Domhnall Gleeson Net Worth

Domhnall Gleeson is an acclaimed Irish actor known for his roles in critically and commercially successful films such as About Time, Unbroken, Frank, and Ex Machina. 

As the son of esteemed Irish actor Brendan Gleeson, acting talent runs in the family for him.

He has starred as pivotal characters in major franchises, including Bill Weasley in the final two Harry Potter films and General Armitage Hux in the recent Star Wars sequel trilogy.

This article will explore Gleeson’s background, most noteworthy roles, earnings to date, and what upcoming parts might add to his bank account.

Domhnall Gleeson’s net worth and early appearances in theatre

Gleeson now boasts a comfortable $7 million net worth accumulated from high-paying parts in critically and commercially successful films like About Time, Unbroken, and Star Wars Episode VII.

But before becoming a highly sought-after film actor, Gleeson paid his dues on stage and in minor roles. After graduating from Dublin’s School of Drama, he began directing and writing for theatre and film projects in the early 2000s. 

His first on-screen role came in 2001 with the British miniseries Rebel Heart. Over the next few years, he began accumulating small parts in movies like the 2005 horror-comedy Boy Eats Girl while continuing to act and direct for the stage. 

Domhnall Gleeson in ‘Peter Rabbit’ (Source: USA Today)

One of Gleeson’s first breakthrough theatrical performances was in the Broadway production of The Lieutenant of Inishmore in 2006, for which he received a Tony Award nomination at just 23 years old. 

More acclaimed stage roles followed, including starring in the Gate Theatre’s Great Expectations and American Buffalo productions in 2007. The following year, he wrote and starred in the Irish comedy sketch show Your Bad Self, which was later developed into a TV series.

The string of theatre and TV roles laid the foundation for Gleeson’s eventual film success. Though he started in bits and shorts, his talent and pedigree as the son of Irish actor Brendan earned him consideration for more prominent roles. 

Domhnall Gleeson’s career in film and television

Gleeson has become ubiquitous across film and television over the past decade. Though he acted in movies and TV shows earlier in the 2000s, his breakout role came as Bill Weasley in 2010’s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.

This high-profile part opened the door to roles in critically acclaimed films like True Grit, Frank, and Ex Machina through the mid-2010s. 

His movie career reached new heights when he entered another one of the world’s biggest blockbuster franchises alongside Harry Potter, which is Star Wars – in 2015, The Force Awakens and The Revenant. 

Domhnall Gleeson starred as Bill Weasley in the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise (Source: Reddit)

His menacing turn as First Order general Armitage Hux displayed his talent for eviller characters. He has since reprised this role in several Star Wars sequels while branching into more comedic parts in the movies Peter Rabbit and A Futile and Stupid Gesture.

More recently, Gleeson has expanded into top TV roles. After an early career doing Irish TV shows and comedy sketches, he co-created and starred in the Channel 4 sitcom Frank of Ireland in 2021. 

This paved the way for his acclaimed performance as serial killer Sam Fortner in the 2022 Hulu limited series The Patient, for which Gleeson received Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice nominations. He also portrayed John Dean in 2023’s White House Plumbers. 

With major annual film appearances, growing television roles, and theatre acting sprinkled in, Gleeson has emerged as an adaptable, ubiquitous star across big and small screens.

Domhnall Gleeson’s feelings on having a famous father:

Gleeson has had an interesting relationship with his father, Brendan’s fame and success as an actor. Early in his acting career, he was reluctant to act alongside his father out of concern that he would be perceived as getting roles simply for being Brendan’s son. 

He worried about constantly facing a “father-son thing” and assumptions that his father had gotten him jobs. However, over time, he has come to terms with both the benefits and drawbacks of being the son of a celebrated actor. 

He acknowledges that having a famous father provided him insider access and opportunities in the film industry that other young actors don’t get. 

But he also notes that success is never guaranteed, even with connections. There are many examples, he says, of children of Hollywood stars who wanted to act but didn’t make it.

While Gleeson feels privileged by the trust and faith placed in him due to his name, he points out he has still worked extremely hard for every role. 

Domhnall Gleeson with his father, Brendan Gleeson (Source: Dublin Live)

He also highlights other privileges, like living rent-free into his 20s, that allowed him to focus on acting instead of working side jobs. According to Gleeson, this financial stability mattered just as much to his eventual rise as his father’s reputation.

So, while he doesn’t apologize for or deny his father’s integral, continuing positive impact on his career, he wants full credit for grinding through tough, lean years and fighting for each part through countless auditions. He sees nepotism as one factor among many in play. 

And having witnessed Brendan’s career ups and downs firsthand growing up, Gleeson knows lasting success as an actor is never preordained.

Domhnall Gleeson’s upcoming projects

In early 2023, it was revealed that Gleeson was set to star alongside Julianne Moore and Sydney Sweeney in the thriller Echo Valley. 

He will play a local criminal named Jackie who forces himself into Moore’s character Kate’s life and reveals secrets about her family. The film comes from BAFTA-winning director Michael Pearce and Mare of Easttown creator Brad Ingelsby. 

Gleeson is also attached to the Channel 4 and PBS Masterpiece television series Alice & Jack, co-starring Andrea Riseborough. 

The show is billed as a “love story for the ages” about characters Alice and Jack, played by Riseborough and Gleeson, and whether their powerful connection can withstand life’s complexities. 

It is created and written by Mad About You writer Victor Levin and brings together several major production companies.

So, with both a major film and TV project lined up over the next year or two, Gleeson looks quite busy. The endlessly working actor seems sure to continue taking on compelling, complex roles alongside A-list talent across both the big and small screens. 

Between the highly pedigreed Echo Valley and Alice & Jack, these subsequent Gleeson appearances have the potential to generate more acclaim.