College and lived in New York for several years where he worked at the Ensemble Studio Theatre, the Irish Rep. and Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre company, playing Mickey in the American premiere of Jez Butterworth's award winning play, 'Mojo'. Theatre work in Ireland includes 'The Bird Sanctuary' at the Abbey, the original Irish production of 'A Slice of Saturday Night' (Andrews Lane), 'A Little Like Drowning' (Druid Theatre) and 'Blood Brothers' (Olympia). For the Gate Theatre, he has played Christian in 'Cyrano de Bergerac', Septimus in 'Arcadia', and Lord Goring in 'An Ideal Husband','Blithe Spirit',Pierre in 'See You Next Tuesday', and John Buchanan in 'Eccentricities of a Nightingale'. Since then Risteard has appeared as Francis in 'Doldrum Bay' at the Peacock Theatre and in 'Auntie and Me' with Anna Manahan at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin. Risteard appeared as Piper in 'Observe the Sons of Ulster' directed by Robin Le Fevre at the Abbey Theatre for Dublin Theatre Festival 2004, and as Quinnus in the original production of 'I Keano' at the Olympia Theatre Dublin. Most recently Risteard appeared in 'Betrayal', directed by Robin Le Fevre for the Gate Theatre's Pinter Celebration Festival. Risteard co-writes and performs RTE's Apres Match, which first appeared on RTE TV in 1996 and since that time has appeared in sell-out live shows in Vicar Street, the Gaiety Theatre and at festivals and venues across Ireland, as well as on a best-selling video. Film and television credits include "The Closer You Get", "Glenroe" and "The Big Bow Wow" (RTE). Risteard appeared as a variety of characters in 'Hector and Risteard Chasing the Lions' for Peer Pressure/TV3 and on the best-selling DVD of the same show. He also play Ross O'Carroll Kelly in the audio CD from Magpie Productions, 'Ross O'Carroll Kelly, The Twelve Days of Christmas'. Risteard appeared earlier in 2007 as multiple characters (ranging from former PD leader Michael McDowell to RTE presenter Miriam O'Callaghan) in Gerry Stembridges TV satire series "The State of Us" produced by Peer Pressure Productions for RTE television. Risteard most recently appeared with Hector O'hEochagain in "Chasing the Blues" in pursuit of the Irish rugby team at this year's World Cup, directed by Stephen Bradley for Peer Pressure Production and RTE. Risteard has just completed filming the leading role of Michael in "The Fit" directed by Declan Eames for Element Films/RTE and due for broadcast in 2008.