Who would have imagined a college dropout will be listed in the all time greatest Irish actor’s list now. Hard work, dedication, polished skill and lots of sacrifice finally results in sweetness. This is the story of the lead actor of popular BBC Period series Peaky Blinders i.e. Thomas Shelby who is none other than Cillian Murphy.  

Cillian Murphy is a well-known Irish actor who has appeared in various films, television shows, and plays. Murphy is best known for his role as Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders, a BBC period drama series which aired from 2013 to 2022. The Peaky Blinders star not only got fame from the series but also got numerous awards from the same series.

Beside the popular drama series by BBC, Cillian Murphy has a strong background as an skilled actor. He received critical acclaim for his roles in "Disco Pigs" and "The Shape of Things." Murphy broke into the film industry with Enda Walsh's 1996 hit play called Disco Pigs which ultimately became the 2001 screen adaptation of the same name. Murphy's acting career got sharpened even more as he was seen on Danny Boyle's “28 Days Later” in 2002. His depiction as Jim, a survivor in a post-apocalyptic world, earned him international acclaim and cemented his reputation as a skilled actor. 

Murphy has since starred in a variety of films, demonstrating his versatility and skill as an actor. Some prominent films in which he has appeared include "Batman Begins" (2005), "Inception" (2010), "Dunkirk" (2017), and "The Dark Knight Trilogy," in which he played Jonathan Crane, also known as Bane. In this article, we will learn about Cillian Murphy’s bio, career, early life, struggle, net worth, relationship, and many more.

• What is Peaky Blinder about?

Steven Knight's "Peaky Blinders" is a British television criminal drama series. Set in the aftermath of World War I in Birmingham, England, the story centers around the Shelby criminal family, led by the charming and ambitious Thomas "Tommy" Shelby, played by Cillian Murphy. The Shelby family, often known as the Peaky Blinders, is a powerful Birmingham mafia family. They are involved in a variety of illicit enterprises, including illegal gambling, racketeering, and smuggling, and are led by Tommy Shelby. The family's nickname, "Peaky Blinders," comes from their habit of stitching razor blades onto the peaks of their flat hats.

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The series is set in the 1920s, a period of immense social and political turmoil in the aftermath of World War I. It delves into the effects of war on individuals and society, the emergence of organized crime, and the conflict between the Shelby family and law enforcement. Tommy Shelby is the series' key character and the driving force behind the Shelby family's businesses. He is a combat veteran with a sophisticated and strategic mind. Tommy's knowledge, cunning, and tenacity lead the Shelby family to increase their power and rise up the criminal underworld levels.

Table of contents [Show]

• Early life of Cillian Murphy
• Relationship of Cillian Murphy
• Net worth and property of Cillian Murphy
  • Social media presence of Cillian Murphy
  • Biography of Cillian Murphy
  • Trivia of Cillian Murphy
  • StarFacts of Cillian Murphy
  • FAQs of Cillian Murphy
    • What is Cillian Murphy's nationality?
    • What are some of Cillian Murphy's most famous films?
    • Is Cillian Murphy married? {
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Early life of Cillian Murphy

Cillian Murphy was born in Douglas, Ireland, a Cork suburb, on May 25, 1976. Cillian Murphy grew up in a close-knit Cork household. Brendan Murphy and his wife Mrs. Murphy, both educators, are his parents. Brendan Murphy has served the Irish Department of Education while Mrs. Murphy was a great teacher of French language. Cillian was born in the family of educators as his parents including his uncle, aunts and grandfather all of them were teachers.

Murphy is the eldest of four siblings, the other three being brothers and sisters i.e., Paidi Murphy, Sile Murphy and Orla Murphy. Murphy had his early schooling at Presentation Brothers College, a secondary school in Cork. He went on to study law at University College Cork. However, his love of acting eventually drove him to alter his mind and seek a career in the performing arts.

Murphy has always been interested in acting since he was a child. He took part in school plays and neighborhood theater performances, which sparked his interest in acting. He took part in theatrical organizations and honed his abilities via numerous performances. Murphy became immersed in the local theatrical scene during his time in Cork. He appeared in a number of plays, acquiring experience and polishing his talent as an actor. His theatre experience shaped his talents and laid the route for his future career.

