Cillian Murphy is an Irish actor who began his professional career in Enda Walsh's 1996 play Disco Pigs, later reprising the role in the 2001 film adaptation. His early film work includes notable roles in 28 Days Later (2002), Intermission (2003), Red Eye (2005), The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006), and Sunshine (2007). Murphy's performance as a transgender Irish woman in Breakfast on Pluto (2005) earned him a Golden Globe Award nomination.
May 1976: Birth of Cillian Murphy
Cillian Murphy was born on 25 May 1976 in Douglas, Cork. He was raised in Ballintemple, Cork, alongside his younger brother Páidi and two younger sisters Sile and Orla. His mother taught French while his father, Brendan, worked for the Department of Education.
May 1976: Birth of Cillian Murphy
Cillian Murphy was born on 25 May 1976 in Douglas, Cork. He was raised in Ballintemple, Cork, alongside his younger brother Páidi and two younger sisters Sile and Orla. His mother taught French while his father, Brendan, worked for the Department of Education.
September 1996: Professional Acting Debut in Disco Pigs
In September 1996, Cillian Murphy made his professional acting debut in Enda Walsh's play Disco Pigs, playing the part of a volatile Cork teenager. This role marked the start of his professional acting career.
1996: Law Studies and Shift to Acting
In 1996, Cillian Murphy began studying law at University College Cork but failed his first-year exams. After seeing Corcadorca's stage production of A Clockwork Orange, he shifted his focus to acting, performing in the UCC Drama Society's amateur productions.
1996: Debut in Disco Pigs
In 1996, Cillian Murphy made his professional acting debut in Enda Walsh's play Disco Pigs, where he played the role of a volatile Cork teenager. This role marked the beginning of his acting career.
1996: Meeting Yvonne McGuinness
In 1996, Cillian Murphy met Yvonne McGuinness at one of his rock band's shows, marking the beginning of their long-term relationship.
1998: Role in Much Ado About Nothing
In 1998, Cillian Murphy starred in a theatre production of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, showcasing his versatility in performing classical roles.
1999: Roles in The Country Boy and Juno and the Paycock
In 1999, Cillian Murphy appeared in theatre productions of The Country Boy and Juno and the Paycock, further establishing himself in the theatre scene.
1999: Theatre Productions Directed by Garry Hynes
In 1999, Cillian Murphy worked with Garry Hynes in the theatre productions of 'Juno and the Paycock', showcasing his early theatre career and establishing a professional relationship with Hynes.
2000: Short Films and Relocation
In 2000, Cillian Murphy began appearing in short films, including Filleann an Feall, and relocated from Cork to Dublin, and later to London in 2001.
2001: Screen Adaptation of Disco Pigs
Cillian Murphy reprised his role from the play Disco Pigs in its 2001 screen adaptation. This marked one of his early significant roles in film.
2001: Move to London
In 2001, Cillian Murphy and his wife Yvonne McGuinness moved to London so she could attend the Royal College of Art. They lived there until 2015.
2001: Audition for Breakfast on Pluto
In 2001, Cillian Murphy auditioned for the role of Patrick/'Kitten' Braden in 'Breakfast on Pluto'. Although initially hesitant, director Neil Jordan later cast Murphy in the role after years of lobbying from the actor.
2001: Film Adaptation of Disco Pigs
In 2001, Cillian Murphy reprised his role from Disco Pigs in its film adaptation, marking one of his early significant roles in film.
2002: Role in The Shape of Things
In 2002, Cillian Murphy starred as Adam in a theatre production of Neil LaBute's The Shape of Things at the Gate Theatre in Dublin, receiving praise for his performance.
2002: Role in 28 Days Later
In 2002, Cillian Murphy starred in Danny Boyle's horror film 28 Days Later, playing Jim, a pandemic survivor who wakes up in a desolate, post-apocalyptic world. This role put Murphy in front of a mass audience for the first time.
2002: Role in 28 Days Later
In 2002, Cillian Murphy starred in Danny Boyle's horror film 28 Days Later, playing Jim, a pandemic survivor who wakes up in a desolate, post-apocalyptic world. This role put Murphy in front of a mass audience for the first time.
2003: Roles in Intermission, Cold Mountain, and Girl with a Pearl Earring
In 2003, Cillian Murphy starred in Intermission, which became the highest-grossing Irish independent film in Irish box office history until 2006. He also had roles in Cold Mountain and Girl with a Pearl Earring, further establishing his presence in the film industry.
