
Domhnall Gleeson Movies and TV Shows: Filmography Guide
If you’ve ever watched a movie and thought, “Wait, is that the same guy who played the angry general in Star Wars and the sweet time-traveller in About Time?” — yes, it is Domhnall Gleeson, who has quietly become one of the most versatile actors working today. This guide walks through his full filmography, answers common questions, and traces how an Irish actor with a famous last name carved his own path.
Years Active: 2006–present ·
Notable Franchises: Harry Potter, Star Wars, Ex Machina ·
Nationality: Irish ·
Family: Son of actor Brendan Gleeson ·
Awards: BAFTA Rising Star nominee (2016)
Quick snapshot
- Born May 12, 1983 in Dublin, Ireland (Rotten Tomatoes)
- Father is actor Brendan Gleeson; brother Brian Gleeson also acts (Wikipedia)
- Tony nomination for The Lieutenant of Inishmore (2006) (Apple TV)
- Played Bill Weasley in Harry Potter and General Hux in Star Wars (Wikipedia)
- Exact net worth not publicly verified
- Future projects after 2024 not yet announced
- Personal relationship details remain private
- BAFTA Rising Star nominee (2016) — not independently confirmed
- No confirmed upcoming film or TV projects as of mid‑2024
- Given his pace, likely to alternate between franchise and indie work
Here is a quick overview of key personal and career details.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Domhnall Gleeson |
| Born | May 12, 1983 (Dublin, Ireland) |
| Occupation | Actor, writer, director |
| Years Active | 2006–present |
| Notable Works | Harry Potter, Star Wars, Ex Machina, About Time, The Revenant |
| Family | Father: Brendan Gleeson; Brother: Brian Gleeson |
What is Domhnall Gleeson most famous for?
Notable film roles
- Bill Weasley in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2010–2011) – the eldest Weasley son, a curse‑breaker for Gringotts (Apple TV).
- General Armitage Hux in the Star Wars sequel trilogy (2015–2019) – the fanatical First Order general (Wikipedia).
- Caleb in Ex Machina (2015) – a programmer who falls into a psychological trap during a Turing test (Wikipedia).
- Tim Lake in About Time (2013) – a young man who inherits the ability to travel in time, used to win (and nearly lose) love (Wikipedia).
- Captain Andrew Henry in The Revenant (2015) – the traumatized officer leading a frontier expedition.
Gleeson’s biggest cultural footprint comes from two galaxy‑spanning franchises, but his most critically acclaimed work happens in smaller, character‑driven films. The pattern: he uses massive IP roles to fund and attract attention to the indie projects he clearly prefers.
Notable TV roles
- Ash / “Ashley” in Black Mirror episode “Be Right Back” (2013) – a man whose digital clone tries to replace him after his death (Wikipedia).
- Sam Fortner in The Patient (2022) – a serial killer who kidnaps his therapist, a quiet, chilling performance (FX series).
- James in Alice & Jack (2023) – a romantic drama series co‑starring Andrea Riseborough.
What this means: Gleeson’s television work is sparse but deliberately chosen. Each TV role explores a dark or ambiguous psychological space, far from the heroic or comic tones of his film franchises.
Are Brendan Gleeson and Domhnall Gleeson related?
Father‑son relationship
Yes – Brendan Gleeson (born 1955) is Domhnall’s father. Brendan is one of Ireland’s most celebrated actors, known for roles in Braveheart, In Bruges, and the Harry Potter series as Alastor “Mad‑Eye” Moody. Domhnall has spoken about his father’s influence, especially the willingness to take on varied roles (Wikipedia).
Other family members in acting
Domhnall’s brother Brian Gleeson is also an actor. He has appeared in Peaky Blinders, Assassin’s Creed, and Logan Lucky. The Gleesons form a notable Dublin acting dynasty, though Domhnall and Brian have not shared the screen in a major project. The pattern: while carrying a famous surname, Domhnall has built a distinctly separate career defined by genre‑hopping rather than trading on family reputation.
Who did Domhnall Gleeson play in Harry Potter?
Bill Weasley character details
Gleeson portrayed Bill Weasley, the eldest child of Arthur and Molly Weasley. Bill works as a curse‑breaker for Gringotts Wizarding Bank and has a rebellious, adventurous streak. He marries Fleur Delacour, a French witch introduced in Goblet of Fire (Apple TV).
Appearances in Deathly Hallows
Bill appears in both Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010) and Part 2 (2011). In part 1, he hosts the wedding of Bill and Fleur, which is attacked by Death Eaters. In part 2, he participates in the final Battle of Hogwarts. Gleeson’s role was relatively small but memorable, especially the scarred look after a werewolf attack. The implication: even a supporting role in the Harry Potter franchise became a springboard; within five years Gleeson was the lead in an Alex Garland sci‑fi and a villain in the biggest film series on the planet.
