Cillian Murphy is a celebrated Hollywood actor known for his intense performances and striking looks. From indie films to blockbuster hits, Murphy has built a career that blends talent, versatility, and dedication. He is best known for playing Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders and J. Robert Oppenheimer in Oppenheimer.
This blog post explores his biography, personal life, career, and achievements. Whether you are interested in his height, age, net worth, or his most talked-about relationships, this post offers a complete look at the life of this Irish actor.
Early Life and Upbringing
Cillian Murphy was born on May 25, 1976, in Douglas, Cork, Ireland. He grew up in Ballintemple, a suburb of Cork, in a family of educators. His father, Brendan Murphy, worked for the Department of Education. His mother was a French teacher.
Murphy attended Presentation Brothers College, a Catholic school where he excelled academically but disliked sports. He found joy in music and drama. He played in a band called The Sons of Mr. Green Genes with his brother Páidi. He later studied law at University College Cork, but dropped out to pursue acting.
Personal Life – Age, Zodiac Sign
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cillian Murphy |
| Nickname | Cilly |
| Alternative Names(s) | Cillian Murphy |
| Date of Birth | 25 May 1976 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 48 years |
| Religion | Former Catholic |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Birthplace | Douglas, Cork, Ireland |
| Hometown | Ballintemple, Cork |
| Current Address | Dublin, Ireland |
| Education Qualification | University College Cork (no degree) |
| Hobbies and Interests | Music, Reading, Theater, Privacy |
| Languages Known | English, Irish |
| Social Media Profiles link | Facebook , Instagram |
| Wikipedia Profile link | Wikipedia – Cillian Murphy |
| IMDb Profile link | IMDb – Cillian Murphy |
| Website link | N/A |
Physical Appearance – Height, Weight, Body Measurements
| Physical Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Body Type | Slim build |
| Body Measurements | 38-30-36 |
| Height in feet, inches, cm | 5’9″, 175 cm |
| Weight in lbs, kg | 155 lbs, 70 kg |
| Chest | 38 inches |
| Waist | 30 inches |
| Biceps | 13 inches |
| Eye Colour | Blue |
| Hair Colour | Dark brown |
| Hairstyle | Short classic |
| Distinctive Features | Piercing eyes, Sharp cheekbones |
| Tattoos | N/A |
Family and Relationships – Girlfriend/Wife, Affairs
Cillian Murphy is known for keeping his personal life private. He married Yvonne McGuinness, an Irish visual artist, in 2004. They have two sons, Malachy and Aran, and live in Dublin, Ireland.
Murphy avoids social media and rarely discusses his relationships in public. He believes in separating his celebrity status from his personal life.
| Relationships Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse – Wife | Yvonne McGuinness |
| Father | Brendan Murphy |
| Mother | Jane Murphy |
| Children | Malachy, Aran |
| Siblings | Páidi, Orla, Sile |
| Affairs – Girlfriend(s) | Yvonne McGuinness |
| Significant Relationships | Yvonne McGuinness |
Rise to Stardom
Murphy made his professional debut in the play Disco Pigs (1996), which was later adapted into a film in 2001. His breakout role came in 28 Days Later (2002), a zombie thriller that gained international attention.
He continued to impress with roles in:
- Red Eye (2005)
- The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006)
- Sunshine (2007)
- Inception (2010)
- Dunkirk (2017)
His portrayal of Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders (2013–2022) made him a household name. In 2023, he starred as J. Robert Oppenheimer in Oppenheimer, earning global acclaim.
Cillian Murphy – Selfie
Cillian Murphy – Debut Film – Disco Pigs
Cillian Murphy – Successful Film – Oppenheimer
Career, Awards, and Achievements
Cillian Murphy has received numerous awards and honors for his work in TV and film. He won the Academy Award and BAFTA Award for Best Actor for Oppenheimer in 2024. He also received a Golden Globe Award and multiple nominations throughout his career.
