Cillian Murphy, born on May 25, 1976 (49 years old), in Douglas, County Cork, Ireland, is one of the most captivating actors in modern cinema and TV.
He’s best known for playing Tommy Shelby, the sharp and fearless gang leader in the hit series Peaky Blinders. His calm but intense style on screen keeps people glued to their seats.
Cillian’s rise to fame began with the horror film 28 Days Later (2002), and he later became a regular star in Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster films.
From playing a smart scientist in Inception to a scary villain in The Dark Knight movies, and then the main role in the Oscar-winning film Oppenheimer, his acting always stands out.
Keep on reading Cillian Murphy’s Wiki to discover more about his wife, children, family, education, career journey, net worth, and more.
Cillian Murphy Wiki & Early Life

| Full Name | Cillian Murphy |
| Profession | Actor, Producer, Former Musician |
| Age | 49 years old |
| Date of Birth | May 25, 1976 |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Zodiac/Sun Sign | Gemini |
| Birthplace | Douglas, County Cork, Ireland |
| Current Address | Monkstown, County Cork, Ireland |
Cillian Murphy Wife & Children

Cillian Murphy is married. Unlike many celebrities, he has always kept his personal life out of the spotlight, choosing to live quietly with his family in Ireland.
Who is His Wife?
Cillian’s wife is Yvonne McGuinness, an Irish visual artist known for her installations and video art. The two met in 1996 during one of Cillian’s theatre performances in Dublin.
At the time, he was still performing in the stage version of Disco Pigs. Their connection grew stronger over time, and after nearly eight years together, they decided to get married.
Wedding Details
Cillian and Yvonne got married in August 2004 in a private ceremony held in Provence, France. It was a close-knit event with only family and a few close friends present, far away from media attention.
Children

The couple has two sons, and they’ve chosen to raise them outside the public eye in Ireland:
- Malachy Murphy, born in December 2005
- Aran Murphy, born in July 2007
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Yvonne McGuinness |
| Children | Son: Malachy and Aran |
Cillian Murphy Family

Father
Cillian’s father is Brendan Murphy, who worked as a school inspector for the Department of Education in Ireland. He is known for encouraging education and supporting all four of his children in their paths.
Mother
Cillian’s mother’s name is yet to be updated, but it is known that she worked as a French teacher, which likely influenced Cillian’s love for literature and the arts from an early age.
Siblings
Cillian Murphy grew up with three siblings:
- Paidi Murphy – His younger brother, who works as a design engineer.
- Sile Murphy – Sister
- Orla Murphy – Sister
All of the Murphy siblings were raised in Douglas, County Cork, in a supportive and academically focused household.
Cillian often mentions that creativity and curiosity were always encouraged in his home.
| Parent’s Name | Father: Brendan Murphy Mother: Yet to be updated |
| Siblings | Brother: Paidi Murphy Sister: Sile and Orla Murphy |
Cillian Murphy Education
Cillian attended Presentation Brothers College in Cork, a respected all-boys Catholic school known for its discipline and high academic standards.
Although he was a bright student, Cillian often felt out of place in the strict school environment. He was more interested in writing, music, and drama than in following traditional paths.
Higher Education
After completing school, Cillian enrolled at University College Cork (UCC) to study law. However, he soon realized that the law was not his true calling.
During his time at UCC, he actively participated in the university’s drama society and also performed with a local rock band.
Eventually, Cillian decided to drop out of law school to follow his passion for acting.
| School | Presentation Brothers College, Cork |
| Alma Mater | University College Cork |
| Highest Qualification | Yet to be updated |
Cillian Murphy Career

