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With piercing blue eyes and expressions that say more than words ever could, Cillian Murphy quickly became one of the most adored actors in Hollywood. Whether he is playing a transgender woman or delivering spine-chilling performances in Christopher Nolan’s blockbusters, he sure has a knack for pulling us into his world and keeping us there. His range is simply insane and let’s not even talk about the Irish charm that gets us all going!
Cillian Murphy as Dr. Jonathan Crane / Scarecrow in Batman Begins (2005) | Credits: Warner Bros. PicturesWhile Cillian Murphy had already established himself as a prodigy with films like 28 Days Later, Batman Begins, and Inception, it was the period drama Peaky Blinders that made him a household name. However, as the actor climbed the ranks thanks to his portrayal of the razor-wielding Thomas Shelby, there was something he just couldn’t get used to – being photographed all the damn time.
How the Peaky Blinders fame affected Cillian Murphy
A still from Peaky Blinders (2013-22) | Credits: BBCIt was almost explosive how Cillian Murphy’s fame rose thanks to Peaky Blinders and trust me, no one is complaining. From National Television Awards to TV Choice Awards, he grabbed one trophy after the other like they were his birthright. However, where there is a boon, there is a bane.
It didn’t take long for Murphy to become the world’s center of attention and he started feeling the effects of fame. While some may bask in the attention they get, Murphy is not one of them.
In an interview with Rolling Stone U.K., Murphy got candid about how fame can ruin day-to-day experiences where even something as mundane as walking down the street can turn into a big moment.
He stated,
[Fame] can ruin experiences, because it fetishizes everything: you can be walking down the street and someone takes a picture like this is a f*cking event. It kind of destroys nuance and human behavior, but that’s part and parcel of it. Fame evaporates with regularity.
He actually finds it pretty offensive, to be photographed. In his own words,
I don’t really partake. I don’t go out. I’m just at home mostly, or with my friends, unless I have a film to promote. I don’t like being photographed by people. I find that offensive. If I was a woman, and it was a man photographing me… No comment.
Well, it’s all a part of the package, isn’t it?
Despite his discomfort with fame, Murphy continues to captivate audiences with his unparalleled talent and soars to new heights with every project. We haven’t seen a man quite like him!
Cillian Murphy couldn’t be further from Thomas Shelby
Cillian Murphy as Thomas Shelby | Credits: BBCThomas Shelby is a man of pure swagger. Every step he takes, every word he speaks, is laced with authority and charm that gets the ladies swooning. From perfectly tailored suits to the iconic cigarette, he exudes a sense of effortless cool that commands attention wherever he goes.
And while the same can be said for Murphy, he doesn’t believe that there are any similarities between him and the fictional heartthrob. According to him, the attention he grabs on the streets is all part of the Shelby effect.
People expect him to be the mysterious swagger they see on their screens and he admits that they sometimes may be left underwhelmed. But that just means he did his job well!
In the end, Murphy believes he cannot be further from Thomas Shelby. He stated,
I think it’s the Tommy Shelby thing. People expect this mysterious, swaggering… it’s just a character. I do feel people are a little bit underwhelmed. That’s fine, it means I’m doing my job. ‘Peaky’ fans are amazing. But sometimes I feel a little sad that I can’t provide — like — that charisma and swagger. He couldn’t be further from me.
Well, Thomas or Murphy, we will take either one of those any day! Better yet, why choose when you can have both?
Peaky Blinders is available to watch on Netflix.
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