Domhnall Gleeson biography, photos, personal life, wife, height and weight 2025

Donal Gleeson Biography

Donal Gleeson is a popular Irish theater and film actor, known for his roles in "About Time," "The Revenant," "Anna Karenina," "Ex Machina," "Unbroken," and "Goodbye Christopher Robin." He also played Bill Weasley in the final Harry Potter films and General Hux in the Star Wars sequel trilogy (Episodes VII and VIII). In 2025, he became known as the lead in "The Paper," a new series from the creators of "The Office."

Childhood

Donal was born on May 12, 1983, in Dublin. His mother Mary is a homemaker, while his father, Brendan Gleeson, is a popular actor. You can see his work in dramas like "Calvary," "Alone in Berlin," the series "Mr. Mercedes," and many others.

Donal was the first child in the family, but not the only one – he has younger brothers Fergus, Rory, and Brian. The latter also chose the acting path.

Donal spent his childhood like any ordinary Irish boy, spending days on the streets of Dublin. The family wasn't well-off, so the actor remembers this time with a shudder. Things started looking up after he entered high school – around the same time, his dad began landing serious film roles.

His father's success in acting inspired young Gleeson's career choice. He enrolled in a theater studio, where he was cast in both classic productions ("King Lear") and modern ones (the musical "Grease"). After finishing school, he enrolled in the acting program at Dublin Institute of Technology.

First Roles

After graduation, the young actor managed to divide his energy between theater and film. In 2001, he first appeared on TV in one episode of the series "Rebel Heart."

In 2004, he played a cashier in Martin McDonagh's thrilling short film "Six Shooter." His father was cast in the lead role.

In 2006, McDonagh invited the 23-year-old actor to star in the Broadway production of his play "The Lieutenant of Inishmore." Donal transformed into the slow-witted Davey, which earned him a Tony nomination – the theater world's equivalent of an Oscar.

A year later, Gleeson also played one of the leading roles in the dramatic production of "Great Expectations" based on Charles Dickens' novel.

In March 2009, he was cast as Bill, the eldest Weasley son, in the legendary franchise about the adventures of wizard Harry Potter and his friends. Interestingly, his father was also involved in filming this magical saga as Mad-Eye Moody. So initially, the young actor considered turning down the role – he feared comparison with Gleeson Sr. and didn't want to be seen as a nepotism hire who got the part through someone else's achievements.

In 2008, Irish viewers could see Donal in the comedy show "Your Bad Self." During this same period, he appeared in the melodrama "A Dog Year" alongside Jeff Bridges.

Career Breakthrough

Domhnall's first major success came in 2010: he starred in the acclaimed sci-fi drama "Never Let Me Go" alongside Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, and Keira Knightley, followed by the penultimate "Harry Potter" film that introduced the actor to mainstream audiences.

Domhnall Gleeson in the film "Sensation"

That same year saw the release of other films featuring Gleeson – the comedy "Sensation" and the western "True Grit". The latter, directed by Ethan and Joel Coen, earned 10 Oscar nominations and solidified Gleeson's status as one of the best young actors of his generation.

Three years later, several Gleeson films hit theaters simultaneously – the romantic drama "About Time", where he starred opposite Rachel McAdams and Margot Robbie, the drama "Frank" with Michael Fassbender, and the drama "Calvary", where he once again shared the screen with his father.

About Time - Trailer

In 2013, Gleeson appeared in an episode of the acclaimed series "Black Mirror" ("Be Right Back"). He played Ash, Martha's deceased husband whom she recreates using modern technology. Critics from The Independent and The Daily News praised the episode highly.

In 2014, Domhnall starred in the sci-fi film "Ex Machina" alongside Oscar Isaac and Alicia Vikander. This was followed by a role in "The Revenant" with Leonardo DiCaprio, which also received critical acclaim.

Domhnall Gleeson in the film "The Revenant"

Another noteworthy project that year was Angelina Jolie's biographical film "Unbroken", chronicling the life journey of athlete Louis Zamperini during the height of the Third Reich.

In 2014, the actor was also cast as General Hux in the seventh "Star Wars" episode. The film relaunched the franchise with new heroes played by Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, and others.

Domhnall Gleeson on the set of the film "Star Wars"

All four projects mentioned above received Oscar nominations.

In 2017, the actor appeared in Darren Aronofsky's drama "Mother!", as well as in another "Star Wars" installment.

Critics praised his performance in the biographical film "Goodbye Christopher Robin" – about the touching relationship between writer A.A. Milne, author of the Winnie-the-Pooh books, and his son Christopher.

Goodbye Christopher Robin | Official HD Trailer

Spring 2018 saw Gleeson face audiences in the children's comedy "Peter Rabbit" as Thomas McGregor, a heartless young man who declares war on the charming fluffy creatures in his garden. Critics frowned, but viewers bought tickets – the film ultimately raked in $350 million worldwide.

