Current age and profile overview
As of 2025, Brendan Gleeson is 69 years old. He was born on 29 March 1955 in Dublin, Ireland, and remains an active figure in film and television. This profile explains his age in the context of his career timeline, major credits, and ongoing work, drawing on publicly available records and authoritative biographies.
Career milestones that contextualize his age and experience
Gleeson turned to acting later than many peers, focusing first on teaching before committing fully to theatre and then screen. His breakout screen performance arrived with "I Went Down" (1995). Since then he has built a portfolio of leading and character roles spanning independent films, major studio productions, and prestige television, demonstrating sustained relevance across decades.
Key film credits
- The General (1998)
- Braveheart (1995)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
- Calvary (2014)
- The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)
Notable television work
- Game of Thrones (2011–2014, 2019)
- Mr. Mercedes (2017–2019)
- Cold Courage (2020–2022)
Timeline of key age-related career events
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | I Went Down released | Breakthrough Irish film role |
| 1998 | The General released | Major critical recognition; Irish Times Irish Film Award |
| 2005 | King Arthur and The Cooler released | Shift toward prominent Hollywood character work |
| 2011–2014, 2019 | Game of Thrones (Conan the Valiant) | Global audience reach and sustained profile |
| 2014 | Calvary released | Career high point in dramatic performance |
| 2022 | The Banshees of Inisherin | Contemporary leading performance, widespread acclaim |
Age in relation to roles and casting perception
Gleeson’s age has shaped but not limited his opportunities. He often plays authoritative, paternal, or morally complex characters, leveraging a lifetime of presence and vocal control. Casting directors value his ability to convey steadiness, weariness, and wit within a single performance. His sustained work across varied genres reflects how age can expand, rather than restrict, typecasting patterns when paired with continued skillful choices.
Industry recognition and standing
Over his decades-long career, Gleeson has earned multiple awards and nominations, including Irish Film and Television Awards, European Film Award nominations, and recognition at major festival circuits. His consistent presence in both intimate dramas and large-scale productions underscores a durable reputation for professionalism and depth, independent of any single role or era.
Context for public curiosity about age
Interest in Brendan Gleeson’s age typically arises from observing long careers and wondering about ongoing relevance. In an industry often focused on younger performers, his continued leading work offers a counterpoint example grounded in craft and consistency. Understanding his career arc and key works clarifies how age intersects with opportunity and audience expectations over time.