Peaky Blinders” star Cillian Murphy has graced the big screens for over 25 years, showcasing his magnificent talent and charm. Cillian captivated fans as Tommy Shelby in the BBC historical drama that first broadcast in 2013.
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The actor’s recent appearance in the highly acclaimed film “Oppenheimer” garnered widespread praise and commendation, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and accomplished performer.
Work aside, CillianĀ is marriedĀ to an artist, Yvonne McGuinness. The couple, who met in Dublin, Ireland in their 20s, got married in 2004 and have two kids, Aran andĀ Malachy Murphy. Until 2015, Cillian’s family resided in Kilburn, situated in north-west London, where the actor and his wife relocated after their initial meeting.
Cillian attributed the move back to Ireland to various factors. One of the reasons was that his 40th birthday was approaching. Reflecting on his time in London during his 20s and 30s, Cillian pondered whether there was more to life than what the city offered. This prompted a desire for exploration and new possibilities.
TheĀ movie starĀ and Yvonne also wanted to have their sons grow up closer to their grandparents and experience life by the sea. “We wanted them to be Irish, I suppose. Itās amazing how quickly their accents have adapted. Even within a year of moving back, they are fading into this rakish west Brit kind of thing,”Ā saidĀ Cillian.
He also joked that he hoped this accent would get his sons lots of girls by the time they’re 15. So, after 14 years in London, Cillian andĀ Yvonne McGuinnessĀ moved back to their native land. Cillian, who said itās the best decision he andĀ his wifeĀ made, revealed that they convinced the boys to accept the relocation with aĀ promise of the LabradorĀ they now own.
Cillian has observed in his sons a level of confidence and self-assurance that he did not possess at their age. The actorĀ notedĀ that his sons are “More sure of themselves. Iām happy about that. For me, it was something that took a long time to figure out: that itās all right to be you, that itās all right to be an individual.”
The “Inception” star alsoĀ calledĀ his sons “really good boys,” who he shares laughter with. HeĀ admittedĀ that he and his sons do not have “Dad’s Movie Nights” as much as Malachy and Aran love some of his movies. “They say all my films are really intense,” heĀ revealed.
Cillian, who is the spokesperson for a scheme pioneered by the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at NUI Galway, has pushed for empathy to be taught in school because he raises sons.
Cillian Murphy attends the London Photocall for Universal Pictures’ “Oppenheimer” at Trafalgar Square in London, England, on July 12, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
HeĀ explained, “Raising boys, it seems very practical and sensible that you would promote empathy. Itās about listening, and the best acting is about listening, too. If youāre listening to someone, you can respond emotionally to them.”
Cillian also commented that social media is devoid of empathy, quoting writer George Saunders, who highlighted its gladiatorial nature. Despite recognizing its negative aspects, the actor acknowledged the unavoidable presence of social media in our lives.
The actor, who always strives to be there for his family,Ā thankedĀ them at the 2024 Palm Springs International Film Awards, for “putting up” with him.
“Cause I don’t ever really get to do this too often, I want to say thanks to my family,āĀ saidĀ Cillian, “Just thanks for putting up with me, putting up with kind of the half me and the shadow me and the absent me and the remains of me when I’m doing a film like this or work in general. You’re always there and I love you for it.”
Cillian’s son Aran is following in his dad’s footsteps. In 2019, Aran played Shakespeare’s son, Hamnet, the title role in the Irish theater company Dead Centreās “Hamnet.” At just 11 years old, Aran commanded the stage for the majority of the hour-long performance at BAM Fisher,Ā marking his debutĀ in a professional role.