2003: Role in The Seagull
In 2003, Cillian Murphy played the role of Konstantine in a stage production of Chekhov's The Seagull at the Edinburgh International Festival, showcasing his talent in classical theatre.
2003: Role in Intermission
In 2003, Cillian Murphy played a lovelorn supermarket stocker who plots a bank heist in the film Intermission. The film became the highest-grossing Irish independent film in Irish box office history until 2006.
2004: Preparation for Breakfast on Pluto
In 2004, Murphy prepared for his role in 'Breakfast on Pluto' by meeting with a transvestite who dressed him and took him clubbing, helping him immerse in the character of Patrick/'Kitten' Braden.
2004: Marriage to Yvonne McGuinness
In 2004, Cillian Murphy married his longtime girlfriend Yvonne McGuinness, whom he met in 1996 at one of his rock band's shows.
2004: Tour with Druid Theatre Company
In 2004, Cillian Murphy toured Ireland with the Druid Theatre Company, starring in 'The Playboy of the Western World' as Christy Mahon, directed by Garry Hynes. This tour highlighted Murphy's continued collaboration with Hynes, who had previously directed him in 1999.
2004: Nominations for 28 Days Later
In 2004, Cillian Murphy received nominations for Best Newcomer at the Empire Awards and Breakthrough Male Performance at the MTV Movie Awards for his role in 28 Days Later.
2005: Golden Globe Nomination for Breakfast on Pluto
In 2005, Cillian Murphy played a transgender Irish woman in the comedy-drama Breakfast on Pluto, earning him a Golden Globe Award nomination.
2005: Role in Red Eye
In 2005, Murphy starred as Jackson Rippner in Wes Craven's thriller 'Red Eye'. His portrayal of a villain terrorizing Rachel McAdams on a flight was critically acclaimed, with the film earning nearly $100 million worldwide.
2005: Role in Breakfast on Pluto
In 2005, Murphy starred as Patrick/'Kitten' Braden in 'Breakfast on Pluto', portraying a transgender Irish woman. His performance was highly praised, earning him a Golden Globe nomination and an Irish Film and Television Academy Best Actor Award.
2005: Collaboration with Christopher Nolan
In 2005, Cillian Murphy began his collaboration with filmmaker Christopher Nolan, playing the Scarecrow in The Dark Knight trilogy.
2005: Role in Batman Begins
In 2005, Cillian Murphy appeared as Dr. Jonathan Crane in Christopher Nolan's 'Batman Begins'. Initially auditioning for the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman, Murphy impressed Nolan and secured the role of the villain Scarecrow. His performance was noted for his extraordinary eyes, which Nolan highlighted in close-ups.
2005: Birth of First Son
In 2005, Cillian Murphy and his wife Yvonne McGuinness welcomed their first son.
2005: Entertainment Weekly Summer MVPs
In 2005, Entertainment Weekly ranked Murphy among its 'Summer MVPs', acknowledging his outstanding breakthrough performances in films like 'Batman Begins' and 'Red Eye'.
November 2006: Love Song West End Debut
In November 2006, Cillian Murphy returned to the stage, starring opposite Neve Campbell in 'Love Song' at the New Ambassadors Theatre in London's West End. His performance as Beane was noted for its magnetism and depth.
2006: MTV Movie Award Nomination
In 2006, Cillian Murphy received a nomination for Best Villain at the MTV Movie Awards for his role in 'Batman Begins'. His performance in the film was widely recognized, contributing to his status as a breakthrough performer of 2005.
2006: Success of The Wind That Shakes the Barley
In 2006, Cillian Murphy starred in The Wind That Shakes the Barley, which broke the record as the highest-grossing Irish independent film in Irish box office history.
2006: Role in The Wind That Shakes the Barley
In 2006, Cillian Murphy starred in the Irish war drama The Wind That Shakes the Barley. This film broke the record as the highest-grossing Irish independent film in Irish box office history.
2006: The Wind That Shakes the Barley
In 2006, Murphy starred in 'The Wind That Shakes the Barley', a film about the Irish War of Independence that won the Palme d'Or at Cannes. Murphy's portrayal of Damien O'Donovan was highly praised, and the film became the most successful Irish independent film at the box office.
February 2007: Conclusion of Love Song Run
In February 2007, Murphy concluded his run in 'Love Song' at the New Ambassadors Theatre, marking the end of a successful stage performance that showcased his versatility as an actor.
2007: Role in Sunshine
In 2007, Murphy starred in the science fiction film 'Sunshine' as a physicist-astronaut tasked with re-igniting the sun. The film, directed by Danny Boyle, added to Murphy's diverse range of roles.
