The Best Irish Actors of All Time
Sure, Colin Farrell is a handsome bad boy, but what about all those other great Irish actors? This list of the best Irish actors of all time reaches back in film history to rank the greatest male actors to have ever hailed from Ireland. Hollywood just wouldn't be the same without Lawrence of Arabia and a whole bunch of James Bond films, and those movies wouldn't be what they were without a few of the top Irish actors ranked here.
Who are the best Irish actors ever? The land of Erin has given the world many good actors, who have played iconic roles, been part of blockbuster and classic films, and represented Ireland on the big screen for decades. Great classic Irish actors like Peter O'Toole and Richard Harris are listed here, along with more modern talents like Liam Neeson, Colin Farrell, and Pierce Brosnan. Think of your favorite movie, and there just might be a good Irish actor starring as the leading man.
This list features the top Irish actors of all time including Peter O’Toole,  Liam Neeson, Noel Purcell, Tony Doyle, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Pierce Brosnan, Richard Harris, and Colin Kenny. Don't see your favorite actor from the Eire? Add him below so other film fans can vote. Then, be sure to vote and rerank the list according to who you think are the best Irish actors to have ever graced the screen.- 1The Dark Knight Rises, Batman Begins, Schindler's List
- Birthplace: Ballymena, Northern Ireland, UK
With a career spanning over four decades, Liam Neeson is known for his compelling performances and strong presence in both action and dramatic films. He gained international fame for his portrayal of Oskar Schindler in the critically acclaimed film Schindler's List. Neeson continues to captivate audiences with his versatility as an actor, taking on a variety of roles from historical figures to formidable action heroes.
- 2The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises, Batman Begins
- Birthplace: Douglas, Cork, Ireland
Irish actor Cillian Murphy first garnered attention for his breakthrough performance in the film 28 Days Later. With striking blue eyes and sharp features, Murphy has proven to be a chameleon on the screen, transforming into complex characters in various genres, including thriller, drama, and science fiction. Notable films include Batman Begins, Inception, and his role as Tommy Shelby in the hit TV series Peaky Blinders.
- 3Gangs of New York, The Last of the Mohicans, There Will Be Blood
- Birthplace: England, London
Widely recognized as one of the greatest actors of his generation, Daniel Day-Lewis is renowned for his meticulous attention to detail when preparing for roles. This method actor has won three Academy Awards for Best Actor for his portrayals in My Left Foot, There Will Be Blood, and Lincoln. Day-Lewis announced his retirement from acting in 2017, leaving behind an impressive legacy of unforgettable performances.
- 4Gladiator, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
- Birthplace: Limerick, Republic of Ireland
The late Richard Harris was an esteemed actor known for his powerful presence on both stage and screen. A native of Ireland, he appeared in numerous critically acclaimed films throughout his career, including This Sporting Life, Camelot, and A Man Called Horse. In his later years, he captivated a new generation of fans with his portrayal of Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films.
- 5Braveheart, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Gangs of New York
- Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland
Known for his commanding presence and extraordinary talent, Irish actor Brendan Gleeson is lauded for his memorable roles in films such as Braveheart, The General, and In Bruges. Often cast as morally ambiguous characters, Gleeson's versatility has allowed him to excel in both comedic and dramatic roles. His ability to fully embody each character has earned him praise from audiences and critics alike.
- 6Lawrence of Arabia, Ratatouille, Prometheus
- Birthplace: Connemara, Galway, Ireland
Having starred in many memorable films throughout his five-decade-long career, Peter O'Toole is often considered one of the finest actors of all time. He received widespread acclaim for his role as T.E. Lawrence in the epic film Lawrence of Arabia and went on to receive a total of eight Academy Award nominations throughout his career. O'Toole continued to grace both stage and screen with his powerful performances until his retirement in 2012.
