Cillian Murphy Bio, Age, Height, Wife, Kids, Movies, Net Worth

Cillian Murphy Biography

What made Cillian Murphy famous?

Cillian Murphy is an award-winning Irish actor best known for his versatile roles in film, television, and theatre. Born on May 25, 1976, in Douglas, Cork, Ireland, he grew up in an academic family. His father worked for the Department of Education, while his mother taught French.

Murphy originally pursued music but later discovered acting while at university. He made his professional stage debut with Disco Pigs in 1996. Soon after, he transitioned to film, gaining attention in 28 Days Later (2002). That breakthrough role introduced him to international audiences.

He became a frequent collaborator of Christopher Nolan, appearing in Batman Begins (2005), Inception (2010), Dunkirk (2017), and Oppenheimer (2023). His portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer won him the Academy Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe, and SAG Award for Best Actor.

From 2013 to 2022, Murphy captivated television audiences as Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders. He continues the saga in the upcoming film The Immortal Man.

In 2024, he co-founded Big Things Films, producing projects like Small Things Like These and Netflix’s Steve. At the Toronto Film Festival 2025, Steve earned strong praise for his intense performance.

Murphy also serves as executive producer on 28 Years Later and its sequel The Bone Temple, releasing in 2026. Recently, he expressed relief of missing out (ROMO) on Nolan’s The Odyssey, stating he looks forward to watching it.

Cillian Murphy Age

How old is Cillian Murphy?

Cillian Murphy is 49 years old in 2025. He was born on May 25, 1976, in Douglas, County Cork, Ireland. His age highlights a career spanning over two decades in film, television, and theatre. Fans admire how Murphy continues delivering powerful performances at 49. As he enters his fifties, his remarkable career shows no signs of slowing down.

Cillian Murphy Height

How tall is Cillian Murphy?

Cillian Murphy stands about 5’7″ (170 cm) tall. His height of approximately 5 feet 7 inches suits his striking on-screen presence. Despite that, he often projects a taller, commanding aura. At 170 cm, his stature remains part of his charm and on-screen magnetism. Sleek and confident, he proves that height doesn’t limit presence or impact in the film world.

Cillian Murphy Wife

Cillian Murphy married Yvonne McGuinness in 2004. They first met during his Disco Pigs tour in the late 1990s. Yvonne is an Irish visual artist known for her work in film, performance, textiles, and sculpture. The couple values privacy and resides in Ireland. Together, they share two sons, born in 2005 and 2007, while keeping family life away from public attention.

Cillian Murphy Kids | Children

Cillian Murphy shares two sons with Yvonne McGuinness. Their eldest, Malachy, was born in 2005. Their younger son, Aran, arrived in 2007. Both boys grew up with privacy and normalcy in Ireland. Interestingly, Aran took part in a stage production of Hamnet when he was eleven. Together, the brothers enjoy a quiet life shielded from the spotlight.

Cillian Murphy Family – Meet His Parents, Siblings & Kids

Cillian Murphy comes from a supportive family of educators. His father, Brendan, worked in Ireland’s Department of Education, and his mother taught French. He grew up with three younger siblings: brother Páidi and sisters Sile and Orla. Later, he married visual artist Yvonne McGuinness in 2004. The couple has two sons: Malachy (born 2005) and Aran (born 2007). They moved back to Ireland in 2015 to raise their children privately.

Cillian Murphy Religion – His Beliefs & Spiritual Views

‘What is Cillian Murphy’s religion?

Cillian Murphy grew up as a Catholic and attended a religious school in Ireland. However, while preparing for Sunshine (2007), he questioned his beliefs and embraced atheism. Yet, he still holds morality shaped by his faith background. Moreover, he values spirituality but resists institutional religion when imposed, feeling it can cause harm.

Cillian Murphy Education – From Law Student to Acclaimed Actor

Cillian Murphy attended the Catholic Presentation Brothers College in Cork, excelling academically yet preferring creative outlets over sports. He then enrolled in law at University College Cork (UCC) in 1996, but dropped out after failing first-year exams. At UCC, he discovered his passion for acting through the Drama Society. He starred in Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme and Little Shop of Horrors. Eventually, he chose acting over law and launched his career.

