William Ruane's ascendance to stardom began at the tender age of 16, courtesy of the esteemed British director Ken Loach, who offered him a breakout role in the critically acclaimed film Sweet Sixteen, in which he portrayed the character of Pinball. This auspicious debut marked the beginning of a fruitful creative partnership between Ruane and Loach, which would span three additional collaborations over the years.
Their subsequent collaborations included the film Tickets, where Ruane once again had the opportunity to work with Loach, honing his craft and further cementing his status as a talented young actor. The Wind That Shakes The Barley, another Loach-directed film, would go on to win the prestigious Palme d'Or award at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival, solidifying Ruane's reputation as a rising star in the world of cinema.
The Angels' Share, Loach's 2012 film, would also garner significant acclaim, winning the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. Throughout his career, Ruane has consistently demonstrated his versatility and range as an actor, and his collaborations with Ken Loach have undoubtedly played a significant role in his success.