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Domhnall Gleeson

Domhnall Gleeson is an Irish actor and writer born in Dublin in 1983.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Domhnall Gleeson is an Irish actor and writer born in Dublin in 1983. He is known for roles in films including the Harry Potter series, About Time, Ex Machina, The Revenant, and the Star Wars sequel trilogy, and for television work such as Black Mirror.

Early life and education

Domhnall Gleeson was born in Dublin, Ireland, on 12 May 1983. He is the son of actor Brendan Gleeson. He studied media arts at the Dublin Institute of Technology.

Acting career

Gleeson began appearing in film and television in the 2000s and later became known internationally for roles in major studio films and prestige dramas. His credited work includes Harry Potter, About Time, Ex Machina, The Revenant, Star Wars, and Black Mirror. He made his film debut in Boy Eats Girl in 2005.

Stage and writing work

In addition to screen acting, Gleeson has worked in theatre and writing. He received a Tony nomination in 2006 for The Lieutenant of Inishmore. He is also described as a writer and director.

Key facts

  • He was born in Dublin on 12 May 1983.
  • He is the son of actor Brendan Gleeson.
  • He portrayed Bill Weasley in the Harry Potter film series.
  • He played General Hux in the Star Wars sequel trilogy.
  • His other well-known screen roles include About Time, Ex Machina, The Revenant, and Black Mirror's 'Be Right Back'.
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Canadian context

He is a recognisable international screen actor whose films, including Star Wars and Harry Potter titles, have had broad theatrical and streaming audiences in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Domhnall Gleeson?
Domhnall Gleeson is an Irish actor and writer known for film, television, and stage work.
When was Domhnall Gleeson born?
He was born on 12 May 1983.
What is Domhnall Gleeson best known for?
He is widely known for playing Bill Weasley in Harry Potter and General Hux in Star Wars, along with roles in About Time and Ex Machina.
Is Domhnall Gleeson related to Brendan Gleeson?
Yes. He is the son of Irish actor Brendan Gleeson.
What was Domhnall Gleeson’s film debut?
His film debut was Boy Eats Girl (2005).

References

  1. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1727304/
    Supports: Birth date and place; occupation; notable roles; film debut; father
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1727304/bio/
    Supports: Biography details including birth information and major roles
  3. Golden Globes — https://goldenglobes.com/person/domhnall-gleeson/
    Supports: Birth information; father; major film roles including Star Wars, About Time, Ex Machina, The Revenant
  4. Apple TV — https://tv.apple.com/us/person/domhnall-gleeson/umc.cpc.7cyfphwd625momjv48jr34tby
    Supports: Early career, education, theatre, writing and directing activity
  5. Polish Wikipedia — https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domhnall_Gleeson
    Supports: Birth date and place; occupation; notable roles; family relation