Cillian Murphy is an Irish actor admired for intense, quietly magnetic performances — and for guarding his privacy in an era of celebrity oversharing. After years as a critics’ favourite in 28 Days Later, Batman Begins and Peaky Blinders, his portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer made him an Academy Award winner and a global leading man.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Cillian Murphy |
| Born | 25 May 1976, Douglas, Cork, Ireland |
| Age | 50 (as of 2026) |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Occupation | Actor, producer |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.72 m) |
| Known For | Peaky Blinders, Oppenheimer, 28 Days Later, Batman Begins |
| Net Worth (est.) | Around $20 million |
Early Life and Education
Murphy grew up in Ballintemple, Cork, the eldest of four children; his father worked for Ireland’s Department of Education and his mother taught French. Music came first — he played in bands with his brother and nearly signed a record deal — before acting took hold at school. He began a law degree at University College Cork but abandoned it after discovering theatre, joining Cork’s Corcadorca company and landing the lead in Enda Walsh’s play Disco Pigs (1996), the role that launched his career.
Breakthrough: 28 Days Later and Batman
Danny Boyle cast Murphy as the lead in the horror hit 28 Days Later (2002), introducing him to international audiences. Christopher Nolan then made him the Scarecrow in Batman Begins (2005), beginning a collaboration that ran through Inception, Dunkirk and more. Irish acclaim followed with The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006), Ken Loach’s Palme d’Or winner.
Peaky Blinders and Oppenheimer
From 2013 to 2022 Murphy embodied Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders, one of the most beloved television performances of the decade. Then came Oppenheimer (2023): his first true lead in a Nolan film, a billion-dollar grosser that won him the Academy Award, BAFTA and Golden Globe for Best Actor. He has since balanced producing Irish independent films with select leading roles.
Cillian Murphy Net Worth
Murphy’s net worth is commonly estimated at around $20 million — modest next to many Hollywood peers because his career was built largely on independent film, theatre and one long-running television role rather than franchise salaries. Figures are estimates from public sources, not official disclosures.
Personal Life
Murphy married artist Yvonne McGuinness in 2004; they have two sons and live in Dublin. He is well known for avoiding social media and red-carpet celebrity culture, returning to Ireland between projects — a stance that has only added to his mystique.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Cillian Murphy?
He was born on 25 May 1976, making him 50 years old in 2026.
Did Cillian Murphy win an Oscar?
Yes — Best Actor for Oppenheimer at the 2024 Academy Awards.
What is Cillian Murphy’s net worth?
Commonly estimated at around $20 million, based on public reporting; not an official figure.
Where does Cillian Murphy live?
In Dublin, Ireland, with his wife Yvonne McGuinness and their two sons.
Related Biographies
Read next: Timothée Chalamet, Austin Butler and Jacob Elordi — more profiles in our Actors & Actresses collection.
Net worth and personal figures in this profile are based on publicly available sources and reputable published estimates, and may change over time.
