Aran Murphy, the 17-year-old son of Oscar-winning actor Cillian Murphy, is building an acting career of his own. His recent casting in a prominent HBO series marks a significant step into the spotlight for the young performer, who is earning recognition both for his talent and his striking resemblance to his famous father.
A New Role in HBO’s ‘WAR’
Aran Murphy has been cast in the upcoming HBO and Sky series WAR. The legal thriller will feature a high-powered tech titan, played by Dominic West, and an international superstar, played by Sienna Miller, navigating a messy divorce as rival law firms compete for victory.
The young actor’s talent agency announced the news, confirming he will play a character named Gabriel. This role marks Aran’s first major television project, signaling a substantial move in his budding career.
More About Aran Murphy
Aran is the younger son of Cillian Murphy and his wife, Irish visual artist Yvonne McGuinness. He was born in 2007, and has an older brother, Malachy, born in 2005. The family moved from London to Dublin in 2015, with Cillian explaining the decision was motivated by a desire for their children to be raised in Ireland.
Despite his father’s fame, Aran has enjoyed a relatively private childhood. His parents have consciously worked to provide a normal, grounded upbringing away from the Hollywood spotlight.
A Budding Acting Career
Aran’s passion for acting emerged early. At just 11 years old, he starred as Hamnet in a production by the Irish Theatre Company Dead Centre. The play, about Shakespeare’s only son, toured internationally to locations including New York, Boston, and Hong Kong.
His film debut came in the 2022 Irish sci-fi movie Lola. He has also completed filming for director Taika Waititi‘s upcoming movie adaptation of Klara and the Sun. In that film, he will star alongside Amy Adams, Jenna Ortega, and Steve Buscemi.
A Proud Father’s Support
Cillian Murphy has spoken publicly about his pride in his son’s accomplishments, though he is careful not to offer unsolicited advice.
“I’m very, very proud of him,” Cillian told Ireland’s Today FM. “He’s a great, great actor, so I’m very proud of him. He doesn’t need my advice. He’s well able.”
In an interview with The Telegraph, Cillian reflected on his son’s talent and future, emphasizing that there is no pressure to act. He recounted a friend’s humorous observation after seeing Aran in a play: “Cill, he’s better looking, he’s a better actor, he’s younger and he’s taller. You’re [expletive]. We’ll see.”
Cillian also expressed confidence that Aran will be judged on his own merit, stating, “People are smart enough to judge you on your talent. There’s no way any kid will get by on nepotism alone. Everyone in this business gets found out unless they’re good, and he’s a good little actor.”
A Close-Knit Family
The Murphy family is known for their strong, private bond. Cillian frequently thanks his wife and sons for their support, especially during his demanding filming schedules for projects like Oppenheimer.
At the Palm Springs International Film Awards, the actor gave a heartfelt shout-out to his family: “Because I don’t ever really get to do this too often, I want to say thanks to my family. Two-thirds of them are sitting down there. We had to leave one of them at home doing exams. But just thanks for putting up with me—putting up with the half me and the shadow me and the absent me, the remains of me when I’m doing a film like this or work in general. You’re always there. I love it. So thanks, guys.”
The family made a rare public appearance together at the 2024 Oscars, where Cillian won the Best Actor award for his role in Oppenheimer.
Also Read: Cillian Murphy Calls Infamous Peaky Blinders Hairstyle “Disgusting”
Credits: E! News, Hello! Magazine, People
