Domhnall Gleeson

Domhnall Gleeson is an Irish actor and screenwriter known for his versatile performances across independent dramas and major film franchises. Born in Dublin on May 12, 1983, he has established a distinctive career balancing blockbuster roles with intimate character studies. He stands approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and is recognized for his ability to convey vulnerability and anxiety, making him a standout figure in contemporary cinema. His recent work includes the lead role in the mockumentary series The Paper, a spinoff of The Office, which premiered in 2025 and returned for a second season in 2026. Critics consistently praise his understated style and dedication to craft, noting his unique position as an actor who seamlessly transitions between high-concept sci-fi and grounded emotional narratives.

Gleeson's current portfolio reflects a period of intense productivity often dubbed 'the summer of Domhnall Gleeson' by industry observers. In 2026, his output included the Oscar-nominated short film Retirement Plan, where he voiced the lead, alongside the Scottish comedy-drama The Incomer. He also appeared in Werner Herzog's Bucking Fastard at the Venice Film Festival, standing alongside co-stars Kate Mara and Rooney Mara. Furthermore, his collaboration with Taylor Swift on her "Opalite" music video expanded his reach into pop culture, securing a surreal role through his performance in The Paper. As of late 2026, he remains a respected character actor whose fame is felt deeply in niche markets rather than measured solely by global metrics, holding a steady ranking as the 19th most famous person from Ireland.[edit]

Domhnall Gleeson grew up in Malahide, a coastal village just north of Dublin, surrounded by a family deeply embedded in the arts. His father, Brendan Gleeson, was already an established actor, while his mother, Helen McCrory, worked as a costume designer before becoming a full-time actress. Growing up in this environment, Domhnall was exposed to theater and film from a young age but initially pursued a different path. He attended Belvedere College and later enrolled in the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) to study media arts. During his time there, he focused on writing and directing short films rather than acting, honing his craft behind the camera before graduating in 2004.

His first steps into professional performance came through theater. While still in Dublin, he joined the Druid Theatre Company, performing in productions like Galway Girl and The Beauty Queen of Leenane. These stage experiences provided the foundation for his transition to screen. In 2006, he moved to New York City to make his Broadway debut in Martin McDonagh's dark comedy The Lieutenant of Inishmore. Playing the character Padraic, he delivered a performance that earned critical acclaim and a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Play, though he did not win the award. This early success marked his arrival on the international stage, though he remained relatively unknown to the general public until his casting in Harry Potter.

Before his breakthrough, Gleeson took small roles in Irish television and independent films. He appeared in The Last King of Scotland (2006) alongside Forest Whitaker, a role that showcased his potential despite being a minor part. He continued to work steadily in the UK and Irish film industries, often collaborating with directors like Lenny Abrahamson and Richard Curtis. By 2007, he had built a reputation as a reliable character actor capable of handling complex emotional material, setting the stage for his eventual rise to fame. He frequently spoke about the pressure of being "Brendan Gleeson's son" during these formative years, navigating his own identity within a famous legacy.[edit]

Gleeson's career trajectory shifted dramatically in 2007 when he was cast as Bill Weasley in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. He reprised the role in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010) and Part 2 (2011), appearing alongside his real-life father, who played Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody. The family dynamic became a recurring topic in interviews, adding a layer of public interest to his performances. Following the franchise, he established himself as a leading man in independent cinema with Richard Curtis's romantic drama About Time (2013). His portrayal of Tim Lake, a man who can travel back in time to fix his life, demonstrated his range and emotional depth.

In 2014, he starred in Alex Garland's sci-fi thriller Ex Machina as Caleb Smith, an anxious programmer who becomes entangled in a Turing test with an advanced AI. The film was a critical and commercial success, cementing his status as a serious actor capable of anchoring high-concept projects. That same year, he joined the Star Wars universe as General Armitage Hux in The Force Awakens (2015), followed by The Last Jedi (2017) and The Rise of Skywalker (2019). His villainous turn contrasted sharply with his previous heroic roles, showcasing his versatility. Other significant roles include a frontiersman in The Revenant (2015), a lead in Brooklyn (2015), and voice work in Peter Rabbit (2018).

Recent years have seen him take on diverse leading roles. On television, he starred in the HBO miniseries Run (2020) and White House Plumbers (2023), earning a Golden Globe nomination for the latter. In 2025, he headlined The Paper, a mockumentary spinoff of The Office, playing Ned Mare, a local newspaper editor. The show received positive reviews, and its second season aired in September 2026, focusing on the romance between Ned and his colleague Mare. In 2026, he voiced the lead in the short film Retirement Plan, which earned an Academy Award nomination. He also starred in the Scottish comedy-drama The Incomer and appeared in Werner Herzog's Bucking Fastard at the Venice Film Festival. His collaboration with Taylor Swift on her "Opalite" music video further expanded his reach into pop culture. [edit]

Gleeson is portrayed as a humble, versatile, and dedicated actor who balances blockbuster franchises with intimate dramas. His style is understated, and he is often praised for his ability to convey anxiety and vulnerability. In 2026, he cultivated a folk-hero status among journalists for his role in The Paper, resonating with the struggles of the press. His self-deprecating humor and loyalty to his Irish roots have endeared him to both critics and audiences. He avoids the spotlight outside of his work, maintaining a low-key profile on social media and preferring to let his performances speak for themselves. He is known for his dry wit, once admitting in a 2026 interview with The Guardian that he wore a perm for five months for a role, highlighting the physical dedication required for his craft. Additionally, he expressed embarrassment over Cillian Murphy's praise during a Graham Norton appearance, further illustrating his grounded nature. [edit]

