Domhnall Gleeson
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Domhnall Gleeson – Life, Career, and Notable Quotes
Learn about Domhnall Gleeson (born 12 May 1983), the Irish actor and screenwriter known for Ex Machina, Star Wars, Harry Potter, About Time, and more. Explore his life, breakthrough roles, acting style, and memorable lines.
Introduction
Domhnall Gleeson is an acclaimed Irish actor, writer, and occasional director whose versatile performances have taken him across genres—from blockbuster franchises to intimate dramas. Born 12 May 1983 in Dublin, he is known for roles such as Bill Weasley in the Harry Potter films, General Hux in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, and Caleb in Ex Machina. His career reflects a steady progression from theater to independent film to global recognition.
Early Life and Family
Domhnall Gleeson was born in Dublin, Ireland, on 12 May 1983. He is the eldest of four sons of actor Brendan Gleeson and Mary Gleeson (née Weldon). His brothers are Brian Gleeson (also an actor), Fergus, and Rory.
He grew up in Malahide, County Dublin, and attended Malahide Community School, where he participated in school productions (e.g. Grease, King Lear). He later went on to study Media Arts at the Dublin Institute of Technology, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Because of his father’s acting career, Domhnall was exposed to the arts from a young age. However, early in his career he was somewhat reluctant to lean solely on his lineage—he once said he was uneasy with assumptions that roles came via his father.
Career & Breakthroughs
Theater and Early Work
Domhnall began by writing and directing short films and engaging in theater. In 2001, he appeared in the British television miniseries Rebel Heart.
In 2006, he starred on Broadway in The Lieutenant of Inishmore, earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor. He also appeared in theatrical productions in Dublin (e.g. American Buffalo, Great Expectations).
He had small film roles early on, such as in Six Shooter, a short film that won an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film (in which his father also appeared).
Film & Television Ascendancy
His broader recognition began with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Parts 1 & 2) in 2010–2011, where he played Bill Weasley. Concurrently, he appeared in Never Let Me Go (2010) in a supporting part.
From there, he moved into more varied roles:
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About Time (2013) — a romantic drama with a time-travel twist
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Ex Machina (2014 / 2015) — as Caleb, in a critically lauded sci-fi film
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Brooklyn (2015), The Revenant (2015), Unbroken (2014) — supporting or ensemble roles
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Star Wars sequel trilogy (2015–2019) — playing General Armitage Hux, a major antagonist.
He has also ventured into television:
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In Black Mirror (2013), episode “Be Right Back”
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The HBO series Run (2020) as a main lead
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More recently, roles in limited series like The Patient (2022) with Golden Globe attention.
He continues to take on varied roles that challenge him, including more TV, theater, and film projects.
Style, Strengths & Public Persona
Domhnall Gleeson is praised for his versatility—he moves fluidly between genres and tones, from drama to comedy, fantasy to thriller. He has a capacity to bring intelligence, subtlety, and emotional texture to his characters, even in ensemble or supporting roles.
He’s also talked openly about the pressures of acting in the shadow of his father, and aims to make his path while honoring his roots.
Notable Works
Some of Domhnall Gleeson’s most significant performances include:
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The Lieutenant of Inishmore (Broadway, 2006) – Tony nomination
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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2010–2011) – Bill Weasley
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About Time (2013) – leading romantic role
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Ex Machina (2014/15) – Caleb
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Star Wars sequels – General Hux
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The Patient (2022) – a darker, complex TV role
Famous Quotes & Remarks
While Gleeson is better known as an actor than a quotable philosopher, here are a couple of remarks and lines about his career:
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On acting and family: “I’d been very certain about not wanting to do the acting thing because of my father. I thought I'd always have the father-son thing of ‘He got you the role’.”
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On his first day on Harry Potter: He once admitted he attempted an Australian accent instead of an English one—calling it “one of the worst days of my life.”
These reflect his self-awareness, humility, and humor in navigating a high-pressure industry.
Lessons & Inspiration from His Career
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Forge your own identity: Gleeson demonstrates how one can emerge from a prominent family and still carve a distinct path.
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Versatility is strength: His willingness to take both big franchise parts and smaller, riskier roles has kept his career diverse and resilient.
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Embrace growth: His transition from theater to indie film to blockbuster shows an actor pushing boundaries rather than settling into a niche.
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Humility and humor matter: His anecdotes about missteps and early nervousness show that vulnerability can coexist with success.