Domhnall Gleeson sits reading a newspaper with a toy rabbit on his lap — Still from "Peter Rabbit"

Meanwhile, the actor dove into gothic horror with "The Little Stranger," playing a country doctor caught in the web of a cursed estate. Working with Ruth Wilson marked his second collaboration with director Lenny Abrahamson after "Frank."

That same year brought audiences the family short film "Psychic," where Domhnall appeared alongside his father and brother.

Short Film "Psychic"

In 2019, Gleeson completed his space odyssey, donning General Hux's uniform one last time in "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker." His character took an unexpected turn, betraying the First Order and helping the Resistance.

The actor then plunged into criminal waters with "The Kitchen," a drama about gangsters' wives, transforming into a Vietnam War veteran turned hitman for the Irish mob.

The new decade brought a dramatic change of scenery. Gleeson boldly stepped into television, taking the lead role in HBO's "Run" with Merritt Wever, created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge. The story of two former lovers who reconnect after 15 years through a secret code word to escape their mundane lives lasted just one season. But what a season! Critics raved about the chemistry between the actors and the depth of their characters.

Domhnall Gleeson and Merritt Wever stand face-to-face in a train vestibule, shot from outside the window — Domhnall Gleeson and Merritt Wever in "Run"

Simultaneously in 2020, Irish publication The Irish Times ranked Domhnall 21st on their list of the country's greatest film actors – recognition that warmed the soul as much as any applause.

2021 became a year of family creativity. Together with brother Brian Gleeson, he created the comedy series "Frank of Ireland," an absurdist tale about a thirty-two-year-old man-child musician living with his mother. Critics received the project coolly, but the brothers enjoyed working together.

Brian and Domhnall Gleeson in sportswear standing by a table looking to the side — Still from "Frank of Ireland"

Meanwhile, Domhnall returned to children's adventures in "Peter Rabbit 2," proving the war with the long-eared creatures continues.

In the theater world, the actor shined in Enda Walsh's "Medicine," which triumphed from the Edinburgh Festival to the stage of St. Ann's Warehouse in New York. The role earned Domhnall a nomination for the Irish Times Theatre Awards in the Best Male Performance category.

2022 brought Gleeson one of the most challenging roles of his career. In FX's psychological thriller "The Patient," he embodied serial killer Sam Fortner, who kidnaps his therapist (Steve Carell) and holds him captive in a basement, demanding to be cured of his murderous urges.

Steve Carell lying on a bed with Domhnall Gleeson sitting on a chair across from him — Still from "The Patient"

Gleeson admitted that living in a psychopath's skin every day was incredibly taxing, but the results exceeded expectations. The role earned the actor nominations for a Golden Globe and Critics Choice Awards.

In 2023, Domhnall continued exploring the dark depths of the human soul, but in a historical context. In HBO's satirical drama "White House Plumbers," he played John Dean, the lawyer who became a key figure in covering up the Watergate scandal. Working alongside Woody Harrelson and Justin Theroux showcased the actor in a new light – as a master of political satire.

In 2024, the actor joined the star-studded cast of Guy Ritchie's action film "Fountain of Youth" alongside Natalie Portman and John Krasinski. He also appeared in the psychological thriller "Echo Valley" with Julianne Moore and Sydney Sweeney, where he brought to life the sinister character of a drug dealer.

Domhnall Gleeson's Personal Life

In 2023, after years of dating, Domhnall finally married Irish producer Juliette Bonass. The couple first met as students at Dublin Institute of Technology, where they both studied media arts.

Their creative partnership flourished long before romance bloomed – together they worked on short films and charity sketches. They held their wedding in complete secrecy, without flashy headlines or red carpets, which perfectly matched both their personalities.

Domhnall Gleeson and Juliette Bonass, collage of two photos together — Domhnall Gleeson and his wife Juliette Bonass

The actor and his family live in Dublin's Ballsbridge neighborhood. He's a devoted fan of Aston Villa football club and serves as an ambassador for Dublin's St. Francis Hospice, continuing his charitable work in memory of his grandparents.

Domhnall Gleeson Now

In 2025, Gleeson conquered new territory – comedy television. In Peacock's series "The Paper," he plays Ned Sampson, an ambitious editor of a dying local newspaper trying to breathe life back into the publication with volunteer reporters.

Domhnall Gleeson in a dark blue sweatshirt standing on a table and pointing his finger — Domhnall Gleeson in "The Paper"

The project comes from the creators of the cult hit "The Office," and follows the same mockumentary format, with the crew that once filmed the daily lives of Dunder Mifflin employees now tracking hapless journalists and their boss. Gleeson masterfully deployed an American accent, making viewers forget his Irish roots entirely.