2007: Confirmation of Atheism
In 2007, while researching his role as a physicist and astronaut in the film 'Sunshine,' Cillian Murphy's research led him to confirm his atheism, despite being raised Catholic.
2007: Watching the Detectives
In 2007, Murphy starred opposite Lucy Liu in 'Watching the Detectives', a romantic comedy that premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. The indie film was later released direct-to-DVD.
2007: Hippie Hippie Shake Filming
In 2007, Murphy filmed 'Hippie Hippie Shake', portraying Richard Neville, editor of the radical magazine Oz. Despite the film being shelved in 2011, it demonstrated Murphy's continued exploration of diverse roles.
2007: Role in Sunshine
In 2007, Cillian Murphy played a significant role in the science fiction thriller Sunshine, further establishing his presence in the film industry.
2007: Rock the Vote Ireland Campaign
In 2007, Cillian Murphy participated in the Rock the Vote Ireland campaign, targeting young voters for the general election and campaigning for the rights of the homeless with the organization Focus Ireland.
2007: Birth of Second Son
In 2007, Cillian Murphy and his wife Yvonne McGuinness welcomed their second son.
July 2008: Postage Stamp Appearance
In July 2008, Cillian Murphy made his debut appearance on a postage stamp. The Irish Post Office released a series of stamps celebrating films produced in Ireland, including one featuring Murphy in a still from 'The Wind That Shakes the Barley'.
2008: The Dark Knight Appearance
In 2008, Murphy made a brief re-appearance as Scarecrow in Christopher Nolan's 'The Dark Knight', continuing his involvement in the critically acclaimed Batman series.
April 2009: Role in The Water
In April 2009, Murphy starred in the Canadian short film 'The Water', directed by Kevin Drew. The nearly silent 15-minute film was released online, showcasing Murphy's interest in challenging roles and his admiration for the band Broken Social Scene.
2009: Role in Perrier's Bounty
In 2009, Murphy starred in the crime dramedy 'Perrier's Bounty', portraying a petty criminal on the run. The film, made by the creators of 'Intermission', featured Murphy's dynamic role alongside Brendan Gleeson.
2010: Return to Theatre and Multiple Film Roles
In 2010, Cillian Murphy returned to theatre with the stage show 'From Galway to Broadway and back again' to celebrate the Druid Theatre Company's 35th birthday. He also starred in the psychological thriller 'Peacock' and played entrepreneur Robert Fischer in Christopher Nolan's 'Inception'. Additionally, Murphy made an uncredited cameo in 'Tron: Legacy'.
2010: First TV Talk Show Appearance
In 2010, Cillian Murphy made his first television talk show appearance on Ireland's Late Late Show to promote the film 'Perrier's Bounty,' despite his reserved nature and general avoidance of the celebrity scene.
2010: Role in Inception
In 2010, Cillian Murphy appeared in Christopher Nolan's film Inception, further solidifying his collaboration with the renowned filmmaker.
2011: UNESCO Patronage
In 2011, Cillian Murphy became a patron of the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at the National University of Ireland Galway, closely associating himself with the work of Professor Pat Dolan.
2011: Stage Success and Film Appearances
In 2011, Cillian Murphy performed in the stage monodrama 'Misterman', earning critical acclaim and awards. He also starred in the British horror film 'Retreat' and appeared in the science fiction film 'In Time'.
2011: Drama Desk Award for Misterman
In 2011, Cillian Murphy won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Solo Performance for the one-man play Misterman.
February 2012: Support for Vita Cortex Workers
In February 2012, Cillian Murphy wrote a message of support to former Vita Cortex workers involved in a sit-in at their plant, congratulating them for highlighting important national issues.
2012: Film Roles and Award Nomination
In 2012, Cillian Murphy starred in 'Red Lights' alongside Robert De Niro and Sigourney Weaver, reprised his role as the Scarecrow in 'The Dark Knight Rises', and had a supporting role in 'Broken', earning a British Independent Film Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
2013: Role in Peaky Blinders
In 2013, Cillian Murphy gained greater prominence for his role as Tommy Shelby in the BBC period drama series Peaky Blinders, which continued until 2022.
2013: Directorial Debut and Peaky Blinders Debut
In 2013, Cillian Murphy made his directorial debut with the music video for Money's single 'Hold Me Forever' and began starring as Thomas Shelby in the BBC television series 'Peaky Blinders'.