The Career of Cillian Murphy

In the start of the article we were talking about how a college dropout became the greatest Irish actor. According to Cillian Murphy, becoming an actor was never his priority, instead he was interested in the music genre. He used to sing really well and even had a band formed named “The Sons of Mr. Green Genes” which include his brother too. The band even got an opportunity to record five album songs which never happened due to the denial of Murphy’s parents as both Murphy brothers were in their teens i.e. Cillian 18 years and his brother 16 years. Everybody's parents want their children to excel in their educational field, the same was the case with Murphy brothers. As the music industry was not enough grown so that they could make a living with it. 

Later, Cillian Murphy joined Law and side by side he was also involved in music directly or indirectly, at the same time he was also involved in acting as a result he failed in first year. Study, music and acting at the same time make him weaker in studies which became the major reason for his college dropout. 

Cillian Murphy’s life took a new turn soon as an actor by appearing in late 90s Irish film Disco Pigs in 2001 and soon in Danny Boyle's violent horror films 28 Days Later in 2002. Soon then the doors of opportunity began to strike and failure at one field didn’t stop Cillian Murphy to become world widely renowned by the name Tommy Shelby. 

Cillian Murphy, now a well-known Irish actor, has appeared in numerous films, television shows, and plays. Here's a thorough look at his career and his journey from Disco Pigs to the latest Christopher Nolan's highly praised Oppenheimer.

• Early Work and Theater of Cillian Murphy

Cillian Murphy's early career in the entertainment sector was focused on theater, where he was recognized for his talent and flexibility as an actor. Murphy's role in Enda Walsh's play "Disco Pigs" was one of his early breakthroughs. Murphy played the part of Pig in the 1996 production. His portrayal as the obsessive and disturbed Pig earned him international acclaim and established him as a rising star in the theater industry. Murphy's performance in "Disco Pigs" demonstrated his ability to communicate real emotion while enthralling spectators with his theatrical presence. His work from Disco Pigs earned him Ourense Independent Film Festival Award in best actor category.

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Murphy appeared in Neil LaBute's play "The Shape of Things" in 2001. The play deals with themes of love, art, and manipulation, and Murphy's portrayal of the central character, Adam, received good feedback. His performance demonstrated his ability to depict complicated and ethically ambiguous characters, cementing his reputation as a superb stage actor. Murphy's early work includes roles in several Irish theatrical shows. He appeared in the drama "Gig" in 2003.

• Breakthrough of Cillian Murphy 

Cillian Murphy's breakout picture was "28 Days Later" in 2002. The film is directed by Danny Boyle and tells the story of Jim (played by Murphy), who awakens from a coma to find himself in a barren London devastated by a virus that turns humans into vicious zombies. Murphy's performance as Jim was a revelation, demonstrating his ability to play a character with tenderness and emotion. His performance in the picture stood out, catching the audience's attention and garnering critical acclaim. "28 Days Later" was notable for its innovative approach to the zombie genre, integrating aspects of horror, thriller, and psychological drama. The film was lauded for its raw realism, inventive cinematography, and societal critique. Murphy's breakout performance in "28 Days Later" catapulted his career to new heights. It thrust him into the spotlight, capturing the attention of both filmmakers and spectators. Following the success of the film, Murphy went on to play major roles in films such as "Batman Begins" (2005), "Inception" (2010), and "Dunkirk" (2017).

In addition, "28 Days Later" helped Murphy establish himself as a versatile actor capable of producing nuanced portrayals in a variety of genres. It was a watershed moment in his career, paving the way for more diverse and demanding parts, such as his celebrated performance as Tommy Shelby in the blockbuster TV series "Peaky Blinders" (2013-2019).

• Collaboration with Director Christopher Nolan

Cillian Murphy has worked extensively with filmmaker Christopher Nolan, appearing in numerous of his films. The collaboration began with "Batman Begins" (2005), in which Murphy played Dr. Jonathan Crane, also known as Scarecrow. This was Murphy's first work with Nolan, as well as his first foray into the critically successful Batman trilogy. Murphy's portrayal as Scarecrow in "Batman Begins" received great acclaim, demonstrating his ability to play a malevolent and psychologically complicated figure. His depiction continues in the sequels, "The Dark Knight" (2008) and "The Dark Knight Rises" (2012), cementing his place in the franchise.

