Brendan Gleeson (born 29 March 1955) is an Irish actor known for roles in Braveheart, 28 Days Later, Gangs of New York, the Harry Potter series, and The Banshees of Inisherin, earning an Academy Award nomination.
He won a Primetime Emmy for Into the Storm as Winston Churchill, and earned a Golden Globe nod for The Comey Rule as Donald Trump. He starred in Mr. Mercedes and State of the Union, and is the father of actors Domhnall and Brian Gleeson.
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Brendan Gleeson Net Worth
Brendan Gleeson has a net worth of $8 million. He is best known for playing Alastor Moody in the Harry Potter series (2005–2010) and for his Emmy-winning role as Winston Churchill in HBO’s Into the Storm (2009). From 2017–2019, he starred in Mr. Mercedes.
His 100+ credits include Braveheart, The General, Mission: Impossible 2, Gangs of New York, In Bruges, and Calvary. He also appeared in The Comey Rule, State of the Union, directed Psychic (2018), and was ranked #18 by The Irish Times in 2020.
Early Life
Brendan Gleeson was born in Dublin to Pat (1925–2010) and Frank Gleeson (1918–2007). He studied at St Joseph’s CBS and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Irish from University College Dublin. He taught at Belcamp College before committing to acting in 1991.
He acted professionally while teaching and played Gaelic football for St Finian’s. In 2014, he revealed in an NPR interview that he was molested in primary school by a Christian Brother, though not “traumatised” by it.
Career
Brendan Gleeson began his career with Passion Machine Theatre, acting in Brownbread, Wasters, and Home, and writing/directing plays like The Birdtable and Breaking Up. He gained recognition in The Treaty (1992), winning a Jacob’s Award.
His film work includes Braveheart, Michael Collins, The General, In Bruges, and The Banshees of Inisherin, earning an Academy Award nomination. He voiced Abbot Cellach in The Secret of Kells, directed Psychic, and starred in Six Shooter. He is father to actor Domhnall Gleeson, who appeared in Harry Potter.
Personal Life
Brendan Gleeson has been married to Mary Weldon since 1982. They have four sons, including actors Domhnall and Brían Gleeson, and one grandson. He speaks fluent Irish and actively promotes the Irish language.
Gleeson is also a fan of Aston Villa, an English football club.
Was Brendan Gleeson’s son in Harry Potter?
Brendan Gleeson’s son, Domhnall Gleeson, played Bill Weasley in the “Harry Potter” film series, marking a delightful father-son collaboration in the wizarding world.
Conclusion
Brendan Gleeson’s journey from a teacher in Dublin to an internationally recognized actor is a story of passion, talent, and perseverance. With a rich career that spans decades and a diverse range of roles, Gleeson continues to be a significant figure in the film industry.
FAQs about Brendan Gleeson
- How many awards has Brendan Gleeson won?
- Gleeson has won numerous awards, including two British Independent Film Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and has been nominated for an Academy Award, BAFTA Awards, and Golden Globe Awards.
- What was Brendan Gleeson’s first film?
- Gleeson’s film debut was in “The Field” (1990), but he first came to prominence for his role as Michael Collins in “The Treaty” (1991).
- Does Brendan Gleeson have any hobbies outside of acting?
- Apart from acting, Gleeson is passionate about music, particularly playing the fiddle and mandolin, and has an interest in Irish folklore.
- Has Brendan Gleeson worked with his sons in film?
- Yes, Brendan has appeared in several films with his son Domhnall, including the “Harry Potter” series.
- What is Brendan Gleeson’s most recent film?
- As of my last update, Brendan Gleeson’s most recent notable film was “The Banshees of Inisherin” (2022), for which he received critical acclaim and several award nominations.
