- Cillian Murphy may be one of the most acclaimed actors of his generation, famous for his roles in “Peaky Blinders” and “Oppenheimer,” but he is also a loyal husband.
- His wife, who is an accomplished visual artist has been known to keep a low profile away from her husband’s spotlight.
- Fans recently caught a glimpse of the woman behind Murphy’s success during a rare appearance at a public event.
Cillian Murphy attends the “Oppenheimer” UK premiere on July 13, 2023 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Throughout his illustrious career, acclaimed Irish actor Cillian Murphy has garnered a remarkable array of awards and accolades. From gripping performances on the big screen to captivating portrayals in television series, Murphy’s talent has consistently left audiences in awe.
Behind this remarkable actor’s success stands a steadfast pillar of support: his wife, Yvonne McGuinness. Murphy is not only a master of his craft but also a devoted family man. Despite the allure of Hollywood, he consciously chose to remain rooted in London, where he was residing with his wife.
Cillian Murphy attends the 2024 EE BAFTA Film Awards on February 18, 2024 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Murphy’s commitment to proximity with his loved ones speaks volumes about his priorities and values. In 2005, shortly after his breakout performance in the 2002 thriller “28 Days Later,” where he portrayed a man fleeing from zombies in a plague-stricken London, Murphy revealed how important it was for him to be close to his family.
He stated, “I don’t need to live in Los Angeles. I’d be tremendously far away from my family. I’d never see them. I love living in London.” As his career was rapidly gaining momentum, he was presented with a role in “The Wind That Shakes the Barley.” This opportunity brought him much joy as it allowed him to stay home with his family in Cork, Ireland.
At this time, his wife, McGuinness, was pregnant with their first child. To support her during this period, the couple decided to stay with Murphy’s parents. This arrangement provided a comforting family environment during McGuinness’s pregnancy and allowed Murphy to balance his work commitments with his growing family responsibilities.
Emily Blunt, Cillian Murphy and Florence Pugh attend the “Oppenheimer” UK premiere on July 13, 2023 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Murphy nostalgically remembered this time: “I was living at home with my folks; my wife was pregnant with our son; and we were running around the hills of west Cork shooting up Black and Tans. Fantastic!” By 2015, the couple, now parents to two boys, Malachy and Aran, decided to return to their roots in Ireland.
Cillian Murphy attends the “Batman Begins” London premiere on June 12, 2005 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
They left behind Kilburn, a district in north-west London, which had been their home for over a decade. Their desire was for their children to experience childhood close to their grandparents and the calming influence of the sea.
Cillian Murphy attends the “The Girl With A Pearl Earing” screening on October 30, 2003 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Murphy elaborated, “We wanted them to be Irish, I suppose.” When Murphy was away for filming, McGuinness would stay with the kids, but she also occasionally contributed ideas to his work.
Cillian Murphy attends the “Dunkirk” premiere on July 13, 2017 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
One such occasion was when Murphy was actively brainstorming movie concepts to propose to director Tim Mielants, a collaboration he was particularly enthusiastic about. McGuinness proposed they adapt “Small Things,” Claire Keegan’s captivating novella set in a quaint Irish town in 1985.
Cillian Murphy attends the “Red Eye” Los Angeles premiere on August 4, 2005 in Westwood, California | Source: Getty Images
Murphy initially dismissed the idea, assuming the rights to the novella were already claimed. However, upon consulting with his agent, he discovered the rights were still available.
He presented the idea to fellow actor Matt Damon, who was impressed and agreed to produce the movie through his company, which he co-runs with Ben Affleck. This led to the prompt production of the movie “Small Things Like These,” which became a success.
Cillian Murphyseen on March 26, 2007 in Dublin, Ireland | Source: Getty Images
When McGuinness and Murphy first met, he was not yet famous and was embarking on his acting career with his first movie, “Disco Pigs.” McGuinness joined Murphy and his “Disco Pig” crew on tour. Reflecting on that time, he said, “It was so exciting, 20 years ago or whatever it was – we were all just kids, trying to find our way – but such a special, special time.”
Cillian Murphy attends the “Intermission” London premiere on November 23, 2003 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
It has been over two decades of being together, and while Murphy, who has recently been dubbed the “Internet’s Boyfriend,” is deeply in love with his wife, the public has varied opinions on his choice of spouse. McGuinness, who has chosen to stay largely out of the limelight throughout her husband’s career, has drawn a range of reactions from the public.
Cillian Murphy attends “The Wind That Shakes The Barley” London premiere on June 21, 2006 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Some have been critical, with comments such as “The wife looks like Cillian in a wig,” and “She is odd-looking. I expected his wife to be stunning.” Yet, some appreciate her natural beauty, with one user expressing, “For once a famous actor with a wife who looks normal, no plastic/fillers or tasteless attention seeking glammed up.”