Cillian Murphy Movies & TV Shows

Movies:

• 28 Days Later (2002) – breakout post-apocalyptic horror role.
• The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006) – award-winning historical drama.
• Inception (2010) – Nolan’s mind-bending thriller.
• Free Fire (2016) – action-comedy ensemble.
• Small Things like These (2024) – period drama, producer and star.
• Oppenheimer (2023) – Oscar-winning lead as J. Robert Oppenheimer.
• Steve (2025) – intense Netflix drama, actor and producer.

Upcoming Movies:

• 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026) – returns as Jim in the sequel.
• The Immortal Man: A Peaky Blinders Film (TBA) – reprises Tommy Shelby.

TV Shows:

• Peaky Blinders (2013–2022) – iconic role as Tommy Shelby.
• Also appeared in The Way We Live Now (upcoming modernized miniseries, 2025).

Cillian Murphy in Peaky Blinders

Cillian Murphy plays Thomas “Tommy” Shelby, a ruthless gang leader in post-WWI Birmingham. The BBC show ran from 2013 to 2022, earning him widespread critical acclaim. Additionally, he won multiple Irish Film & Television Awards and National Television Awards for his role.

Furthermore, a new Peaky Blinders film, The Immortal Man, has wrapped filming, offering closure to the first chapter of the saga. The creator promised the film is “mind-blowingly good”. Plus, Knight hinted the saga might continue beyond the movie.

Cillian Murphy in Oppenheimer

Cillian Murphy starred as J. Robert Oppenheimer, the atomic bomb scientist, in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer (2023). He committed deeply to the role, losing significant weight and researching intensely for authenticity. His nuanced, emotionally intense performance earned critical praise and anchored the film’s emotional core. As a result, he won Best Actor Oscars, BAFTA, Golden Globe, and SAG Awards, becoming the third Irish actor to win an Oscar in acting. Additionally, Oppenheimer grossed nearly $975 million globally, becoming one of 2023’s highest-grossing films.

Cillian Murphy in 28 Days Later | Breakthrough Role and Impact

What made Cillian Murphy famous?

Cillian Murphy delivered a breakthrough performance in “28 Days Later” (2002), directed by Danny Boyle. He played Jim, a bicycle courier who awakens from a coma in a deserted London, discovering a deadly virus outbreak. His intense performance showcased emotional depth and resilience, earning global recognition. The film became a cult classic and redefined zombie horror. Murphy’s role remains one of his most iconic performances, significantly shaping his early acting career.

Cillian Murphy in The Immortal Man

Cillian Murphy returns as Tommy Shelby in The Immortal Man, a Peaky Blinders film continuation. Filming began in September 2024 in Birmingham and wrapped in December 2024. The film will stream on Netflix, likely around late 2025. Additionally, the story moves into World War II, with Tommy confronting Nazi threats. Fans expect a gripping return to the Shelby legacy.

Cillian Murphy Instagram – Does the Irish Actor Use Social Media?

Cillian Murphy does not maintain an official Instagram account. Instead, fan-run accounts like @cillianmurphyoffical and @cillianmurphyofficiall exist, yet these are not his. The only account he follows publicly is his production company, Big Things Films, which uses Instagram for curated updates. Consequently, Murphy stays private and avoids personal social media presence, reinforcing his reserved and authentic public image.

Cillian Murphy Pronunciation

The correct pronunciation of Cillian Murphy is “Kill-ee-an” (/ˈkɪl.i.ən/), not “Sil-ian.” His Irish name often confuses international fans. However, Murphy has clarified its proper sound in interviews. Understanding his name respects his heritage. Therefore, fans should use the correct pronunciation to honor the acclaimed Irish actor and his cultural roots.

Cillian Murphy Net Worth

Cillian Murphy currently holds an estimated net worth of $20 million in 2025. He built his fortune through iconic film roles, long-running television projects like Peaky Blinders, and streaming royalties. Furthermore, his continued collaborations with Christopher Nolan and recent Oscar-winning performance in Oppenheimer significantly elevated his financial standing. Therefore, Murphy’s carefully curated career and strategic role choices reflect a growing and sustainable wealth.