- Academy Award – Best Actor (Oppenheimer)
- BAFTA Award – Best Actor (Oppenheimer)
- Golden Globe Award – Best Actor (Breakfast on Pluto)
- GQ Actor of the Year – 2023
- SAG Award Nominee – Ensemble cast (Inception)
Murphy also co-founded Big Things Films, a production company focused on meaningful storytelling.
| Career Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Profession(s) | Actor, Producer |
| Debut Film | Disco Pigs |
| Notable Roles | Tommy Shelby, J. Robert Oppenheimer, Scarecrow, Jim, Patrick Braden |
| Recent Films – New Movies | Oppenheimer, Steve, Small Things Like These |
| Upcoming Films | 28 Years Later, Peaky Blinders Movie |
| Popular Television Series | Peaky Blinders |
| Awards and Achievements | Academy Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe, SAG Award, GQ Actor of Year |
| Endorsements/Brand Collaborations | Montblanc, Dunhill, BBC, Netflix, Big Things Films |
| Philanthropy/Charity Work | Homeless aid, Mental health, Irish arts support |
| Professional Associations | Irish Film Board, BAFTA |
| Training and Education | University College Cork (no degree) |
| Production Company | Big Things Films |
| Box Office Success – Hit Movies | Oppenheimer, Inception, Dunkirk, Batman Begins, 28 Days Later |
| Critical Acclaim Movies | Oppenheimer, The Wind That Shakes the Barley, Breakfast on Pluto, Red Eye |
Assets and Finances – Net Worth
| Financial Profile | Information |
|---|---|
| Net Worth in Dollars | $25–35 million |
| Per Movie Charges in Dollars | $2–5 million |
| Per Endorsement Charges in Dollars | $250K–$500K |
| Sponsorship Deals | Montblanc, Dunhill, BBC, Netflix |
| Business Ventures | Big Things Films, Theater productions |
| Investments | Irish arts, Real estate, Sustainable brands |
| Real Estate Holdings | Dublin home, London apartment |
| Luxury Items/Properties Owned | Art pieces, Designer suits, Vintage guitars |
| Cars Collection | Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Vintage Mini Cooper |
Favorite Things, Likes and Dislikes
| Favorite Things | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Actor | Daniel Day-Lewis |
| Favorite Actress | Emily Watson |
| Favorite Film | Apocalypse Now |
| Favorite Music Bands | Radiohead, The Beatles, Talking Heads, Sonic Youth |
| Favorite Sport | Soccer |
| Favorite Books | Small Things Like These |
| Favorite Colour | Black |
| Favorite Food | Vegan dishes |
| Things s/he like | Music, Theater, Privacy, Reading, Cycling |
| Things s/he dislike | Fame, Social media, Public attention |
Top 5 Best Films – Cillian Murphy
| Film Name | Year of Release | Character Played |
|---|---|---|
| Oppenheimer | 2023 | J. Robert Oppenheimer |
| Peaky Blinders | 2013–2022 | Tommy Shelby |
| 28 Days Later | 2002 | Jim |
| Inception | 2010 | Robert Fischer |
| The Wind That Shakes the Barley | 2006 | Damien O’Donovan |
Controversies – Cillian Murphy
- Refusal to join social media, despite fan demand
- Comments on fame, criticized for being dismissive
- Peaky Blinders violence, sparked debate on glamorizing crime
- Oppenheimer casting rumors, denied Harry Potter role speculation
- Political activism, appeared in Together for Palestine video
Interesting Facts – Cillian Murphy
- He started as a musician, not an actor
- He avoids celebrity culture and public attention
- He has no tattoos and prefers a minimalist lifestyle
- He is fluent in Irish and English
- He lives in Dublin, away from Hollywood
- He played a transgender woman in Breakfast on Pluto
Cillian Murphy is a Hollywood actor who continues to redefine what it means to be a celebrity. He values privacy, art, and authenticity. His journey from Cork to global fame is inspiring. He blends talent, discipline, and humility in every role.
