Irish actor born in Douglas, Co Cork, the oldest child. His father was a school inspector and his mother was a French teacher. He went on to study law at University College Cork, but dropped out after about a year, and played guitar for a few bands. Married to Yvonne McGuinness who Holds a Master of Arts degree from the Royal College of Art in London, and have two sons together, Malachy, and Aran, both born in London. Aran following his footsteps into acting.