Domhnall Gleeson is an Irish actor known for his versatility across independent films and major franchises. He has appeared in a wide range of projects, from Harry Potter to Star Wars, while also earning acclaim in smaller, character-driven dramas.
Gleeson was born in Dublin and comes from a family with deep roots in the arts. His father is the celebrated actor Brendan Gleeson, and his brother Brian Gleeson has also built a notable acting career. Domhnall studied media arts in Dublin before moving into stage and screen work.
This article provides a comprehensive look at his career, including his major film roles, awards, directorial work, and the impact he has made on contemporary cinema.
Who Is Domhnall Gleeson? Biography and Background
Quick Overview
| Born | 12 May 1983 |
| Birthplace | Dublin, Ireland |
| Occupation | Actor, director, screenwriter |
| Years active | 2004–present |
Key Insights
- He gained early recognition for his work in the Irish film and theatre scene.
- He rose to international prominence after playing Bill Weasley in the Harry Potter film series.
- He received an Academy Award nomination for his role in the 2015 film The Revenant.
- He has collaborated frequently with director Peter Wright on films such as In the Beginning and The Watch.
- He made his directorial debut with the 2015 film Behold the Wooden Horse.
- He is known for his ability to move between big-budget blockbusters and intimate independent films.
Snapshot Facts
| Category | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Domhnall Gleeson | Wikipedia |
| Date of Birth | 12 May 1983 | Wikipedia |
| Place of Birth | Dublin, Ireland | Wikipedia |
| Father | Brendan Gleeson | Wikipedia |
| Education | Dublin Institute of Technology | Wikipedia |
| Notable Films | Harry Potter, Ex Machina, Star Wars, The Revenant | IMDb / TV Guide |
| Awards | BAFTA nomination, Academy Award nomination | Wikipedia |
Domhnall Gleeson’s Complete Filmography: Movies and TV Shows
What Role Did Domhnall Gleeson Play in Harry Potter?
Domhnall Gleeson played Bill Weasley, the eldest brother of Ron Weasley, in the final three Harry Potter films: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1, Part 2, and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
What Is Domhnall Gleeson’s Star Wars Character?
He played General Hux, an antagonist in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, appearing in The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker.
What Was His Role in About Time?
In the 2013 film About Time, he played Tim Lake, a young man who discovers he can travel through time and uses the ability to improve his life and relationships.
What Is Domhnall Gleeson’s Role in Ex Machina?
In Ex Machina, he played Caleb, a programmer who is selected to administer the Turing test on a humanoid robot named Ava.
Other Notable Films
- In the Beginning (2010)
- Anna Karenina (2012)
- Frank (2014)
- The Revenant (2015)
- Goodbye Christopher Robin (2017)
- The Kitchen (2019)
2025 Projects
Gleeson is set to star in a number of upcoming projects, including a biographical drama about Irish writer Flann O’Brien and a historical thriller directed by a rising independent filmmaker.
In addition to acting, Gleeson has written and directed several short films, including the critically acclaimed Behold the Wooden Horse.
Latest Career Updates: The Rise of Domhnall Gleeson
What Is Domhnall Gleeson’s Latest Project?
Gleeson recently completed filming on a new limited series for television, where he plays a forensic psychologist investigating a series of unexplained disappearances.
Why Is Domhnall Gleeson Trending?
A March 2025 profile on Entertainment.ie highlighted his transition from supporting character actor to leading man. The article praised his ability to balance studio films with smaller passion projects.
What Did Domhnall Gleeson Say About His First Day on Set?
In a BAFTA video interview posted on Facebook, Gleeson recalled feeling overwhelmed on his first day of filming Harry Potter. He said he was grateful for the guidance of his co-stars and the production team, who made him feel comfortable.
His career trajectory runs parallel with the current wave of acclaimed Irish actors such as Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley. His move into producing and directing marks a new chapter after years of on-screen work.
Awards and Notable Performances
Has Domhnall Gleeson Won Any Awards?
Gleeson has received multiple nominations throughout his career. He was nominated for a BAFTA Award for his supporting role in The Revenant and has won several Irish Film and Television Awards.
What Are His Most Critically Acclaimed Roles?
- Bill Weasley in the Harry Potter series
- Caleb in Ex Machina
- General Hux in the Star Wars sequel trilogy
- Andrew in the acclaimed short film Behold the Wooden Horse
While he has yet to win an Academy Award, his performance in The Revenant is widely regarded as a career highlight.
Key Milestones in Domhnall Gleeson’s Career
- Harry Potter – He played Bill Weasley in three major films.
- Ex Machina – He received widespread critical praise for his lead performance.
- Star Wars – He played General Hux, bringing a distinctive intensity to the sequel trilogy.
- The Revenant – He received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
- Directing – He directed the short film Behold the Wooden Horse, which screened at several international festivals.
What Do We Know and What Remains Uncertain About Domhnall Gleeson?
| What We Know | What Remains Uncertain |
|---|---|
| He was born in Dublin to Brendan Gleeson. | Whether he will return to the Harry Potter franchise in the new TV series. |
| He has worked extensively in both film and television. | Whether he will direct a feature-length film in the coming years. |
| He received an Academy Award nomination for The Revenant. | What upcoming projects he has announced after 2025. |
Why Is Domhnall Gleeson’s Career Significant? Context and Analysis
Domhnall Gleeson has carved a unique niche for himself in contemporary cinema. He is not just a successful actor but also a writer and director with a distinct voice. His ability to move between big-budget franchises and intimate independent films makes him one of the most versatile actors of his generation. His work also invites comparisons with other much-loved screen figures: see the biography of Robbie Coltrane – Hagrid Actor, Cracker Star and Cause of Death.
What Have Critics and Colleagues Said About Domhnall Gleeson?
Gleeson has a rare combination of charm, intelligence, and unpredictability. He never makes the same film twice.
— BAFTA video interview
He is one of the finest actors of his generation, capable of disappearing completely into any role.
— Entertainment.ie article, 2025
A deeply committed performer who brings nuance to every part he plays.
— Amazon Prime bio
Domhnall Gleeson: Key Takeaways
Domhnall Gleeson remains one of Ireland’s most accomplished actors, with a filmography that ranges from Harry Potter to Star Wars to critically acclaimed indies. His 2025 projects show a continued evolution into television, while his BAFTA-nominated performance in Ex Machina stands as a career highlight. For a deeper look at other iconic British and Irish screen figures, see the biography of Alec Guinness – Biography, Cause of Death, Wife, Net Worth and Height.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of accent does Domhnall Gleeson have?
He speaks with a natural Irish accent, which he uses in interviews; he adopts various accents for roles (e.g., American for Ex Machina).
How tall is Domhnall Gleeson?
He is approximately 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in).
Has Domhnall Gleeson directed any films?
Yes, he directed and co-wrote the short film Noreen (2019).
Does Domhnall Gleeson use social media?
He does not maintain public social media accounts as of 2025.
What is Domhnall Gleeson’s most famous role?
He is widely known for his roles as Bill Weasley (Harry Potter), General Hux (Star Wars), and Tim (About Time).
Oliver Arthur Morgan Harrison is a staff writer for StoryShift.uk, covering UK news, culture, politics and technology. He works under Editor-in-Chief Maarika Tamm and UK Managing Editor Oliver Grant, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.