Irish actor Paul Mescal recently shared a funny story about meeting Australian actress Nicole Kidman in his sweaty underwear.

The unexpected visit occurred after Mescal’s performance in the London theatre production of A Streetcar Named Desire, where he plays the character of Stanley Kowalski.

Appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Mescal recalled the moment Kidman visited him backstage.

“We heard a knock on the [dressing room] door, and we thought it was the stage manager or something, and I go to open the door,” Mescal said.

“And it’s Nicole Kidman, and I’m standing there in, like, sweaty underwear.”

Mescal joked that it was not a look he wanted to be seen in and added, “You’d think the next smart step is [to] put on some trousers, but there’s something incredibly undignified about the act of [pulling up trousers].”

During the interview, Kimmel made a playful comment about Kidman’s recent viral advert for AMC Theatres, asking Mescal if she talks to the screen about the magic of film when she watches a play.

Mescal has received a nomination for Best Actor at the 95th Academy Awards for his role in Aftersun.

The actor called the nomination an “insane honour” in a statement.

Mescal’s performance as Stanley has been extended for another six weeks in the West End after the play’s initial run at the Almeida Theatre in North London.

The production will open at the Phoenix Theatre on 20 March and run until 29 April.

In her four-star review of the production, The Independent’s Jessie Thompson praised Mescal’s performance as Stanley, saying he “radiates with rage, wearing his psychopathy on his sleeve, with a menacing sexuality that could stop traffic”.

A Streetcar Named Desire is a classic play by Tennessee Williams that tells the story of a woman named Blanche DuBois who moves in with her sister and brother-in-law, Stanley, in New Orleans.

The play explores themes of desire, violence, and mental illness.

Kidman is also a well-known actress and has starred in numerous films, including Moulin Rouge!, The Others, and The Hours.

She has received several awards and nominations throughout her career, including an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in The Hours.

Mescal is a rising star in the acting world, having gained critical acclaim for his performance in the TV series Normal People.

The actor has also appeared in the film The Lost Daughter and the TV series The Deceived.

Despite his success, Mescal remains humble and grateful for the opportunities he has had.

“It’s been a wild ride,” he said in a recent interview.

“I’m just trying to enjoy it as much as possible and stay present.”

As for his encounter with Kidman, Mescal can now look back on the funny moment with a smile.

“It’s not a look you want to be caught in,” he said.