Who is Aidan Gillen?
Aidan Gillen is an Irish actor probably best known for his role as Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish in the HBO series “Game of Thrones” (2011-2017), and as Janson in the “Maze Runner” franchise, in addition to numerous other roles he’s had during his career.
What is Aidan Gillen doing today?
In recent years, Aidan has continued his television career. He’s portrayed Milo Sunter, the main character in the TV series “Mayor of Kingstown” (2021-2023), a key figure in the McLusky family, who run the prison town of Kingstown, co-starring Jeremy Renner. In the TV series “Kin” (2021-2023), Aidan Gillen plays the main role of Frank Kinsella. The show revolves around a crime family called the Kinsellas, based in Dublin, Ireland. Frank Kinsella is a respected and feared member of the family who navigates the dangerous world of organized crime.
Moreover, he starred in the crime-drama film “Barber” as private investigator Val Barber, hired by a wealthy widow to find her missing granddaughter.
Aidan Gillen Wiki: Age, Childhood, and Education
Aidan Murphy was born on 24 April 1968, in Dublin, Ireland, the youngest of six children to Patricia and Denis Murphy. Gillen embarked on his acting journey during his teenage years, becoming a member of the National Youth Theatre at the age of 14. At 16, he portrayed the character of Nick Bottom in a production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the Project Arts Centre. Due to the name Aidan Murphy already being taken, he adopted his mother’s maiden name as his stage name, and in 1987 at the age of 19, he relocated to London.
Career Beginnings
Aidan began his screen career in the mid-’80s with an appearance in the short film “The Drip” (1985). Two years later, he appeared in the film “The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne”, and in 1988, he had a minor role in the film “The Courier”.
He continued in the same fashion in the early ’90s, securing minor roles in several projects. In 1992, Aidan appeared in the television film “An Ungentlemanly Act”, in which he portrayed Marine Wilcox, based on true events that depicted the Argentine invasion of the Falkland Islands. The following year, Gillen took on the role of Tony in the television film “A Handful of Stars”. Set in Dublin, the film explores the lives of young people grappling with various challenges and aspirations.
Then in 1996, Aidan was cast as Gerard Quigley in the film “Some Mother’s Son”; directed by Terry George, the movie tells the story of the 1981 hunger strike in Northern Ireland’s Maze Prison – Quigley is one of the hunger strikers who protest against the British government’s policy regarding political prisoners. The film also starred Helen Mirren, Fionnula Flanagan, and John Lynch.
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Posted by Aidan Gillen on Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Three years later, Gillen portrayed Francis in the film “Buddy Boy”; directed by Mark Hanlon, the psychological thriller follows the life of a socially isolated and disturbed young man named Francis (played by Aidan Gillen), who lives a reclusive existence, documenting the sinful activities of his neighbors with a hidden camera. As the story unfolds, Francis becomes increasingly entangled in a complex web of desire, guilt, and violence.
Before the decade ended, Aidan portrayed the central character of Stuart Alan Jones in the ground-breaking television series “Queer as Folk”. Created by Russell T Davies, the show follows the lives and relationships of a group of gay men living in Manchester, England, co-starring Craig Kelly, Charlie Hunnam, Denise Black, Andy Devine and Anthony Cotton. Gillen’s character is a charismatic and confident advertising executive who enjoys a promiscuous and hedonistic lifestyle.
The 2000s
He started the 2000s rather successfully, starring as Carver Doone in the television film “Lorna Doone”. Based on the classic novel by R.D. Blackmore, the film depicts a romantic tale set in the 17th century English county of Devon, co-starring Amelia Warner and Richard Coyle. The following year he was Glenn Taylor in the mini-series “Dice”, inspired by the novel “The Dice Man” by Luke Rhinehart, about a charismatic psychology teacher who manipulates people to live how the dice rolls – it co-starred Martin Cummins, Gina McKee and Fred Ward.
Rise to Stardom
From 2004 to 2008, Aidan Gillen portrayed the character Thomas J. “Tommy” Carcetti in the critically acclaimed television series “The Wire”. Created by David Simon, the crime drama delves into the interconnected web of crime, law enforcement, and politics in the city of Baltimore. Carcetti is initially introduced as a young and ambitious city councilman who aspires to become the mayor of Baltimore. Throughout the series, Gillen’s portrayal of Carcetti showcases the character’s evolution from an idealistic politician to a morally compromised figure, as he navigates the complex world of politics, corruption, and personal ambition.