After the success of "Batman Begins," Murphy and Nolan worked together again in the mind-bending thriller "Inception" (2010). Murphy portrayed Robert Fischer, a target of a squad of talented individuals who invade dreams to extract information. His portrayal gave the character depth and complexity, captivating the audience's interest. Murphy and Nolan's relationship resumed with the military picture "Dunkirk" (2017). Murphy played Shivering Soldier in this critically acclaimed film, which depicted the experiences of soldiers during the Dunkirk evacuation during World War II. Murphy's role was brief but significant, demonstrating his ability to give a compelling performance despite minimal screen time.

• Further theater and film roles 

Cillian Murphy has made substantial contributions to the realm of theater in addition to his noteworthy film and television appearances. Murphy has a strong stage career, having worked with famous directors and performed in highly praised plays. He made his West End debut in Enda Walsh's play "Disco Pigs" in 1996, reprising his part from the Irish version. The play gained widespread acclaim, and Murphy's portrayal of the explosive and furious Pig earned him the coveted Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre. Murphy teamed up with writer and director Enda Walsh again in 2011 for the play "Misterman." In a stunning one-man piece on solitude and mental instability, he played the sole character, Thomas Magill. 

Cillian Murphy, who made his debut in "28 Days Later," has consistently selected diverse and challenging cinematic parts. Among the prominent instances are:

(2006): "The Wind That Shakes the Barley": Murphy played Damien O'Donovan, a young doctor who becomes entangled in the war for Irish freedom in this historical drama set during the Irish War of Freedom. The film received positive reviews and was awarded the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

"The Dark Knight Trilogy" (from 2005 to 2012): Murphy appears in Christopher Nolan's Batman movie as Dr. Jonathan Crane/Scarecrow. His roles in "Batman Begins," "The Dark Knight," and "The Dark Knight Rises" demonstrated his ability to play multifaceted villains while also adding complexity to the films' plots.

Murphy plays Robert Fischer, a target of a team specializing in entering dreams, in this mind-bending science fiction thriller directed by Christopher Nolan. His acting provided emotional heft to the film's complex and multifaceted plot. Murphy portrays Josef Gabk, a Czechoslovak soldier engaged in the killing of Reinhard Heydrich during World War II, in "Anthropoid" (2016). His performance demonstrated his ability to give a character empathy and subtlety in a high-stakes historical scenario.

Murphy has been cast as J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan's forthcoming film Oppenheimer, which will be released on July 21, 2023.

• Cillian Murphy's public image

Throughout his career, Cillian Murphy has maintained a favorable public image. He is well-recognized as a gifted and versatile actor who is devoted to his work. Murphy is well-known for his acting ability and versatility in playing a broad range of roles. He has demonstrated his ability to dive deeply into the depths of his characters in a variety of genres, from dramatic dramas to exhilarating action blockbusters. Murphy is noted for being reticent and secretive in his personal life. He prefers to keep a low profile and avoids tabloid gossip and public disputes. This solitude leads to a professional image and a concentration on his work rather than his personal renown.

Murphy's performances and casting choices illustrate his dedication to creative integrity. He is drawn to projects that are thought-provoking, difficult, and stretch the boundaries of narrative. This commitment to outstanding work has earned him recognition from both peers and viewers. Cillian Murphy has a passionate fan following who admires his talent and the wide range of characters he brings to life on screen. His followers like his acting abilities, role choices, and ability to create distinctive and complicated characters.

• Cillian Murphy's Social Action 

Cillian Murphy has demonstrated a commitment to action and supporting issues that reflect his ideals. Murphy has shown concern and support for climate change activities. In 2009, he took part in a campaign to raise awareness about the significance of tackling climate change by Friends of the Earth, a famous environmental group in the United Kingdom. Murphy has been a vocal supporter of marriage equality. He publicly supported the successful referendum in Ireland that legalized same-sex marriage in 2015. He hailed it as a significant moment of growth and joy for the country. Murphy supported the Time's Up campaign and the demand for gender equality in the film business in 2018. He stated his conviction that women should be given equal opportunity and representation in all parts of the industry.

