Brendan Gleeson Biography: Age, Net Worth, Parents, Awards, Height, Wife, Religion, Films, Children
Brendan Gleeson stands as a distinguished Irish actor, celebrated for his commanding performances in film, television, and theater, blending intensity with warmth in roles like Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody in the Harry Potter series and his Emmy-winning turn as Winston Churchill in Into the Storm.
With a career spanning decades, he transitioned from teaching to acting in his 30s, bringing depth to historical dramas, comedies, and blockbusters, from Braveheart to The Banshees of Inisherin.
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Profile
- Full Name: Brendan Gleeson
- Stage Name: Brendan Gleeson
- Born: March 29, 1955
- Age: 70 years old
- Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland
- Nationality: Irish
- Occupation: Actor
- Height: 6 feet 1 inch
- Parents: Frank Gleeson and Pat Gleeson
- Siblings: Barry Gleeson
- Spouse: Mary Weldon
- Children: Domhnall, Fergus, Bríain, Rory
- Relationship: Married
- Net Worth: $8 million USD
Early Life and Education
Brendan Gleeson, a distinguished Irish actor, was born on March 29, 1955, in Dublin, Ireland. Raised by Frank Gleeson, a civil servant, and Pat Gleeson in a Catholic family, he grew up with his younger brother Barry in a working-class Dublin suburb.
From an early age, he showed a flair for performance, appearing in school plays like Waiting for Godot at St. Columba’s College.
He pursued English and Irish at University College Dublin, earning a degree, then taught secondary school English and drama for a decade at Belcamp College while acting part-time with the Passion Machine theater company. His Irish heritage shapes his work, and he practices Catholicism.
Career
Gleeson started acting professionally in his mid-30s, debuting in the 1989 TV movie Dear Sarah. Early roles included The Field (1990) and a breakthrough as Michael Collins‘ aide in The Treaty (1991), earning a Jacob’s Award.
He gained global notice as Hamish in Braveheart (1995) alongside Mel Gibson. His film career grew with roles in Michael Collins (1996), The General (1998) as Martin Cahill, and 28 Days Later (2002).
He became a household name as Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005), Order of the Phoenix (2007), and Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010).
Other highlights include In Bruges (2008) and The Guard (2011), both with Colin Farrell, and Calvary (2014), all directed by Martin McDonagh.
His portrayal of Winston Churchill in Into the Storm (2009) won him an Emmy. Recent work includes The Banshees of Inisherin (2022) as Colm Doherty, earning an Oscar nod, and Joker: Folie à Deux (2024).
He also played Donald Trump in The Comey Rule (2020). With over 90 credits, his range spans gritty dramas, comedies, and blockbusters, often collaborating with his son Domhnall.
Awards and Nominations
- Won: Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie (2009) for Into the Storm.
- Won: IFTA Award for Best Actor in a Lead Role – Film (2011) for The Guard.
- Won: Jacob’s Award (1992) for The Treaty.
- Nominated: Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (2023) for The Banshees of Inisherin.
- Nominated: Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor (2023) for The Banshees of Inisherin.
- Nominated: BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor (2023) for The Banshees of Inisherin.
- Nominated: IFTA Awards for Best Actor in Film (multiple years) for In Bruges, Calvary, and others.
- Other: British Independent Film Award for Best Actor (2011) for The Guard; Satellite Award for Best Actor in a Miniseries (2009) for Into the Storm.
Social Media
Brendan Gleeson does not have social media account.
Personal Life
Brendan Gleeson, a distinguished Irish actor, is now 70. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch, he stays active with hobbies like playing the fiddle and reading, rooted in his Irish upbringing.
He remains close with his parents’ memory and his brother Barry, though he keeps family details private.
Married to Mary Weldon since 1982, they have four sons-Domhnall and Bríain, both actors, Fergus, a musician, and Rory, a writer-who often join him at events.
The family lives in Malahide, Dublin, where he values a quiet life, occasionally enjoying pub sessions and supporting Irish culture.
Filmography
- Braveheart (1995) as Hamish
- Michael Collins (1996) as Liam Tobin
- The General (1998) as Martin Cahill
- 28 Days Later (2002) as Frank
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) as Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody
- In Bruges (2008) as Ken Daley
- Into the Storm (2009, TV movie) as Winston Churchill
- The Guard (2011) as Gerry Boyle
- Calvary (2014) as Father James
- The Banshees of Inisherin (2022) as Colm Doherty
- The Comey Rule (2020, miniseries) as Donald Trump
Net Worth
Brendan Gleeson, a distinguished Irish actor, has an estimated net worth of $8 million USD. His earnings come from major films like Harry Potter and The Banshees of Inisherin, TV roles like Into the Storm, and theater work.
Awards like his Emmy and residuals from blockbusters, plus selective endorsements, support his steady wealth built over decades in acting.
