The Irish actor’s early life was shaped by loss and instability,but his resilience, talent, and heart have made him one of Hollywood’s most compelling rising stars.
When Barry Keoghan received his first Oscar nomination in 2023 for The Banshees of Inisherin, the moment carried more weight than most. Not only had he delivered a nuanced performance as the awkward yet affecting Dominic Kearney, but his journey to the Academy stage defied the odds in every imaginable way.
Keoghan, now widely praised for his work in both independent films and major blockbusters, spent seven formative years in foster care. Between the ages of five and twelve, he and his brother Eric were moved through 13 different foster homes in Dublin. The reason was tragic: their mother, who struggled with addiction, passed away from a heroin overdose at age 31.
“She was one of them that got caught,” Keoghan said in a 2018 interview on The Late Late Show. “We went into foster care and the families we went to were good to us. They kept us together, which was great.”
While his foster experience was not marked by abuse, a distinction he’s quick to make, it was one of disruption. As a child, he recalls, it was difficult to understand the instability.
“You get attached and then boom,let’s move over here,” he said. “It’s only when you get older, you can look back and get a bit of perspective on it.”
Early Loss, Lasting Support
Following his time in care, Keoghan was eventually raised by his grandmother Patricia, his aunt Lorraine, and his older sister Gemma, who left work to help care for him and Eric. He often speaks with gratitude about their role in his life, and despite his difficult start, he emphasizes that he never felt unloved.
“I have great memories of my mother. Very proud of her,” he told DublinLive in 2021. His grandmother, who was once interviewed alongside him, beamed with pride: “I love him. I’m very proud.”
The support of this close-knit circle became the foundation that would later allow Keoghan to pursue his ambitions with grounded determination.
The Spark of a Dream
Keoghan’s introduction to acting was humble and serendipitous. He first responded to a casting notice taped to a shop window. But the real spark ignited at O’Connell School in Dublin, where a school play, My Babysitter Is an Alien, put him on stage for the first time.
“That was the first time I ever acted, and I just loved the feeling of it,” he recalled. “I had that sense of, ‘This is really good,I like this.’”
From that moment, Keoghan began to see performance not just as a pastime, but as a calling. He joined The Factory, a Dublin-based acting school, and began refining his craft with a seriousness well beyond his years.
Sara Komatsu, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Rising Through the Ranks
His on-screen presence quickly caught the attention of casting directors. Keoghan gained early recognition in Ireland through his unsettling portrayal of “Wayne” in the hit series Love/Hate. The role, while controversial, demonstrated his ability to embody dark, complex characters, something that would become a defining trait of his career.
His international breakthrough came in 2017 with two dramatically different performances. In Dunkirk, he played George Mills, a young civilian caught in the chaos of war. That same year, he delivered a chilling turn as Martin Lang in The Killing of a Sacred Deer, opposite Nicole Kidman and Colin Farrell. The unsettling film earned him widespread praise from critics for his understated menace and control.
In the years that followed, Keoghan continued to build a filmography that balanced mainstream visibility with independent acclaim. His roles in American Animals (2018), Chernobyl (2019), Eternals (2021), The Green Knight (2021), and The Batman (2022) cemented his place as one of the most versatile actors of his generation.
But it was The Banshees of Inisherin, directed by Martin McDonagh, that brought him his most prestigious recognition to date. The film, which made history as the most Oscar-nominated Irish film ever, earned nine nominations at the 95th Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. Keoghan was one of four cast members nominated for acting awards, joining Brendan Gleeson, Colin Farrell, and Kerry Condon.
He responded to the honor with humility and warmth, dedicating the moment to his infant son, Brando:
“That’s one for you, Brando. Daddy loves you.”
A Symbol of Resilience
Keoghan’s story has struck a chord far beyond the film industry. As news of his nomination spread, so too did renewed attention to his early life. Social media filled with praise not only for his talent, but for the perseverance he demonstrated in overcoming adversity.
“Did not know about @BarryKeoghan’s upbringing in foster care,” one user wrote. “One never knows what hardships growing up will lead us to how we end up as adults. He stole the show in Banshees of Inisherin. Well done.”
“Gladly, he pursued and is living his dream in real life in spite of all that he endured after losing his mum,” another added. “Well done boy, well done indeed.”
Keoghan himself has said he hopes his journey might inspire others, especially those growing up in similar circumstances.
“You look at ‘13 foster homes’ on paper and you wouldn’t expect that person to do well in life,” he told DublinLive. “But I hope it inspires someone.”
Sidebar: Barry Keoghan’s Key Film Roles
1. Love/Hate (2013)
As Wayne, Keoghan played a minor character with an unforgettable impact. His role in this acclaimed Irish series first brought him national attention, though it sparked controversy for its shocking content.
2. Dunkirk (2017)
Christopher Nolan’s epic World War II film featured Keoghan as George, a wide-eyed civilian whose arc carried emotional weight. It marked his debut on the international stage.
3. The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
Playing the unnervingly calm Martin, Keoghan turned in one of the most haunting performances of the decade. His portrayal of menace beneath composure showed his range and precision.
4. American Animals (2018)
As Spencer Reinhard, Keoghan balanced charm and naiveté in this stylish heist drama based on a true story, earning more praise for his ability to carry morally complex roles.
5. Chernobyl (2019)
In HBO’s critically acclaimed mini-series, Keoghan appeared in a smaller but emotionally resonant role as a young man tasked with an impossible and heartbreaking job.
6. Eternals (2021)
Joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Druig, a morally conflicted immortal, gave Keoghan blockbuster exposure. He brought depth to a character that could’ve easily been one-note.
7. The Green Knight (2021)
In this stylized Arthurian tale, Keoghan’s performance as a sly scavenger added texture to the film’s otherworldly tone.
8. The Batman (2022)
Though his role as a potential future Joker was brief and mostly mysterious, Keoghan’s inclusion in the DC universe stirred interest and speculation about what’s to come.
9. The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)
As Dominic, Keoghan offered a heartbreaking blend of awkward innocence and emotional clarity. His performance earned him a BAFTA Award and an Academy Award nomination.
Barry Keoghan’s rise is not a tale of overnight fame or social media spectacle. It is a quiet, powerful story of grit, of a child who endured instability and grief, yet held tight to his curiosity and drive.
For older adults and creative professionals alike, his journey is a reminder that success can be built slowly, honestly, and against all odds. It’s not about where you start. It’s about what you make of what you’re given, and who you remember on your way up.
In dedicating his Oscar nod to his newborn son, Keoghan not only acknowledged his past but redefined his future. His story, grounded in reality but rich in inspiration, reminds us that resilience isn’t just admirable, it’s transformative.
Featured Image from Kevin Payravi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons