Aidan Gillen

About

Irish actor Aidan Gillen is a versatile and critically acclaimed performer who has made his mark in both film and television. With a career spanning over three decades, Gillen is best known for his roles in popular TV shows such as Queer as Folk, The Wire, and Game of Thrones. Hailing from Dublin, Gillen began acting at a young age and has since worked his way up the ranks to become one of the most respected actors of his generation.

In this profile, we will take a closer look at Gillen’s life and career, from his early beginnings in Dublin to his current status as a leading man on both the big and small screens.

Early Life and Career of Aidan Gillen

From Dublin to London: Gillen’s Childhood Years

Aidan Gillen was born on April 24, 1968, in Drumcondra, a suburb of Dublin, Ireland. He grew up in a family of four siblings and attended St. Vincent’s C.B.S. in Glasnevin. Gillen’s parents were both nurses, and they raised their children with a love for the arts.

When Gillen was still a teenager, his family moved to London, England, where he spent most of his formative years. In London, Gillen became interested in acting, and he joined the local drama group.

Breaking into Acting: Gillen’s First Roles

Gillen’s first acting role was in the 1992 film “”The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne.”” He played the role of James Madden, a young man who becomes infatuated with the film’s title character, played by Maggie Smith. This was a minor role, but it gave Gillen his start in the film industry.

After this first role, Gillen continued to find work in film and television. He appeared in a variety of projects, including “”Circle of Friends”” and “”Ballykissangel.”” However, it wasn’t until the late 1990s that he would truly break out in the industry.

Breaking Out with Queer as Folk and The Wire

Gillen’s Acclaimed Performance in Queer as Folk

In 1999, Gillen landed the role of Stuart Jones in the British television series “”Queer as Folk.”” The show was groundbreaking for its depiction of gay men and their lives in Manchester, England. Gillen’s character, Stuart, was a complex and often controversial figure, but his performance earned him critical acclaim.

Gillen’s Role in The Wire as Tommy Carcetti

After “”Queer as Folk,”” Gillen landed another career-defining role. He played Tommy Carcetti in the acclaimed HBO series “”The Wire.”” Carcetti was a young and ambitious politician who sought to bring change to the city of Baltimore. Gillen’s performance was praised for its nuance and depth, and it helped to further establish him as a talented and versatile actor.

The Role of Petyr “”Littlefinger”” Baelish on Game of Thrones

Introduction to the Character and Gillen’s Casting

In 2011, Gillen was cast as Petyr “”Littlefinger”” Baelish in the popular HBO series “”Game of Thrones.”” Littlefinger was a scheming and manipulative character who played a key role in the show’s complex political intrigue. Gillen’s casting was widely praised by fans of the book series on which the show was based.

The Evolution of Littlefinger Across Eight Seasons

Over the course of eight seasons, Gillen’s portrayal of Littlefinger evolved and became increasingly complex. He was sometimes seen as a villain, but he also had moments of tenderness and vulnerability. Gillen’s performance was a highlight of the show, and his character’s fate in the final season was a major point of discussion among fans.

Other Notable Film and Television Roles

Gillen’s Role in the Blockbuster Maze Runner Film Series

In addition to his work on “”Game of Thrones,”” Gillen has appeared in a variety of other film and television projects. One notable role was in the “”Maze Runner”” film series, in which he played the character Janson.

Gillen’s Role in the Acclaimed Film “”Bohemian Rhapsody””

Gillen also appeared in the 2018 biopic “”Bohemian Rhapsody,”” about the life of Freddie Mercury and the rock band Queen. He played the role of John Reid, the band’s manager. The film was a critical and commercial success, and once again, Gillen’s performance was praised by critics.

Behind the Scenes: Aidan Gillen as a Writer and Director

Known for his captivating performances on screen, Aidan Gillen has also made a name for himself behind the scenes as a writer and director.

One of Gillen’s most notable projects as a writer and director is the short film “”The Good Man”” which he wrote, directed, and starred in. The film received critical acclaim and was screened at several film festivals, including the Tribeca Film Festival.

Gillen also directed and co-wrote the 2013 film “”Still,”” a thriller about a man who becomes obsessed with a woman he meets on the street. The film received positive reviews for its tense and atmospheric storytelling.

Awards and Recognition for Aidan Gillen

With over three decades of acting experience under his belt, Gillen has been recognized for his outstanding work in film and television.

In 2011 and 2012, Gillen was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for his role as Petyr “”Littlefinger”” Baelish in the hit HBO series “”Game of Thrones.”” He also received critical acclaim for his performance in the 2014 film “”Calvary,”” for which he won the Irish Film and Television Award for Best Supporting Actor.

In addition to his nominations and awards, Gillen has been praised by his peers for his versatile and nuanced performances, cementing his status as one of Ireland’s most talented actors.

Personal Life and Philanthropic Work

While Gillen tends to keep his personal life out of the public eye, he has been open about his involvement in several charities and non-profit organizations.

Gillen has been a vocal supporter of the Irish charity Fighting Blindness, which aims to find a cure for retinal degenerative diseases. He has also been involved with the Irish Hospice Foundation, a charity that provides palliative care to terminally ill patients.

Gillen is also a passionate advocate for environmental causes, having spoken out in support of renewable energy and sustainable living practices.

Future Projects and Career Plans

With several high-profile projects on the horizon, Gillen shows no signs of slowing down in his career.

He is set to star in the upcoming British-American drama series “”Kin,”” which follows a crime family in Dublin. Gillen will also appear in the upcoming film “”Rose Plays Julie,”” a psychological thriller about a young woman who seeks out her birth mother.

Looking to the future, Gillen has expressed interest in continuing to challenge himself with new and diverse roles, while also exploring his passion for writing and directing.Throughout his career, Aidan Gillen has proven himself to be a versatile and dynamic performer, bringing to life a wide range of complex and memorable characters. His talent and dedication have earned him numerous accolades and a devoted following of fans. As he continues to take on exciting new projects, there is no doubt that Gillen will remain a force to be reckoned with in the world of acting, and we look forward to seeing what he will bring to the screen in the years to come.

FAQ

What was Aidan Gillen’s breakout role?

Aidan Gillen’s breakout role was playing Stuart Jones in the groundbreaking British TV series Queer as Folk, which aired in 1999.

What is Aidan Gillen’s most famous role?

Aidan Gillen is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Petyr “”Littlefinger”” Baelish on the hit HBO series Game of Thrones, which aired from 2011-2019.

Has Aidan Gillen worked as a writer and director?

Yes, Aidan Gillen has dabbled in writing and directing. He wrote and directed the short film “”The Good Man”” in 2012 and directed the feature film “”Still”” in 2014.

What upcoming projects does Aidan Gillen have?

As of 2021, Aidan Gillen has several projects in the works, including the film “”Rose Plays Julie”” and the TV series “”Kin””.”

Last Updated: 2nd April 2023