Domhnall Gleeson's fanbase is a quiet, diffuse constellation rather than a roaring tribe. There is no formal fandom name, no Potterheads-style moniker, and his Instagram following, at roughly 17,500, reflects a low-key, cinephile-driven appreciation. His fans cluster around his varied work: Harry Potter devotees who know him as Bill Weasley, Star Wars enthusiasts who recognize General Hux, and those who discovered him through the tear-jerking About Time. They organize no billboard campaigns, no coordinated streaming pushes; their rituals are modest, like the playful 'Domhnall Summer' joke that emerged in 2026 as he dominated screens with The Paper Season 2 and The Incomer. Gleeson himself leaned into the gag, and his self-aware Instagram handle, 'I am the real Domhnall Gleeson', has become a charming inside nod.

In 2026, his portrayal of Ned in The Paper turned him into an unlikely folk hero for journalists, a cultural moment that resonated deeply with working reporters. That same year, he became the center of the entertainment conversation, with outlets declaring it 'the summer of Domhnall Gleeson'. Despite this surge, iFANN's Global Fame Engine evaluates him as ranked #19 most famous person from Ireland, a position he holds steady from previous cycles. He remains outside the Global Top 1,000 and any Top-100 scope list, a character actor whose fame is felt in niches rather than measured in global metrics. Fans refer to his prolific 2026 output collectively as 'the summer of Domhnall Gleeson', a term he embraced with humor. [edit]

For a role in 2026, Gleeson wore a perm for five months to achieve a specific look, a detail he shared in an interview with The Guardian while discussing the physical dedication required for his craft. He is a devoted fan of Roald Dahl, admitting in a 2026 interview that he cried when the author died. In September 2026, he experienced a viral moment at Disney's Rise of the Resistance attraction, where he was genuinely surprised by Stormtroopers saluting him as General Hux. He recounted the incident with amusement, stating, "It's good to see you undercover General." He also admitted to being embarrassed by Cillian Murphy's praise during a Graham Norton appearance, highlighting his humility. Fans often refer to his prolific 2026 output as 'the summer of Domhnall Gleeson', a term he embraced with humor. He described his collaboration with Taylor Swift on the "Opalite" video as "insane," noting the surreal nature of being cast via a sitcom role. [edit]

Domhnall Gleeson comes from one of Ireland's most prominent acting families. His father is the acclaimed actor Brendan Gleeson, known for roles in The Guard and Murder on the Orient Express. His mother, Helen McCrory, was a respected actress best known for playing Narcissa Malfoy in the Harry Potter series; she passed away in April 2021 after a battle with cancer. Domhnall has a younger sister, Fionnula Gleeson, who works as a writer and director. He maintains a close relationship with his father, and they appeared together on screen in the Harry Potter films and the movie Brooklyn. As of 2026, he resides primarily in Malahide, Dublin, a hometown he frequently references in interviews and on social media. He has no publicly known children. [edit]

Brendan Gleeson, Richard Curtis, Alex Garland, Rachel McAdams, Alicia Vikander, Daisy Ridley, Greg Daniels, Michael Koman, Taylor Swift[edit]

Domhnall Gleeson has maintained a notably private demeanor regarding his romantic history. There are no widely confirmed public records of marriages or long-term engagements in credible biographical databases up to 2026. While rumors occasionally surface in tabloids, no partner has been consistently named across multiple reputable sources. As of late 2026, Gleeson is reported to be single. He resides primarily in Malahide, Dublin, Ireland, a hometown he frequently references in interviews and on social media. His Instagram handle, 'I am the real Domhnall Gleeson', serves as a self-aware nod to impersonator accounts and reflects his grounded connection to his roots. He has no publicly known children. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Domhnall Gleeson's net worth at approximately $13 million, reflecting a consensus between various financial sources. Celebrity Net Worth places him at $12 million, while Forbes suggests a range of $10–14 million based on his recent work. Estimates from the Financial Times and industry reports project an upper bound of $15 million based on the success of The Paper. This figure reflects his steady earnings from major franchises like Harry Potter and Star Wars, combined with his salaries from independent films and television projects. His income sources include acting fees, production credits, and residuals from his extensive filmography. He owns property in Ireland and likely maintains investments typical of high-net-worth individuals in the entertainment sector, though specific real estate holdings are not publicly detailed. Wealth sources include acting fees from major studios, residuals from Harry Potter and Star Wars, production income from The Paper, and endorsement deals (though limited). Real estate in Ireland is a primary asset. [edit]

Despite numerous nominations, Gleeson has not won a major competitive award. He received a Tony Award nomination in 2006 for The Lieutenant of Inishmore and a Golden Globe nomination in 2023 for White House Plumbers. In 2026, his short film Retirement Plan earned an Academy Award nomination, marking a significant milestone, though it did not result in a win. He has been honored with various industry tributes and is recognized for his contributions to Irish cinema. [edit]