Cillian Murphy Biography Cillian Murphy, born on 25 May 1976, is an Irish actor known for his roles in various films and plays. He gained recognition for his performance in the play Disco Pigs in 1996, which he later reprised in the 2001 screen adaptation. Some of his notable early film credits include 28 Days Later (2002), Intermission (2003), Red Eye (2005), The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006), and Sunshine (2007). Additionally, he received a Golden Globe Award nomination for his portrayal of a transgender Irish woman in Breakfast on Pluto (2005).
Cillian Murphy Biography 2024
In 1992, Murphy stood alongside Tim Smyth, Eoin O’Sullivan, and Maria-Theresa Grandfield, with Murphy positioned second from the right. Born on 25 May 1976 in Douglas, Cork, Murphy’s mother taught French while his father, Brendan, worked for the Department of Education. Teaching ran in the family as his grandfather, aunts, and uncles were also in the same profession. Murphy grew up in Ballintemple, Cork, with his younger brother Páidi and two younger sisters Sile and Orla. He began writing and performing songs at the age of 10. Raised Catholic, Murphy attended Presentation Brothers College, excelling academically but also facing disciplinary issues that led to occasional suspensions. Disinterested in sports, a prominent part of the school’s activities, he felt that the school did not prioritize artistic endeavors.
Murphy’s first experience in performing was during his time in secondary school, where he took part in a drama module led by Pat Kiernan, the director of Corcadorca Theatre Company. He found this experience exhilarating and inspiring, prompting him to pursue a similar feeling. His English teacher, William Wall, supported his interest in acting, although Murphy initially aimed to be a rock star. During his late teens and early twenties, he performed as a singer and guitarist in various bands with his brother, Páidi. Their most successful band, named The Sons of Mr. Green Genes, was inspired by a Frank Zappa song.
He subsequently mentioned that the band focused on quirky lyrics and extensive guitar solos. Despite being offered a five-album contract by Acid Jazz Records, they turned it down due to Páidi being in school and their disagreement over the limited compensation for handing over Murphy’s compositions to the label. Murphy later admitted, “Looking back, I’m relieved we didn’t sign because signing would have meant surrendering your life to a label and all your music.”
Murphy started studying law at University College Cork (UCC) in 1996 but failed his first-year exams because he lacked the ambition to do so. Despite being occupied with his band, he quickly realized that law was not his passion shortly after enrolling at UCC. His interest in acting was sparked after watching Corcadorca’s rendition of A Clockwork Orange, directed by Kiernan. Murphy’s acting journey began with a significant role in UCC Drama Society’s production of Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme, alongside Des Bishop. Additionally, he took on the lead role in Little Shop of Horrors, staged at the Cork Opera House. While his main focus at that time was not pursuing an acting career, but rather enjoying social events and meeting new people.
Cillian Murphy Biography 2024 Overview
Born
25 May 1976 (age 47) Cork, Ireland
Occupations
Actor
producer
Years active
1996–present
Spouse
Yvonne McGuinness
(m. 2004)
Children
2
Education of Cillian Murphy
Cillian Murphy excelled at Presentation Brothers College, a Catholic school, despite facing challenges and receiving multiple punishments until his fourth year when he decided that rebelling was not worth it. Despite disliking sports, which were highly valued at PBC, Murphy realized that the school did not fully support creative pursuits. However, he had his first exposure to acting in a theatre class taught by Pat Kiernan, the director of the Corcadorca Theatre Company. Murphy described the experience as exhilarating and expressed a desire to explore it further. Encouraged by his English teacher, poet, and novelist William Wall, Murphy decided to pursue acting
Cillian Murphy Awards & Nominations
Wins
40
Nominations
97
Career of Cillian Murphy
During his late teens and early twenties, Cillian Murphy delved into a music career as a rock singer, where he played guitar alongside his brother Pádraig in various bands. Their most renowned band, named The Sons of Mr Greengenes, was inspired by a Frank Zappa track from 1969 due to their shared love for The Beatles. Specializing in unique melodies and lengthy guitar solos, Cillian Murphy was part of the band. However, the band’s prospects were hindered by his brother’s high school commitments and the meager pay, which would have required Cillian Murphy to relinquish rights to his songs to the record label.
Family
Cillian Murphy is the eldest among four siblings – Páidi, Orla, and Sile Murphy. His father, Brendan Murphy, works for the Irish Department of Education, while his mother is a French teacher. His aunts, uncles, and grandfather are all academics. Cillian Murphy started composing songs and creating music at the age of 10, indicating a genetic inclination.
Age of Cillian Murphy
Cillian Murphy was born on May 25, 1976, he is 47 years old.
Height of Cillian Murphy
Cillian Murphy is 5’10” tall and 78 kg weight. His bodily measurements are 40-32-35 inches long, 32-32-35 inches wide, and 32-35 inches tall.
