“I believe she’s here with me on this journey.”
Barry Keoghan has opened up about the lasting impact of his late mother while appearing on the latest episode of Living With Lucy, where he spoke candidly with Lucy Kennedy about his childhood and the role his mum still plays in his life.
Reflecting on his memories of her, the Dublin-born actor shared how people who knew her often spoke fondly about her beauty and presence.
@virginmedia_television "I believe she's here with me on this journey." ❤️ Lucy chatted to 26-year-old Barry Keoghan about his mother & how he feels her in his life. Living With Lucy | Stream now on Virgin Media PLAY 📺 #livingwithlucy #barrykeoghan #peakyblinders #TheBansheesOfInisherin ♬ original sound - Virgin Media Television
“I’ve got great memories. She was gorgeous. She was 6 foot, long black hair. That’s where I get my looks.'
'I always heard stories when people would talk about her, any aul lads that would say: ‘Ah your mother was gorgeous in our day!’”
When Kennedy told him that she must be proud of everything he has achieved, Keoghan said he believes she is still with him in spirit.
“I know she is. Before and after every audition I say a little prayer, just because you want that little push before you go in, or even when you're in the room. Whatever you're going through. I really do feel it. I believe she’s with me through this journey.”
The actor has spoken openly in the past about the loss of his mother Debbie, who died when he was 12 years old after struggling with heroin addiction. Her death came during a difficult period in Keoghan’s childhood, when he and his brother Eric spent years moving between foster homes across Dublin before eventually being taken in by their grandmother and aunt.
Despite the hardship, Keoghan has often said he holds onto positive memories of his mum and remains proud of her. In earlier interviews, he explained that her passing helped shape his determination to succeed, saying he never wanted his background to define his future.
Since those early struggles, Keoghan has gone on to become one of Ireland’s most recognisable acting talents. After first gaining attention in the RTÉ crime drama Love/Hate, his international breakthrough came with roles in Dunkirk and The Killing of a Sacred Deer.
In recent years his profile has continued to grow, with standout performances in films such as The Batman, Eternals, and The Banshees of Inisherin, which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
More recently he attracted global attention for his role in the dark comedy thriller Saltburn.
The actor has also appeared in the war drama series Masters of the Air, while several major projects are on the horizon as his career continues to go from strength to strength.
Barry Keoghan is also set to appear in the upcoming Peaky Blinders follow-up film, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, which continues the story of Tommy Shelby, played again by Cillian Murphy. The film moves the timeline forward into the Second World War, with Keoghan joining the franchise as Duke Shelby — Tommy’s illegitimate son, whose complicated relationship with his father becomes a central part of the story.
Looking further ahead, Keoghan has also landed one of the biggest roles of his career in Sam Mendes’ ambitious Beatles biopic project, titled The Beatles – A Four-Film Cinematic Event. In the series of interconnected films — scheduled for release in April 2028 — Keoghan will portray Ringo Starr, starring alongside Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, and Joseph Quinn as George Harrison. Each film will focus on the perspective of one band member, telling the story of The Beatles’ rise and legacy from four different viewpoints.
Through it all, Keoghan says the memory of his mother remains a constant source of support — particularly during the moments that matter most, like stepping into an audition room.
For the Irish star, those quiet prayers before a performance are more than habit — they are a reminder of the person he believes is still guiding him along the way.
