Take a deep dive into Barry Keoghan’s life as a young actor as he marks his 33rd birthday on October 18, 2025 – from small theaters in Dublin to the silver screen
As Barry Keoghan celebrates his 33rd birthday on October 18, 2025, we are taking a look back at his journey from Dublin’s Summerhill neighborhood to international acclaim on the big screen.
Born in 1992, Keoghan faced significant challenges in his youth. After the death of his mother, he and his brother spent several years in foster care before being raised by their grandmother, aunt, and older sister. Keoghan developed an interest in acting, participating in school plays at O’Connell School in Dublin. However, his involvement in these plays was short-lived due to disruptive behavior.
He later credited his film education to sneaking into movies at Cineworld on Parnell Street, an activity that eventually led to his banishment from the theater. Keoghan’s formal entry into acting occurred in 2011 when he responded to a casting notice for the film Between the Canals. This small role marked the beginning of his professional career. Following this, he studied acting at The Factory, a local Dublin drama school, to hone his skills.
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In 2013, Keoghan gained wider recognition for his role as Wayne in the Irish crime drama Love/Hate. His portrayal of a character involved in violent acts, including the infamous scene where his character kills a cat, sparked public controversy and discussion.
Despite the controversial nature of his role, Keoghan’s performance garnered attention and established him as a notable talent in Irish television.
Keoghan’s early career was closely associated with director Mark O’Connor. After Between the Canals, Keoghan appeared in O’Connor’s subsequent films, including King of the Travellers and Stalker. These roles allowed Keoghan to further develop his acting skills and gain experience in various film genres.
Keoghan’s performances in these early roles laid the groundwork for his later recognition in the film industry. His work in Irish cinema, coupled with his television appearances, helped establish his reputation as a versatile actor.
His early work landed him roles in major motion pictures in recent years. In 2023, he starred in Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn, a black comedy thriller where he portrayed Felix Catton, a scholarship student who becomes entangled in the lives of the wealthy and eccentric Felix family.
Keoghan’s performance was widely praised, earning him nominations for a Golden Globe and a BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
In 2024, Keoghan appeared in Andrea Arnold’s Bird, a drama that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.
He played Bug, the father of the film’s protagonist, Bailey. The film received positive reviews and was named one of the top 10 independent films of 2024 by the National Board of Review.
Keoghan also starred in Bring Them Down, a 2024 Irish thriller directed by Christopher Andrews. The film, set in rural Ireland, explores themes of blood feuds and revenge. Keoghan’s portrayal of Jack, a reckless young man caught in a family dispute, was noted for its intensity and depth.
Keoghan has been cast as Ringo Starr in Sam Mendes’ upcoming Beatles biopic series, set to release in 2028. He has undergone extensive preparation for the role.
This includes a “Beatles bootcamp” to learn Starr’s walk, accent, and drumming style. Keoghan met with Ringo Starr during this process, describing the encounter as inspiring and insightful.
Happy birthday, Barry!
