Brendan Gleeson is an Irish actor and film director born on March 29, 1955, in Dublin, Ireland. Lately, Gleeson received his first Oscar nomination at the 95th Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor for the movie “The Banshees of Inisherin.”
Gleeson studied at the Dublin Institute of Technology and began his acting career with the Irish theater company, Passion Machine. He later joined the Royal Shakespeare Company and appeared in several of their productions. Gleeson made his film debut in 1990 in the Irish film "The Field" and has since appeared in over 100 films.
Gleeson has been recognized for his work with several awards and nominations. He won an Emmy Award in 2009 for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in the television movie "Into the Storm." He also won a Golden Globe Award and received an Academy Award nomination for his role in "In Bruges." He has received three IFTA Awards, including one for his role in "The Guard."
In addition to his acting work, Gleeson has also directed two films, "Psychic" and "Fear of Flying." He is married to Mary Weldon, and they have four sons, including actors Domhnall and Brian Gleeson.
What are some of Brendan Gleeson’s Movies?
Brendan Gleeson has appeared in over 100 films, and has delivered many outstanding performances throughout his career. Here are some of his most notable movies and performances:
"Braveheart" (1995) - Gleeson played Hamish Campbell, a Scottish warrior and friend of William Wallace, played by Mel Gibson.
"The General" (1998) - Gleeson starred as Martin Cahill, a real-life Irish criminal who gained notoriety in the 1980s.
"Gangs of New York" (2002) - Gleeson played Walter 'Monk' McGinn, a tough Irish immigrant who helps lead a gang in the Five Points neighborhood of New York City.
"28 Days Later" (2002) - Gleeson had a supporting role in this post-apocalyptic horror film as Frank, a father trying to protect his daughter from a virus that has turned most of the population into bloodthirsty zombies.
"Cold Mountain" (2003) - Gleeson played Stobrod Thewes, a fiddle player and Confederate Army deserter during the American Civil War.
"Troy" (2004) - Gleeson played Menelaus, King of Sparta, in this epic film about the Trojan War.
"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" (2005) - Gleeson portrayed Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody, a legendary Auror and Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
"In Bruges" (2008) - Gleeson played Ken, a hitman who is sent to Bruges, Belgium after a job goes wrong.
"The Guard" (2011) - Gleeson starred as Sergeant Gerry Boyle, a politically incorrect police officer in rural Ireland.
"Calvary" (2014) - Gleeson played Father James Lavelle, a good-hearted priest who receives a death threat during a confession and must confront the dark forces in his small town.
Gleeson's performances in these and many other films demonstrate his range as an actor and his ability to bring depth and nuance to his characters.
What are some of Brendan Gleeson’s TV shows?
In addition to his film work, Brendan Gleeson has also appeared in several notable television shows, delivering impressive performances in each. Here are some of his most memorable TV shows and his performances:
"The Treaty" (1991) - Gleeson played Michael Collins, an Irish revolutionary leader who played a pivotal role in the country's struggle for independence.
"Into the Storm" (2009) - Gleeson portrayed Winston Churchill, the iconic British Prime Minister, during the early days of World War II.
"Mr. Mercedes" (2017-2019) - Gleeson played retired police detective Bill Hodges, who becomes embroiled in a game of cat-and-mouse with a serial killer.
"The Comey Rule" (2020) - Gleeson played President Donald Trump in this miniseries that chronicles the events surrounding the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election.
"The Ballad of Buster Scruggs" (2018) - Gleeson had a supporting role in this Western anthology series created by the Coen Brothers.
Gleeson's performances in these TV shows showcase his versatility as an actor and his ability to inhabit a wide range of characters, from historical figures to fictional detectives and Western outlaws.
What awards has Brendan Gleeson won?
In 2002, he won the British Independent Film Award for Best Actor for his role in the film "28 Days Later."
In 2003, he was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award for his performance in the film "Gangs of New York."
In 2004, he won the Irish Film and Television Award for Best Actor in a Lead Role in Film for his performance in "Calvary."
In 2006, he was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play for his role in the Broadway production of "The Lieutenant of Inishmore."
In 2008, he won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in the HBO film "Into the Storm."
In 2015, he won the British Independent Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film "Suffragette."
In 2017, he won the IFTA Lifetime Achievement Award from the Irish Film and Television Academy for his outstanding contribution to Irish film and television.
