The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
It’s not too often you see the children of famous parents follow in their guardian’s footsteps and replicate their phenomenal career success, but our own Domhnall Gleeson is well on course to join that exclusive group.
The 33-year-old has caught the acting bug off daddy Brendan (whose movies are a part of film folklore) and is already starting to build a serious legacy.
Having starred in quality features like Ex Machina, About Time, Harry Potter and Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Domhnall is quickly gaining a stellar reputation in Hollywood.
Although he has some way to go before matching his father’s incredible impact, here we look at seven reasons why Domhnall Gleeson is one of the coolest Irish men out there.
Every movie he appeared in during 2015 was nominated for an Oscar
This man sure can pick ’em.
All four of the movies that the Dubliner starred in over the course of 2015 were put forward for an Academy Award. What the flip is this guy’s secret?
The Revenant, Brooklyn, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Ex Machina were all nominated in various categories, including; Best Movie, Best Original Score, Visual Effects, Sound Mixing, Cinematography and more.
Dammit Domhnall, you savvy bast*rd.
He has a great attitude when it comes to acting
Gleeson’s talent on-screen is matched by his humility off it, and his approach to his craft, where big egos and bluster are common characteristics, is hugely admirable.
Just take this clip from his appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden, where he tells a brilliant anecdote about never being recognised.
Clip via The Late Late Show with James Corden
Gleeson has been quoted as saying that he embraces his insecurities and hang-ups, admitted that simply securing an audition is hard enough, as many casting directors don’t even want to see you and followed the advice of his father that, if the work isn’t being offered, create it yourself.
Dammit Domhnall, you inspirational bast*rd.
He has held his own against heavyweights like Tom Hardy and Leonardo DiCaprio
While Domhnall’s modesty and general soundness has endured in his brief but impressive career so far, he also has the talent and belief to compete with the very finest.
Take The Revenant, for example.
Gleeson starred alongside Leo (guiding a helping hand in DiCaprio’s overdue Best Actor win), and the immensely intimidating presence of Tom Hardy as Captain Andrew Henry – the leader of the group’s expedition.
This JOE saw The Revenant in a cinema that we’re fairly sure Gleeson has frequented a lot over the years, so we were very proud when watching this on the big screen.
Clip via Flicks And The City Plus
Dammit Domhnall, you talented bast*rd.
He did comedy sketches before he became a bit of a star
Back before hanging with the A-listers, Domhnall was crafting his skills by performing comedy sketches on RTÉ’s Your Bad Self.
Obviously taking Brendan’s advice about shaping his own career, the young actor located his funny bone with consummate ease.
We always enjoyed this particular sketch about pulling a sickie on his missus’ behalf…
Clip via Benedict Kelly
Dammit Domhnall, you funny bast*rd.
He was a right legend when we interviewed him
JOE got not one, but two, glorious chances to sit down with the man himself, and he didn’t disappoint on either occasion.
Promoting the weird and wonderful music film Frank along with future Oscar-nominated Irish director Lenny Abrahamson (everything Domhnall touches turns to gold), he had the craic with us about his go-to Karaoke tune and his toilet-reading habits.
You know, the important stuff.
Clip via JOE.ie
He was happy enough to sit down with us again (he wanted to, we swear!) when talking about the excellent Ex Machina.
As well as taking the absolute Michael out of himself on countless occasions for “bragging”, Domhnall mentioned how much a big Breaking Bad star was an even bigger fan of the movie.
The big big-head!
Clip via JOE.ie
Dammit Domhnall, you endearing bast*ard.
He continued a live interview like a pro after the taxi he was travelling in crashed
Every top range actor needs to have the ability to improvise in any given situation, but reacting like a champ when your taxi crashes live on air takes a lot of balls.
Gleeson was a guest on RTÉ Radio 1 with Ryan Tubridy to discuss his role in Star Wars: The Force Awakens when his taxi crashed during the interview.
His reaction was the personification of cool.
Skip to the 13:50 mark below to hear it for yourselves.
Dammit Domhnall, you smooth bast*rd.
His dad is f*cking Brendan Gleeson
Even if Domhnall had never done anything with his life, let alone enter the field of entertainment, he would be cool by association just by having Brendan Gleeson as his father.
A direct achievement by Domhnall this may not be, but when you’re the son of a man who owns a scene like this, you’ll always be alright.
Clip via Dyer Maker
Dammit Domhnall… just dammit.
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