Brendan Gleeson, a versatile Irish actor, director, and producer, has built a career that spans decades and features more than 100 acting credits. As of 2025, his estimated net worth stands at $8 million. Gleeson’s most notable role came from portraying Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody in the Harry Potter film series, though his career has extended far beyond that. He won an Emmy Award for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in the 2009 HBO film Into the Storm, and his role as Bill Hodges in Mr. Mercedes (2017-2019) solidified his standing in the television world. Gleeson has also acted in numerous films, including Braveheart (1995), The General (1998), In Bruges (2008), and Calvary (2014).
Early Life and Background
Born on March 29, 1955, in Dublin, Ireland, Brendan Gleeson grew up in a family with a deep connection to the arts. His father, Frank Gleeson, and mother, Pat Gleeson, supported his interests. His brother, Barry, pursued a career in music. Brendan showed a love for reading early on and later attended St. Joseph’s CBS, where he became involved in the school’s drama group. Gleeson pursued Irish and English at University College Dublin, earning a degree and subsequently teaching these subjects at Catholic Belcamp College. His passion for acting eventually led him to quit teaching in 1991 to focus fully on his acting career.
In a 2014 NPR interview, Gleeson opened up about an early traumatic experience, sharing that he was sexually abused by a Christian Brother while attending primary school. Although he described the incident as brief and not overtly traumatic at the time, it marked an early part of his life.
Early Acting Career
Before making his mark in film, Gleeson gained valuable experience on stage with the Passion Machine Theatre Company. He participated in several plays, including Brownbread and Home, and even wrote and directed The Birdtable and Breaking Up. His first significant film appearance came in the 1990 feature The Field. He went on to secure roles in numerous TV movies like Saint Oscar (1991) and The Treaty (1991). Gleeson appeared in films such as Far and Away (1992), Into the West (1992), Michael Collins (1996), and Lake Placid (1999).
Gleeson’s breakout role came in 1995 when he starred as Hamish Campbell in Braveheart. He continued to rise in prominence with his portrayal of Martin Cahill in The General (1998), a role that earned him critical acclaim. These performances set the stage for his career in major Hollywood productions.
Hollywood Success and International Recognition
By the early 2000s, Gleeson’s acting career had firmly rooted itself in both European and American cinema. In 2000, he co-starred in Mission: Impossible 2, which was a commercial hit grossing over $546 million. This role was followed by his appearances in films like The Tailor of Panama (2001), A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001), and 28 Days Later (2002). In 2002, he played Walter “Monk” McGinn in Gangs of New York, a film directed by Martin Scorsese. The following year, he portrayed Stobrod Thewes in Cold Mountain, another successful film that cemented his place in the industry.
Gleeson’s role as Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) turned him into a household name, leading to appearances in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010). The Harry Potter series became one of the highest-grossing film franchises in history, with a total box office revenue of $7.7 billion.
Continued Success and Television Work
Brendan Gleeson’s career remained robust throughout the 2010s. He earned a Golden Globe nomination for his role in In Bruges (2008) and went on to receive several accolades for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in Into the Storm. Gleeson continued to explore a diverse range of roles, starring in Green Zone (2010), The Guard (2011), Safe House (2012), and Edge of Tomorrow (2014). In 2014, he starred in Calvary, a film for which he won a BAFTA Award.
From 2017 to 2019, Gleeson starred as Bill Hodges in Mr. Mercedes, a role that marked his transition into a prominent television presence. This crime drama, based on Stephen King’s work, spanned three seasons and was praised for his complex performance.
In addition to his film work, Gleeson starred in The Comey Rule (2020), where he portrayed former President Donald Trump, a performance that earned him a Golden Globe nomination. He also appeared in the comedy series State of the Union (2022).
Personal Life and Interests
Brendan Gleeson has been married to Mary Weldon since 1982, and the couple has four sons: Brian, Domhnall, Fergus, and Rory. His son Domhnall is also an actor, best known for playing Bill Weasley in the Harry Potter series. The Gleeson family all appeared together in the 2012 TV movie Immaturity for Charity.
Outside of acting, Gleeson is an avid fan of Aston Villa Football Club and enjoys playing the mandolin and fiddle. He also has a strong interest in Irish folklore, which reflects his deep-rooted connection to his heritage.
Recognitions and Awards
Over the course of his career, Brendan Gleeson has accumulated numerous awards and nominations. In 2009, he won a Primetime Emmy Award for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in Into the Storm. He also earned several Golden Globe nominations for roles in In Bruges (2009), The Guard (2012), and The Comey Rule (2021).
Gleeson has been nominated for a variety of other prestigious awards, including BAFTAs, British Independent Film Awards, and Satellite Awards. He has received accolades for both his film and television performances, including Best Actor awards from festivals such as the Valladolid International Film Festival and the Boston Online Film Critics Association. Additionally, he was honored with a Career Achievement Award at the Dublin International Film Festival in 2008.
A Legacy of Versatility
Brendan Gleeson’s extensive career, spanning film, television, and theater, has made him one of Ireland’s most celebrated actors. His ability to shift seamlessly between roles in dramas, comedies, and thrillers has earned him a reputation for versatility. Whether playing a formidable wizard in Harry Potter, a troubled police officer in Mr. Mercedes, or the iconic Churchill in Into the Storm, Gleeson has continually proven his craft and commitment to his art.
As of 2025, Gleeson’s net worth of $8 million reflects not only his acting talent but also his dedication to storytelling across different media. With numerous accolades and an ever-growing legacy, Brendan Gleeson remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. His work continues to fascinate audiences worldwide, ensuring that his influence will be felt for many years to come.
