Domhnall Gleeson, the acclaimed Irish actor, has carved a remarkable path in film, television, and theatre, earning both critical praise and a loyal fan base. Born on May 12, 1983, in Dublin, Gleeson is the eldest son of legendary actor Brendan Gleeson. Despite initially resisting the spotlight, he has built a multifaceted career defined by versatility, emotional depth, and a keen sense of character.
Early Life and Education
Raised in Malahide, County Dublin, Domhnall Gleeson grew up surrounded by creativity. He attended Malahide Community School, where he performed in plays like Grease and King Lear, showcasing his early passion for the arts. Gleeson later earned a BA in Media Arts from the Dublin Institute of Technology, setting the stage for a creative career that would span writing, directing, and acting.
Early Career and Stage Breakthrough
Gleeson began his professional journey by directing and writing short films before making his screen debut in the 2001 British miniseries Rebel Heart. In 2006, he gained attention on Broadway in Martin McDonagh’s The Lieutenant of Inishmore, earning a Tony Award nomination at just 23. His performance as Davey, a hapless but endearing character, signaled his arrival as a rising actor with serious dramatic chops.
Throughout the 2000s, Gleeson continued to balance theatre and screen roles, including the Academy Award-winning short Six Shooter (2004) and feature films such as Studs (2006) and Boy Eats Girl (2005).
Film Breakthrough: Harry Potter and Beyond
Gleeson’s breakout role came in 2010 when he was cast as Bill Weasley in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Parts 1 and 2. His inclusion in the beloved franchise introduced him to a global audience and kick-started a prolific film career. Notably, his father Brendan Gleeson played Mad-Eye Moody in the same series.
That same year, Gleeson appeared in Never Let Me Go and True Grit, showcasing his range in genres from dystopian romance to Western. His portrayal of Bob Geldof in the TV film When Harvey Met Bob won him an Irish Film & Television Award (IFTA) for Best Actor.
A Decade of Versatility: 2012–2020
Between 2012 and 2020, Domhnall Gleeson solidified his reputation as one of the most dynamic actors of his generation. Key performances during this period include:
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Konstantin Levin in Anna Karenina (2012)
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Ash in the Black Mirror episode "Be Right Back" (2013)
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Tim Lake, the time-traveling romantic lead in About Time (2013)
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Caleb Smith in the acclaimed sci-fi thriller Ex Machina (2015)
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Jim Farrell in Brooklyn (2015)
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General Hux in the Star Wars sequel trilogy (2015–2019)
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Andrew Henry in The Revenant (2015), alongside Leonardo DiCaprio
In 2014, he also starred in Frank and Unbroken, the latter requiring a significant physical transformation to portray WWII survivor Russell Allen Phillips.
Expanding Horizons: Voice Work, Comedy, and Theatre
While often seen in dramas and sci-fi films, Domhnall Gleeson has never shied away from comedy or lighter roles. He voiced Thomas McGregor in Peter Rabbit (2018) and its sequel, played A.A. Milne in Goodbye Christopher Robin (2017), and starred in indie comedies like Crash Pad.
His theatre work remained strong. In 2015, he joined his father and brother Brian Gleeson in The Walworth Farce. In 2021, he returned to the stage for Enda Walsh’s Medicine, earning a nomination for Best Actor at the Irish Theatre Awards.
Television Success and Recognition
More recently, the actor has found success on the small screen. In 2020, he starred in the HBO series Run, and in 2022, he received Golden Globe and Critics' Choice nominations for his chilling role as Sam Fortner in The Patient, opposite Steve Carell.
In 2023, Gleeson portrayed John Dean in White House Plumbers, a satirical take on the Watergate scandal. He also starred in Channel 4’s Alice & Jack, which earned mixed reviews but praised his heartfelt performance.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Domhnall Gleeson resides in Dublin’s Ballsbridge area and is an avid supporter of Aston Villa Football Club. In 2023, he married Irish producer Juliette Bonass, whom he met in college. The couple has worked together on several projects, including the charity series Immatürity for Charity, which raises funds for Dublin’s St. Francis Hospice.
The Gleeson family is known for their contributions to Irish arts and philanthropy, with Domhnall and his father serving as ambassadors for St. Francis Hospice.
Upcoming Projects
Gleeson’s career shows no signs of slowing. He is set to star in Echo Valley alongside Julianne Moore and Sydney Sweeney, and will appear in Guy Ritchie’s upcoming film Fountain of Youth. He is also voicing characters in animated projects like The Scarecrows’ Wedding and has a lead role in the 2025 series The Paper.
Conclusion
From Dublin stages to Hollywood blockbusters, Domhnall Gleeson has proven himself a standout actor with an impressive range and a compelling screen presence. Whether in indie dramas, major franchises, or theatrical performances, he continues to captivate audiences around the world with his commitment to craft and storytelling.
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