October 2014: Peaky Blinders Second Series
In October 2014, the second series of 'Peaky Blinders' began broadcasting on the BBC, with Cillian Murphy continuing his role as Thomas Shelby.
2014: Film Roles and Play
In 2014, Cillian Murphy starred in the drama 'Aloft' and 'Transcendence', both of which received unfavorable reviews. He also reunited with Enda Walsh in the play 'Ballyturk'.
2015: Return to Dublin
In 2015, after 14 years in London, Cillian Murphy and his family moved back to Dublin.
2015: Named One of GQ's Best-Dressed Men
In 2015, Cillian Murphy was recognized for his style and named one of GQ's 50 best-dressed men.
2015: Film Role and Music Contribution
In 2015, Cillian Murphy starred in 'In the Heart of the Sea' and contributed spoken vocals to Paul Hartnoll's album '8:58'.
2017: Role in Dunkirk
In 2017, Cillian Murphy appeared in Christopher Nolan's war film Dunkirk, contributing to another successful collaboration with the filmmaker.
2017: Success with 'Dunkirk'
In 2017, Cillian Murphy played a shell-shocked army officer in Christopher Nolan's 'Dunkirk', which became a critical and box-office success.
2018: Support for Irish Referendum
In 2018, Cillian Murphy supported the Irish referendum to repeal the eighth amendment of the constitution that restricted access to abortions, urging men to support women and vote in favor of the referendum.
June 2019: Film Release: Anna
In June 2019, Cillian Murphy played Miller in the feature film 'Anna'.
August 2019: Peaky Blinders Season 5 Premiere
On 25 August 2019, the first episode of season 5 of 'Peaky Blinders' was broadcast on BBC One, continuing Cillian Murphy's portrayal of Thomas Shelby.
2019: Reflection on Catholic Faith
In 2019, Cillian Murphy reflected on how the Catholic faith still shaped his morality, despite his atheism.
2020: Role in A Quiet Place Part II
In 2020, Cillian Murphy starred in the horror sequel A Quiet Place Part II, adding another notable performance to his career.
2020: Named One of the Greatest Irish Film Actors
In 2020, The Irish Times named Cillian Murphy one of the greatest Irish film actors of all time, recognizing his significant contributions to the film industry.
2021: Role in 'A Quiet Place Part II'
In 2021, Cillian Murphy starred as Emmett in 'A Quiet Place Part II', a hardened survivor who reluctantly takes in the Abbotts.
2021: Peaky Blinders Filming Update
In 2021, director Anthony Byrne mentioned the filming schedule for 'Peaky Blinders', indicating they would start shooting in January and finish by May or June, followed by six months of editing.
February 2022: Peaky Blinders Series Six Premiere
On 27 February 2022, series six of 'Peaky Blinders' premiered, with Cillian Murphy reprising his role as Thomas Shelby.
2022: Return to Vegetarianism
In a 2022 interview, Cillian Murphy stated that he had returned to vegetarianism after having previously eaten meat to bulk up for his role in 'Peaky Blinders.'
2023: Portrayed J. Robert Oppenheimer
In 2023, Cillian Murphy portrayed J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan's film Oppenheimer, for which he received the Academy Award for Best Actor, along with a BAFTA Award, a SAG Award, and a Golden Globe Award.
2023: Portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer
In 2023, Cillian Murphy portrayed J. Robert Oppenheimer in the biographical thriller 'Oppenheimer', marking his first lead role in a film by Christopher Nolan. The film grossed over $975 million worldwide and received positive reviews, with Murphy winning several prestigious awards for his performance.
2023: Listed as One of the Most Influential Figures
In 2023, following the success of 'Oppenheimer' and the Barbenheimer phenomenon, Cillian Murphy was named in Variety's list of the most influential figures in the entertainment and media industry.
February 2024: Launch of Big Things Films and Historical Drama Release
In February 2024, Cillian Murphy launched the independent production company Big Things Films with Alan Moloney. He produced and starred in the historical drama 'Small Things like These,' which opened the 74th Berlin International Film Festival. Murphy also announced collaborations with Netflix and plans to executive produce the sequel to '28 Days Later,' titled '28 Years Later,' and is in talks to reprise his role.
September 2024: Peaky Blinders Film
In September 2024, Cillian Murphy will reprise his role in a 'Peaky Blinders' film, marking another significant milestone in his acting career. He will also produce and star in 'Blood Runs Coal' for Universal Pictures.
2024: Face of Versace
In 2024, Cillian Murphy was announced as the new face of the Italian luxury fashion company Versace, adding another dimension to his public persona.