• Awards and nominations 

Cillian Murphy has garnered several honors and nominations for his remarkable performances throughout his career.

Relationship of Cillian Murphy

Murphy is married to his long time girlfriend Yvonne McGuinness, a visual arts scholar and artist. The couple dated for more than 8 years before getting married in 2004. They married on August 1,  2004 and have two boys together named Malachy Murphy, (born 2005), and Aran Murphy, (born 2007). The pair has been seen attending public events together on occasion, but they prefer to keep their relationship out of the spotlight. Murphy has stated his intention to keep his personal life distinct from his professional life, preferring to focus on his job rather than publicizing his personal connections in the media.

• Moving back to Ireland

Many of his well wishers might have a question that why did he move back to his home Ireland? Well the answer is simple according to the Peaky Blinders star Tommy Shelby he told in the Armchair Expertpodcast that they stayed in London for almost 14 years where the Murphy’s both childrens were born and grew up and it was time for them to get back to home. He added in the interview,

“We wanted the kids to be Irish, and they were sort of at that age where they were preteens and they had very posh English accents and I wasn’t appreciating that too much. Our parents are a certain age and it was just a nice time to come home.”

Net worth and property of Cillian Murphy

As an Irish film and theater actor, Cillian Murphy has a net worth of $20 million as of 2022. Cillian Murphy began his career as a rock singer before appearing in several big budget films such as 28 Days Later, Batman Begins, Inception, The Dark Knight and Scarecrow. With a 9 year long run with the BBC crime drama series Peaky Blinders, Murphy was initially given $350k per episode which later on rose up to $2 million as the series took global sensation. According to various sources it is reported that the current Oppenheimer star makes around $9 million per movie. It is fair to say that his hard work has paid him really well so far. Let's have a look at his other property, car collection and luxury lifestyle. 

• Victorian-style mansion in Dublin, Ireland

Cillian Murphy has stated that he wants a more private life, away from the media and closer to nature as a result it is known that Murphy owned a Victorian-style mansion which is quite private. Murphy has purchased a seven-bedroom beachfront luxury home in Dublin, Ireland at a cost of $10 million.

In 2015, he spent $1.9 million on a six-bedroom magnificent home in the Monkstown neighborhood of south Dublin.

• Car Passion

Murphy, who appears to be silent, enjoys the loud roar of the car. Cillian Murphy's most recent purchase is a Red Lamborghini Urus, which cost $600,000. On the occasion of their wedding anniversary a few months ago, he also gave his wife a brand-new Audi A8. The car passionist Murphy has a collection of over 8 expensive cars in his garage, which accounts for 3% of Cillian Murphy's personal worth. Not to forget that the Peaky Blinders star also owns a Luxury Yacht. Let's have a look at the car collection of Cillian Murphy.

• Red Lamborghini Urus
• Audi A8
• Porsche Macan
• BMW X7
• Mercedes GLC
• Ferrari Roma
• Nissan GTR
• Jaguar F-Pace

Social media presence of Cillian Murphy

As the Oppenheimer star Cillian Murphy prefer a more private life, he is not present on any of the social medias. Although there are several fan page made on his name.

Biography of Cillian Murphy

Cillian Murphy was born in Douglas, Ireland, a Cork suburb, on May 25, 1976. His ethnicity is Caucasian, and he follows Christianity as a religion. His zodiac sign is Gemini.

Trivia of Cillian Murphy

• He initially pursued a career in law, studying law at University College Cork.
• Murphy made his professional acting debut in the stage production of "Disco Pigs" in 1996, reprising his role from the original Irish production.
• He is known for his striking blue eyes, which have often been commented on by fans and critics.

StarFacts of Cillian Murphy

FAQs of Cillian Murphy

What is Cillian Murphy's nationality?

Cillian Murphy is Irish. He was born and raised in County Cork, Ireland.

What are some of Cillian Murphy's most famous films?

Some of Cillian Murphy's most famous films include "28 Days Later" (2002), "Batman Begins" (2005), "Inception" (2010), and "Dunkirk" (2017).

Is Cillian Murphy married?

Yes, Cillian Murphy is married. He has been married to his wife, Yvonne McGuinness, since 2004. They have two sons together.