Ivan is an actor and one of Northern Ireland’s best known journalists in radio, television and newspapers. He is also an award-winning writer and author of eight books, including his 2005 memoir.

Ivan will soon be seen as Grandfather Patsy in Lisa McGee’s next series, HOW TO GET TO HEAVEN FROM BELFAST. Other screen credits include THE FALL; HIDDEN AGENDA; and GIVE MY HEAD PEACE.

Ivan recently played the lead role of Rocco in Gary Mitchell’s latest play, PRIDE OF THE SHORE, which was produced by Green Shoot Productions and ran at The MAC in Belfast in 2024. He received rave reviews. 

‘...the granda played to perfection by Ivan Little in an f-ing and blinding performance reminiscent of Jim in The Royle Family..’ Belfast Times

Ivan is best known for his collaboration with the esteemed Martin Lynch where he played the leading role of Gerry Courtney across the UK and Ireland in Martin’s record-setting play, THE HISTORY OF THE TROUBLES (ACCORDIN’ TO MY DA). 

Other theatre work includes EDUCATING RITA (Willie Russell, Lyric Theatre, Belfast), SCENES FROM THE BIG PICTURE (Owen McCafferty, Waterfront, Belfast), DEALER’S CHOICE (Patrick Marber, Grand Opera House, Belfast), SUMMERTIME (David Ireland, the MAC, Belfast), GOD’S COUNTRY(Colin Bell, Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast), THE CLEAN ROOM (John McCann, Crescent, Belfast), and THE EVANGELIST (Sam Thompson, Arts Theatre, Belfast)..