Barry Keoghan

Barry Keoghan
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Name:
Barry Keoghan
Who is:
Birth date:
(32 y.o.)
Place of birth:
Dublin
Height:
5'8 ft ()
Weight:
159 lb (72 kg)
Birth Sign:
(characteristic)
Chinese zodiac:

Biography of Barry Keoghan

Barry Keoghan is an Irish actor best known for the films "The Killing of a Sacred Deer," "Dunkirk," and "Saltburn" He won a BAFTA award for his role in "The Banshees of Inisherin."
Actor Barry Keoghan
Actor Barry Keoghan

Childhood and Youth

Many actors hit the jackpot from day one—born into celebrity families or with wealthy parents ready to bankroll their dreams. Barry wasn't one of those lucky kids, and his childhood was anything but carefree.

The future actor was born on October 17, 1992, in Dublin. Dublin was in the grip of a devastating drug epidemic at the time—illegal substances flooded the streets, creating a horrifying surge in heroin addiction. Barry's mom was raising him and his younger brother Eric on her own when she too fell victim to drug addiction. The boys knew nothing about their father.
Barry Keoghan in childhood with his brother and mother
Barry Keoghan in childhood with his brother and mother
Social services eventually stepped in, removing the boys and placing them in care. At just five years old, Barry and his brother began bouncing between foster families—they'd end up in about 13 different homes. Finally, when he was 10, his grandmother and aunt took the brothers into their home.
...My cousin, whom I call my sister, was 15 and gave up her bedroom for us, sleeping in the room with my aunt. I owe them all a lot.
Barry Keoghan
When Barry turned 12, his mother—still only around thirty—died from a drug overdose.

Barry seemed to inherit his complicated personality from his mother. He grew up as a real rebel. He was constantly acting up at school, had zero interest in studying, and would rather hang out with friends than crack open a book. The only subject he liked was history because the teacher told interesting stories.
Barry Keoghan in his youth
Barry Keoghan in his youth
According to Barry, at some point, he became interested in mimicking others. In interviews, he admitted that he loves pretending and imitating, which is why he enjoys transforming himself. But he kept skipping drama club sessions, and when they finally expelled him, he couldn't have cared less. Instead of school plays, he'd hit the movies—often sneaking in with friends without paying to catch the latest releases.

First Roles

Initially, Barry dreamed of becoming an athlete—he excelled at both boxing and football—but fate had different ideas. One day, he spotted an ad in a shop window: an acting studio needed amateur actors for a small part in a crime film. Barry passed the audition and appeared in a minor role in Mark O'Connor's film "Between the Canals." His debut happened in 2011, and afterward he decided to dedicate himself to filmmaking.
Barry Keoghan in the movie 'Stalker'
Barry Keoghan in the movie 'Stalker'
A year later, while training at the acting studio, he landed roles in "Stalker" and "King of the Travellers," both directed by O'Connor.
Barry Keoghan & David McDermott scumbags comedy sketch
In 2013, he starred in the comedy "Life's a Breeze" and the independent drama "Stay." Barry also landed several episodes of the series "Love/Hate," following four friends navigating Dublin's criminal underworld.
Barry Keoghan in the movie 'Stay'
Barry Keoghan in the movie 'Stay'
He then starred in the Belfast riots drama "'71" (2014) as Sean, a role that proved pivotal for his career. Between 2014 and 2016, Keoghan also appeared in interesting projects like "Traders," "Mammal," and "Trespass Against Us."
Barry Keoghan in the movie '71'
Barry Keoghan in the movie '71'
But he truly broke through with "Greek New Wave" pioneer Yorgos Lanthimos's "The Killing of a Sacred Deer" (2017), playing Martin, the son of a man who died during surgery. Alongside him were stars like Nicole Kidman and Colin Farrell.
Colin Farrell and Barry Keoghan on The Killing of a Sacred Deer
Barry admitted that after reading the script, he knew this was a career-defining opportunity he couldn't pass up. Keoghan instinctively knew the role of Martin was written "just for him"—and he was right. Critics praised his performance, earning him an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Male.
Barry Keoghan in the movie 'The Killing of a Sacred Deer'
Barry Keoghan in the movie 'The Killing of a Sacred Deer'
During filming, he bunked with fellow Irishman Colin Farrell. Later, the veteran actor confessed that Barry reminded him of a raccoon, wreaking havoc around the house. In interviews, Colin joked that the young actor left half-finished milk cartons everywhere, with Barry's uneaten breakfast cereal scattered throughout the house. However, the actors managed to get along and even became friends.

