Cillian Murphy
| Date of Birth: | May 25, 1976 (Age 49) |
| Place of Birth: | Douglas, Cork, Ireland |
| Nationality: | Irish |
| Net Worth: | $20 million |
| Height: | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Education: | Presentation Brothers College; studied Law at University College Cork (dropped out) |
| Marital Status: | Married |
| Spouse: | Yvonne McGuinness (m. 2004) |
| Children: | Malachy, Aran |
| Known For: | Oppenheimer, Peaky Blinders, Batman Begins, 28 Days Later |
Early Life & Education
Cillian Murphy was born on May 25, 1976, in Douglas, Cork, Ireland, to a schoolteacher mother and civil servant father. Raised Catholic, he attended Presentation Brothers College. He initially studied law at University College Cork before dropping out to pursue music and acting.
Career
In 1996, Murphy began his professional journey in the play Disco Pigs, which he later reprised on screen. His breakout film role came in Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later (2002), catching the attention of Christopher Nolan, who cast him as Scarecrow in Batman Begins (2005) and its sequels. His diverse filmography includes Red Eye, Breakfast on Pluto, The Wind That Shakes the Barley, Sunshine, Inception, Dunkirk, A Quiet Place Part II, and Oppenheimer (2023).
On television, he gained global fame as Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders (2013–2022), earning a BAFTA TV nomination.
In 2024, Murphy won the Academy Award, Golden Globe, BAFTA, and SAG awards for Best Actor in Oppenheimer. He has also ventured into producing with his company Big Things Films, working on Small Things Like These (2024), Steve (Netflix, 2025), and future sequels to 28 Days Later and Peaky Blinders.
Awards & Recognition
- Academy Award, Golden Globe, BAFTA, SAG – Best Actor (Oppenheimer, 2024)
- BAFTA TV nominee – Best Actor (Peaky Blinders)
- IFTA Best Lead Actor (Small Things Like These, 2025)
- Critics’ awards, Drama Desk, theatre honors
Personal Life & Interests
Murphy is married to visual artist Yvonne McGuinness, whom he met in 1996 and married in 2004. They have two sons, Malachy and Aran. The family moved from London to Dublin in 2015. Known for his reclusive personality, he avoids social media, red carpets, and tabloid publicity. Music, theatre, and video games are among his interests, and he remains committed to privacy and authenticity.
Social Media
Cillian Murphy does not maintain public profiles on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube. His professional presence is limited to his IMDb page.
Trivia
- Was lead singer in the acid-jazz band “The Sons of Mr Green Genes” before acting
- Maintains vegetarianism/veganism for long periods alongside changing diet for roles
- Known for his intense blue eyes and immersive method acting
- Resists fame, once saying paparazzi photos are “fetishising everything”
Upcoming Projects
- Steve (Netflix drama, 2025)
- Peaky Blinders sequel film The Immortal Man (Netflix)
- 28 Years Later sequel and further historical productions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Cillian Murphy?
An Irish actor and producer, best known for roles in 'Peaky Blinders' and 'Oppenheimer', the latter earning him the 2024 Best Actor Oscar.
How old is Cillian Murphy?
He is 49 years old, born May 25, 1976.
Is he married and does he have children?
Yes married to artist Yvonne McGuinness since 2004; they have two sons, Malachy (b. 2005) and Aran (b. 2007).
Does he use social media?
No he maintains a private life and does not use Instagram, Twitter or Facebook publicly.
What awards has he won?
He won the 2024 Academy Award, Golden Globe, BAFTA, and SAG Award for Best Actor for 'Oppenheimer', among others.