In 2008, Aidan Gillen played the role of Karl in the television drama film “Blackout”. Directed by Nick Hurran, the story revolves around Daniel Demoys, played by Christopher Eccleston, who leads a double life as a family man and a corrupt council official.
The following year, Gillen appeared in the action-thriller film “12 Rounds”, directed by Renny Harlin, portraying Miles Jackson, a cunning and manipulative criminal mastermind in the film that follows the story of a detective played by John Cena, who engages in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game with Miles Jackson after his girlfriend is kidnapped.
In 2010, Aidan starred in two TV series – Gillen portrayed Phil Hendricks across six episodes in “Thorne”, a crime drama series based on the novels by Mark Billingham, featuring Detective Inspector Tom Thorne, played by David Morrissey. Hendricks is a complex and enigmatic pathologist who assists Thorne in solving murder cases.
John Bloom; Identity pic.twitter.com/hw40Ix3s1V
— Aidan Gillen Fans (@thegilleners) May 19, 2021
In the series “Identity”, Gillen took on the role of DI John Bloom. The show revolves around a group of detectives specializing in identity theft, and the challenges they face in their investigations. Gillen’s character is a skilled and determined detective who delves into the intricacies of identity-related crimes. Gillen’s portrayal of Bloom showcased his ability to bring intensity and conviction to the screen, contributing to the suspenseful atmosphere of the series.
Concurrently, Gillen appeared in the Irish crime drama series “Love/Hate” from 2010 to 2011, portraying the character John Boy Power for ten episodes which follow the lives of a criminal gang operating in Dublin. Gillen’s character, John Boy Power, is a charismatic and ruthless gang leader.
Success with “Game of Thrones” as Littlefinger
From 2011 to 2017, Aidan Gillen portrayed the character Petyr Baelish, also known as Littlefinger, in 41 episodes of the critically acclaimed television series “Game of Thrones”. Based on George R.R. Martin’s fantasy novels, the show is set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, and features a complex web of political intrigue, power struggles, and battles for the Iron Throne.
Baelish is a cunning and manipulative character who operates behind the scenes, always seeking to further his own interests and ambitions. He’s known for his silver tongue, strategic maneuvering, and ability to play multiple sides. Littlefinger’s schemes and machinations have far-reaching consequences, impacting the trajectory of several major storylines. He shared the screen with such stars as Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington, Lena Headey, Maisie Williams and Sophie Turner, among others.
Continued Success
Aidan had several other notable roles while in “Game of Thrones”, and after the show ended, he continued his career successfully.
In 2013, Aidan Gillen starred in the television mini-series “Mayday”, in which he portrayed Everett Newcombe across five episodes. Then in 2015, he took on the role of Charles J. Haughey in the mini-series “Charlie”. The three-episode series depicts the life and political career of a controversial Irish politician who served as Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland. Gillen’s portrayal showcases his ability to delve into the complexities of real-life characters, and capture their mannerisms and charisma on screen.
The same year he starred in the second installment of the fantasy film series “Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials” as Janson. In “The Lovers” (2017), Gillen portrayed Robert, who is engaged in an extramarital affair with the wife of another couple.
In “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword” (2017), Gillen played Goosefat Bill, a member of Arthur’s loyal group of knights. The film is a reimagining of the Arthurian legend, directed by Guy Ritchie, and Gillen’s portrayal brings a mix of humor and ruggedness to his character.
From 2017 to 2019, Aidan Gillen appeared as Aberama Gold in the critically acclaimed series “Peaky Blinders”, an historical crime drama set in post-World War I Birmingham, England, and follows the rise of the Shelby crime family. Gillen’s character, Aberama Gold, is a charismatic and ruthless Irish gangster with a reputation for violence.
Gillen reprised his role as Janson in “Maze Runner: The Death Cure” (2018), the third installment in the “Maze Runner” film series.
In the highly acclaimed biographical film “Bohemian Rhapsody” (2018), Gillen portrayed John Reid, the manager of the band Queen, who plays a significant role in the rise of Queen to international fame and the personal and professional dynamics within the band.
Net Worth
According to authoritative sources, Aidan Gillen’s wealth is estimated at $8 million as of mid-2023.
Personal Life, Dating, Married, Wife, Children
Aidan was married to Olivia O’Flanagan from 2001 to 2015. They met when they were teenagers and had two children, Berry and Joe, born in 1997 and 2000.
Since 2017 he has been in a romantic relationship with singer Camille O’Sullivan.
Appearance and Body Measurements
Aidan Gillen has black hair and blue eyes. He stands at the height of 5ft 10ins (1.78m), weighs approximately 140lbs (70kgs), and his vital statistics are 41-14-33.