Cillian Murphy, the acclaimed Irish actor, is not only known for his remarkable talent, but also for his commitment to family and his down-to-earth nature. Throughout his successful career, Murphy has garnered numerous awards and accolades, captivating audiences with his performances both on the big screen and in television series.
Behind his success stands his steadfast pillar of support – his wife, Yvonne McGuinness. Despite the allure of Hollywood, Murphy consciously chose to remain rooted in London, where he resided with his wife. This decision highlighted his values and priorities, emphasizing the importance of being close to his loved ones.
“I don’t need to live in Los Angeles. I’d be tremendously far away from my family. I’d never see them. I love living in London,” Murphy expressed. His commitment to proximity with his loved ones was evident when his breakout performance in “28 Days Later” led to the opportunity to film “The Wind That Shakes the Barley.” Rather than being separated from his family, Murphy chose to stay home in Cork, Ireland.
During this time, his wife McGuinness was pregnant with their first child. To support her, the couple decided to stay with Murphy’s parents, creating a comforting family environment during McGuinness’s pregnancy while allowing Murphy to balance his work and family responsibilities.
In 2015, with two boys in tow, Murphy and McGuinness made the decision to return to their roots in Ireland. Leaving behind their home in London, the couple desired for their children to experience childhood close to their grandparents and the calming influence of the sea.
“We wanted them to be Irish, I suppose,” Murphy explained. Despite his filming commitments, McGuinness would stay with the children, occasionally even contributing ideas to Murphy’s work. One such contribution was the suggestion to adapt Claire Keegan’s captivating novella, “Small Things,” which ultimately led to the successful production of the movie “Small Things Like These.”
Their journey together began over two decades ago when McGuinness joined Murphy on tour for his first movie, “Disco Pigs.” Reflecting on that time, Murphy fondly recalled, “It was so exciting, 20 years ago or whatever it was – we were all just kids, trying to find our way – but such a special, special time.”
Despite Murphy’s recent label as the “Internet’s Boyfriend,” he remains deeply in love with his wife, even though the public’s opinions about her have been varied. While some have made critical comments about her appearance, others appreciate her natural beauty and admire her privacy.
McGuinness, an accomplished visual artist, values her privacy and prefers to remain out of the limelight. Recently, the couple made a rare public appearance at the Golden Globe Awards, where Murphy was recognized for his outstanding achievements. Despite the attention, Murphy remains grounded, attributing much of his stability to McGuinness.
For him, maintaining a normal lifestyle amidst his celebrity status is crucial. He uses public transportation, runs errands, and does everyday tasks, highlighting the importance of living like a regular person in order to portray real people on screen.
Receiving awards for his exceptional performances, Murphy consistently expresses gratitude to his wife and children, emphasizing their impact on his journey. Being together for two decades has been the most important aspect of his life, as they have provided him with a secure and solid space amidst the challenges of his career.
“To have a really secure solid space is important. It’s been really important for me. You have to have that safe place, I certainly do,” Murphy expressed. And while he acknowledges the difficulties of balancing work and family life, he remains grateful for his wife’s understanding and support.
Cillian Murphy and Yvonne McGuinness are a testament to the strength of their bond and the importance of family. With their unwavering support for each other and their dedication to raising their children with pride in their Irish heritage, they continue to conquer both the silver screen and their personal lives with grace and integrity.