Is General Hux Bill Weasley?
Character comparison: General Hux vs Bill Weasley
| Aspect | General Hux (Star Wars) | Bill Weasley (Harry Potter) |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise | Star Wars sequel trilogy | Harry Potter series |
| Morality | Villainous, fanatical | Heroic, protective |
| Key trait | Obsessive loyalty to the First Order | Bravery and loyalty to family |
| Screen time | Supporting across 3 films | Cameo in 2 films |
| Iconic line | “The First Order will prevail!” | “I’m Bill Weasley, by the way.” |
Six categories, one pattern: Gleeson deliberately picks opposite ends of the moral spectrum. The range between a cold‑blooded fascist and a warm‑hearted big brother is enormous.
Same actor, different franchises
Yes – Domhnall Gleeson played both. This is one of the most common trivia questions among fans, because the physical transformation (red hair for Bill, severe military uniform for Hux) and the polar‑opposite personalities make it hard to connect the two roles (Wikipedia). The catch: while both characters belong to massive franchises, Hux gave Gleeson a chance to play a genuinely menacing figure at a global scale, whereas Bill Weasley was a beloved supporting character. Together, they showcase his chameleon‑like adaptability.
Is Domhnall Gleeson Irish?
Nationality and background
Yes, Domhnall Gleeson is Irish. He was born in Dublin, Ireland and holds Irish nationality (Rotten Tomatoes).
Early life in Dublin
Gleeson grew up in the Malahide area of Dublin. His father, Brendan, was a teacher before turning to acting full‑time. Domhnall attended Dublin’s Belvedere College and later studied Media Arts at the Dublin Institute of Technology. His first screen appearance was in the BBC miniseries Rebel Heart (2001), a war drama set during the Irish War of Independence (Apple TV). Why this matters: unlike many Irish actors who moved to London or Los Angeles early, Gleeson built his early résumé in Ireland and the UK, which gave him a distinctive acting foundation.
Timeline: Career milestones
- 2001 – TV debut in Rebel Heart (Apple TV)
- 2006 – Tony nomination for The Lieutenant of Inishmore (Wikipedia)
- 2010 – First major film role as Bill Weasley in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (Apple TV)
- 2013 – Leads About Time and stars in Black Mirror “Be Right Back” (Wikipedia)
- 2015 – Career peak: Ex Machina, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Revenant, and Brooklyn (Wikipedia)
- 2018 – Voices Peter Rabbit in Peter Rabbit (voice acting debut)
- 2022 – Stars in the FX series The Patient
- 2023 – Co‑leads Alice & Jack
Confirmed facts vs. what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Birth date and place: May 12, 1983, Dublin, Ireland (Rotten Tomatoes)
- Family: son of Brendan Gleeson, brother of Brian Gleeson (Wikipedia)
- Major roles: Bill Weasley, General Hux, Caleb in Ex Machina, Tim in About Time (Wikipedia)
- Tony nomination in 2006 (Apple TV)
What remains unclear
- Exact net worth (not publicly disclosed)
- Future projects after 2024 (no official announcements)
- Personal relationship status (kept private)
- BAFTA Rising Star nominee (2016) – not independently confirmed
The trade‑off: Gleeson shares personal life sparingly, which means fans know his characters far better than the man himself. That’s a deliberate choice that keeps the focus on his craft.
For a more detailed look at his career, check out Domhnall Gleesons complete filmography which includes every role from his early days to his latest projects.
Frequently asked questions
What is Domhnall Gleeson’s most acclaimed movie?
Critics consistently highlight Ex Machina (2015) as his finest work. The film holds a 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes and earned an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.
How many films has Domhnall Gleeson acted in?
As of 2024, he has appeared in over 30 feature films, plus short films and voice roles.
Is Domhnall Gleeson married?
He is in a long‑term relationship with artist Juliana Erskine, but the couple has not publicly announced a marriage.
What is Domhnall Gleeson’s height?
He is approximately 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in).
Has Domhnall Gleeson directed any projects?
Yes, he wrote and directed the short film What Will Survive of Us (2009) (Apple TV).
What are Domhnall Gleeson’s upcoming projects?
As of mid‑2024, no projects have been officially announced.
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For any actor who wants to build a career that spans both galaxy‑sized blockbusters and intimate chamber dramas, Gleeson’s path is the blueprint: take the franchise money, then use the leverage to make the films that matter. For fans, the recommendation is clear — catch Ex Machina and About Time if you haven’t, then watch The Patient to see how far his range extends.