Before becoming an actor, Cillian Murphy started his journey in the world of music.
He was part of a rock band with his brother, but eventually, acting became his true passion.
His career began on stage in the late 1990s, and he quickly made a name for himself with his emotional and intense performances.
Breakthrough with Disco Pigs
Cillian got his first big acting role in 1996 in a stage play called Disco Pigs.
His performance was so strong that it was later turned into a film in 2001, where he played the same role.
Rise in Film: 28 Days Later and More
In 2002, he starred in the horror film 28 Days Later, which became a hit. This role brought him into the spotlight and led to more exciting roles.
He played a villain in Batman Begins (2005), and also appeared in The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006), a film about Ireland’s history that received global praise.
Big Films with Christopher Nolan
One of the most important parts of Cillian’s career is his work with director Christopher Nolan. He played Dr. Jonathan Crane, also known as Scarecrow, in The Dark Knight trilogy.
He also appeared in Inception (2010), Dunkirk (2017), and most recently, he took the lead in Oppenheimer (2023), playing the role of J. Robert Oppenheimer.
Iconic TV Role: Peaky Blinders
In 2013, Cillian started playing Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders. The role made him well-known to a large audience.
Over six seasons, he showed the tough but emotional side of a man trying to lead a crime family after World War I.
What’s Next?
Cillian is still choosing strong roles. He will star in a Netflix movie called Steve, which comes out in October 2025.
Fans are excited to see what new stories he will bring to life.
| Year | Role | Network/Production |
| 1996 | Disco Pigs (Stage role) | Corcadorca Theatre Company |
| 2001 | Disco Pigs (Film adaptation) | Temple Films |
| 2002 | Jim in 28 Days Later | DNA Films |
| 2005 | Dr. Jonathan Crane in Batman Begins | Warner Bros. |
| 2006 | Damien O’Donovan in The Wind That Shakes the Barley | Element Pictures |
| 2010 | Robert Fischer in Inception | Warner Bros. |
| 2013–2022 | Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders | BBC / Netflix |
| 2017 | Shivering Soldier in Dunkirk | Warner Bros. |
| 2023 | J. Robert Oppenheimer in Oppenheimer | Universal Pictures |
| 2025 | Lead role in Steve (upcoming) | Netflix |
Awards and Achievements

Cillian Murphy has earned global recognition for his powerful performances, winning some of the top awards in the film industry.
| Year | Award Name |
| 2007 | Irish Film & Television Award |
| 2018 | National Television Award Nominee |
| 2024 | Golden Globe Award |
| 2024 | BAFTA Award |
| 2024 | Academy Award (Oscar) |
Cillian Murphy Net Worth, Salary
Cillian Murphy’s estimated net worth is $20 million. His annual income is yet to be updated.
| Net Worth in Dollars (Approx.) | $20 million |
| Salary (Approx.) | Yet to be updated |
Cillian Murphy Height, Weight & Physical Stats

Cillian Murphy stands at about 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall and has a lean build, weighing around 70 kg (154 lbs). One of his most striking features is his piercing blue eyes, which have become a signature part of his intense acting style.
His natural hair colour is dark brown, and he often changes his hairstyle to match his roles, most notably the sharp undercut he wore as Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders.
| Height | In centimetres: 175 cm In meters: 1.75 m In feet & inches: 5 feet 9 inches |
| Weight | In kg: 70 kg In lbs: 154 lbs |
| Body Measurements | 38-14-31 inches |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye Color | Blue |
Interesting Facts About Cillian Murphy
- Cillian Murphy originally wanted to become a rock musician and turned down a record deal before choosing acting.
- Cillian does not watch his performances, as he finds it uncomfortable.
- He is known for avoiding celebrity fame and prefers living a quiet life in Ireland.
- To play Tommy Shelby, he learned how to smoke herbal cigarettes since he doesn’t smoke in real life.
- Cillian prepared for Oppenheimer by reading multiple biographies and losing weight to look more like the physicist.
- Murphy is a vegetarian and supports environmental and animal rights causes.
FAQs
Is Cillian Murphy married?
Yes, Cillian Murphy has been married to visual artist Yvonne McGuinness since 2004.
What is Cillian Murphy’s most famous role?
Cillian Murphy is best known for playing Tommy Shelby in the TV series Peaky Blinders.
Did Cillian Murphy win an Oscar?
Yes, Cillian Murphy won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2024 for his role in Oppenheimer.
Where does Cillian Murphy live?
Cillian Murphy lives in Monkstown, County Cork, Ireland, away from the Hollywood spotlight.
What was Cillian Murphy’s first movie?
Cillian Murphy’s first major film role was in Disco Pigs (2001), based on a play he also starred in.