Career Blooming

That same year, following his breakthrough in "The Killing of a Sacred Deer," Barry landed a role in Christopher Nolan's epic war drama "Dunkirk."
Barry Keoghan in the movie 'Dunkirk'
Barry Keoghan in the movie 'Dunkirk'
Barry's next success was the film "American Animals." He took on one of the lead roles as a student who teams up with friends to pull off an audacious heist—stealing a rare book from a library. When their scheme goes sideways, the guilt eats away at them. Barry portrayed this very vividly. He starred opposite Evan Peters of "American Horror Story" fame.
Barry Keoghan and Evan Peters in the movie 'American Animals'
Barry Keoghan and Evan Peters in the movie 'American Animals'
Around the same time, Barry appeared in "Black '47," a drama about Ireland's devastating Great Famine. The film follows an Irish ranger who goes AWOL to save his family, only to face one tragedy after another. Barry played a character named Hobson.
Barry Keoghan in the movie 'Black '47'
Barry Keoghan in the movie 'Black '47'
Barry then joined the Marvel blockbuster "Eternals," which pulled in massive box office numbers alongside A-listers Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, and Kit Harington. Barry played Druig, one of the immortal Eternals with the power to control minds.
Barry Keoghan in the movie 'Eternals'
Barry Keoghan in the movie 'Eternals'
In 2021, acclaimed Irish director Martin McDonagh cast Barry in his dark comedy-drama "The Banshees of Inisherin." Starring Colin Farrell and Domhnall Gleeson, the film explores what happens when one friend abruptly cuts off their lifelong friendship. In this darkly comic tale, Barry brought to life Dominic, a troubled village youth. Though not the lead, his character proves essential to unlocking the film's deeper meaning. His powerful performance earned him a BAFTA win and an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Barry Keoghan in the movie 'The Banshees of Inisherin'
Barry Keoghan in the movie 'The Banshees of Inisherin'
Barry also made his mark in other standout projects, including the haunting fantasy "The Green Knight" and HBO's acclaimed miniseries "Chernobyl." He also played the Joker in the 2022 movie "The Batman" starring Robert Pattinson.
The Batman - Arkham Deleted Scene (2022) Robert Pattinson, Barry Keoghan
Taking on the iconic role meant Barry would face inevitable comparisons to legendary Jokers of the past. The actor himself said:
Playing the Joker is very scary. Heath Ledger is the gold standard for me. But there are many people to draw inspiration from. But it's crucial to bring your own energy to the character. That's what I try to do with any role—I play it my way. Returning to the topic, I don't want to box myself in or stick to one specific method. I'm just evolving. I try to show my interpretation of the character.
Unfortunately, Barry's big Joker scene ended up on the cutting room floor. Director Matt Reeves explained, "His time has not yet come."

Barry Keoghan's Personal Life

Barry was previously in a relationship with Shona Guerin, but the couple split in 2020. After going their separate ways, Barry met Alyson Kierans in 2021. She's slightly older than Barry and works as a dentist.
Barry Keoghan and Shona Guerin
Barry Keoghan and Shona Guerin
Their relationship developed quickly. In 2022, the couple's first child, Brando, was born. Barry speaks eagerly about his son, saying he's ready to do everything to ensure the boy has a happy childhood - something Barry himself missed out on.
Barry Keoghan and Alyson Kierans
Barry Keoghan and Alyson Kierans
Despite having a son together, his relationship with Alyson didn't work out. At the end of 2023, Barry started dating actress and singer Sabrina Carpenter.
Barry Keoghan and Sabrina Carpenter
Barry Keoghan and Sabrina Carpenter
In the summer of 2024, Barry appeared in the music video for Carpenter's song "Please Please Please." They played a couple of love-struck criminals.
Barry Keoghan in Sabrina Carpenter's Music Video
In his free time, the actor pays attention to sports. He even trained to enter the ring as an amateur boxer at one point. Unfortunately, an injury derailed those plans, but Keoghan continues to stay in shape.
Barry Keoghan and Alison Sandro with their son
Barry Keoghan and Alison Sandro with their son
Beyond all this, the actor loves animals—he has a rescue dog at home that he adopted from a shelter. Barry admits he's loved nature since childhood and continues to cherish it as an adult.
Barry Keoghan and his dog
Barry Keoghan and his dog

Barry Keoghan Now

Among Keoghan's recent works is the series "Masters of the Air," produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg. Barry stars alongside Austin Butler, Callum Turner, and others. The series tells the story of pilots during World War II, with Barry playing one of the lead roles.
Barry Keoghan in the series 'Masters of the Air'
Barry Keoghan in the series 'Masters of the Air'
He also played the lead role in the tragicomedy about class struggle, "Saltburn." His character, a poor intellectual named Oliver Quick, gets invited to a mansion for the holidays by the charming Felix (Jacob Elordi). Oliver quickly adapts and becomes part of the troubled aristocratic family. Keoghan received nominations for a Golden Globe and a BAFTA for this role.
Barry Keoghan in the movie 'Saltburn'
Barry Keoghan in the movie 'Saltburn'
"Saltburn" caused a sensation with at least three striking scenes: Oliver's crying at the grave (Keoghan admitted it was improvised), the scene of drinking from a bathtub (it was actually a mix of yogurt, milk, and water), and the final scene where Barry appeared fully nude on camera.

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