Brendan Gleeson Speaking Fee: $150,000 to $200,000

Brendan Gleeson is an Irish actor and director renowned for his compelling performances across film, television, and theater. Born in Dublin on March 29, 1955, he initially pursued a career in education, teaching English and Irish at Belcamp College. His transition into acting was encouraged by his wife, Mary Weldon, and he made his professional debut in the early 1980s with the Passion Machine Theatre Company. Gleeson later studied at University College Dublin and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, honing his craft before embarking on a full-time acting career in 1991. Gleeson's film career began in his mid-30s, and he quickly gained recognition for his portrayal of Martin Cahill in The General (1998), a role that earned him critical acclaim. He went on to appear in over 60 films, including notable titles such as Braveheart (1995), Gangs of New York (2002), Cold Mountain (2003), 28 Days Later (2002), and Troy (2004). His performance as Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody in the Harry Potter series further solidified his status in the industry. In 2022, Gleeson received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in The Banshees of Inisherin. In addition to his film work, Gleeson has made significant contributions to television, portraying Winston Churchill in Into the Storm (2009), a role that earned him a Primetime Emmy Award. He also starred in the crime series Mr. Mercedes (2017–2019) and portrayed Donald Trump in The Comey Rule (2020). His recent projects include roles in Joker: Folie à Deux (2024) and the upcoming Spider-Man Noir series. Beyond acting, Gleeson is a talented musician with a deep appreciation for Irish folklore. He plays the fiddle and mandolin, and has incorporated his musical skills into several film roles. He resides in Malahide, County Dublin, with his wife, Mary, and their four sons, two of whom—Domhnall and Brían—are also actors. Gleeson's enduring career is a testament to his versatility and dedication to his craft.