Irish actor Barry Keoghan spent most of his childhood in foster homes, losing his mother to addiction issues when he was just 12-years-old. He found his passion for acting after answering a casting notice for a short indie film in his local shop window.

Keoghan was so determined to succeed that he’s often made his own audition tapes to send to studios. Praised by directors for his natural talent, Keoghan has risen from starring in the Irish drama series Love/Hate as a ‘cat killer’ in 2013, to the current hit The Banshees of Inisherin. His moving performance as the comical yet heart-breaking Dominic is wowing critics.

So can Barry Keoghan take home all the awards this year? Mark Coles speaks to his friends, colleagues and teachers about his rise from the streets of Summerhill in Dublin to success in Hollywood.

Credits

Ireland Unfiltered with Dion Fanning

The Banshees of Inisherin
Director and writer: Martin McDonagh
Searchlight Pictures

Between the Canals
Director and writer: Mark O’Connor
High Fliers Films

Dunkirk
Director: Christopher Nolan
Warner Bros.

Hairspray
Director: Adam Shankman
Warner Bros.

Presenter: Mark Coles
Producers: Diane Richardson, Beth Ashmead-Latham and Georgia Coan
Editor: Simon Watts
Production Co-ordinator: Sabine Schereck
Sound Engineer: Rod Farquhar