Actor / Director Profile

Striking Irish actor Cillian Murphy is the oldest child of teacher parents. He has three younger siblings. Murphy was educated at Presentation Brothers College, Cork. He went on to study law at University College Cork, but dropped out after about a year. During this time Murphy also pursued an interest in music, playing guitar in various bands. Upon leaving University, Murphy joined the Corcadorca Theater Company in Cork, and played the lead role in "Disco Pigs", amongst other plays.Various film roles followed, including a film adaptation of Disco Pigs (2001). His big film break came, however, when he was cast in Danny Boyle's 28 Days Later... (2002), which became a surprise international hit. Roles in high profile films followed, including Cold Mountain (2003), Batman Begins (2005), Red Eye (2005/I) and Sunshine (2007). In 2006, he was nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance in Breakfast on Pluto (2005).Murphy is married to Yvonne McGuinness, an artist. The couple have two sons - Malachy and Carrick.