Cillian Murphy Remains Faithful to His Very Private Wife of Over 2 Decades — What Does She Look Like?
- 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.
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.
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.
Yvonne McGuinness, Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. at the 81st Golden Globe Awards on January 7, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
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.” Further demonstrating their deep ties to Ireland, in November 2024, Murphy and McGuinness purchased The Phoenix Cinema in Dingle, County Kerry.
The historic venue, which has been an integral part of the community for over a century, will remain independently operated under their ownership. The couple plans to renovate the space in 2025, preserving its cinematic tradition while expanding it into a creative arts hub.
For Murphy, this acquisition carries deep personal meaning. “I’ve been going to see films at The Phoenix since I was a young boy on summer holidays,” he shared. “My Dad saw movies there when he was a young man before me, and we’ve watched many films at The Phoenix with our own kids.”
He also stated that they understood the significance of cinema to Dingle. McGuinness also agreed. She said they wanted to open the building again, allow for more creativity there, and bring it back as a key part of the town’s special culture.
Cillian Murphy celebrates with Yvonne McGuinness during the 96th Annual Academy Awards on March 10, 2024, in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
Located in the heart of Dingle, just a short walk from the harbor, The Phoenix is the only cinema on the Dingle Peninsula. The closest multiplex is 30 miles away, making it a vital part of the local entertainment scene. It is also the only cinema in a Gaeltacht region of Ireland, a distinction that will be reflected in its programming.
The Phoenix cinema, established in 1919 by the Houlihan brothers, survived two fires and was rebuilt each time, eventually gaining its Art Deco style.
It was known for its Tuesday film club. However, due to financial difficulties, the O’Sullivan family closed the cinema during the 2021 COVID-19 lockdown. After three years on the market, the theater now has a new chapter ahead.
That new chapter, in many ways, reflects the ebb and flow of the film industry itself, a world where support systems are vital, as seen in how McGuinness has supported Murphy through the years. When he was away for filming, she would stay with the kids but also occasionally contributed ideas to his work.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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 netizen expressing, “For once a famous actor with a wife who looks normal, no plastic/fillers or tasteless attention seeking glammed up.”
Yvonne McGuinness and Cillian Murphy attend the 96th Annual Academy Awards on March 10, 2024, in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
Another online viewer questioned Murphy’s choice, saying, “It’s hard for me to understand why he chose this not very good looking woman when he is so drop dead gorgeous,” but was countered by another who said, “What some people consider ugly, others consider beautiful. Everyone has different tastes.”
One individual noted, “They showed Cillian’s wife at the Golden Globes Awards. She was done up with hair and makeup, and looked pretty. They always show the same photograph of her with no makeup. They are obviously still in love because Cillian hasn’t left her for another woman.”
He values his ability to maintain a normal lifestyle amidst his celebrity status. He often uses public transportation, runs errands, and does everyday tasks. Murphy believes that living like a normal person is essential for an actor, who is supposed to portray real people.
