“A director once told me it takes 30 years to become an actor. I believe that. You have to learn the craft, but you also have to live and experience. If you stick around long enough and have enough creative hunger, there comes a point where people recognize you.”

These are the words of Cillian Murphy, uttered in 2017 during the promotional tour for the film “Free Fire.” Back then, the script for “Oppenheimer” — the film that would catapult the Irish actor to the pinnacle of fame — had not yet even begun to take shape.

A Slow-Burn Ascent to Recognition

“Oppenheimer” marked the end of a label that had followed Cillian Murphy throughout much of his career: that he was one of the most underrated, underappreciated actors in Hollywood. For three decades, he worked across blockbusters and indie films, transitioning seamlessly from screen to stage. He’s been nominated for a Golden Globe and has captured the hearts of countless fans with his portrayal of the “British phantom.” And he achieved all this with a relentless persistence, yet also with a mysterious retreat from the spotlight.

From the rugged coastlines of Ireland to the hallowed hills of Hollywood, Murphy’s journey is one that defies the glitz and glamour traditionally associated with stardom. Few would believe that the latest Oscar winner for Best Actor — an introverted, soft-spoken performer — once dreamed of becoming a rock star. During his youth, Cillian Murphy and his brother Páidi formed a band, inspired by the sounds of Frank Zappa and The Beatles.

Yet a failed record deal, a bungled attempt at law school, and a transformative experience watching a stage adaptation of “A Clockwork Orange” nudged Murphy onto the path of acting.

A Reluctant Actor Finds His Calling

Murphy’s first role came in the stage play “Disco Pigs,” where he embodied a rebellious teenager. Reflecting on those early days, Murphy once said, “I was incredibly arrogant and had nothing to lose, and it suited the role perfectly.”

Touring across Europe and North America with the “Disco Pigs” crew, Murphy caught the attention of director Danny Boyle, who was looking for a lead actor for his zombie-themed film “28 Days Later.”

Playing Jim in “28 Days Later” became Murphy’s breakthrough role, launching him into Hollywood’s consciousness. From then on, the Irish actor used his talent to carve out a unique niche in the film industry. He pursued diverse and challenging roles, from playing a transgender woman in “Breakfast on Pluto” — a performance that earned him a Golden Globe nomination — to reuniting with Boyle in “Sunshine,” and participating in the Palme d’Or-winning “The Wind that Shakes the Barley.”

And then, of course, there’s “Peaky Blinders,” where Murphy, over the course of a decade, sculpted the complex, sharp-witted, and deeply flawed character of Tommy Shelby, captivating audiences worldwide.

But the moment that triggered the chain of events leading to Murphy’s Oscar win was his opportunity to audition for Bruce Wayne/Batman in Christopher Nolan’s “Dark Knight” trilogy. While Nolan ultimately decided Murphy wasn’t quite right for Batman, he saw something else:

“There’s an electricity that emanates from this guy. The producers were impressed enough to let me cast him as Scarecrow. Previous Batman villains had been played by stars like Jack Nicholson and Arnold Schwarzenegger. It’s a testament to his raw talent.”

Acting on Instinct or Instinctual Acting?

Was it this “raw” talent that brought Cillian Murphy to where he is today? Not entirely.

To embody J. Robert Oppenheimer, Murphy underwent meticulous preparation for six months. He watched Oppenheimer’s lectures to capture the physicist’s tone and gestures. He adhered to a strict diet, smoked, and drank to lose over 10 kilograms, achieving a physique that matched the father of the atomic bomb.

The preparation didn’t stop once filming began; Murphy would often isolate himself from his co-stars in the evenings to prepare for the next day’s shoot.

Yet, Murphy has never labeled himself a method actor. He believes his acting comes from instinct.

“I think instinct is the most powerful tool for an actor. Nothing is predetermined. So you shouldn’t have a plan for how you’re going to act. I like that. It’s like an emotional buffet where you’re free to choose.”

Ask anyone — fans or, if possible, actors and directors who have worked with Cillian Murphy — and you’ll hear praises filled with admiration for the deep blue eyes of the artist.

Instinct may be Murphy’s most potent tool, but his eyes, capable of shifting from angelic to devilish in mere seconds, have helped the Irish actor portray many compelling villains on screen.

The Lure of Darkness

Critic Manohla Dargis of The New York Times once observed that Murphy is perfect for villainous roles because he has “eyes so blue they could freeze water and a wolfish stare brimming with menace.”

Most of Murphy’s roles, from Tommy Shelby to J. Robert Oppenheimer, are heavy and demand physical and emotional sacrifice. Yet, it seems these are precisely the types of roles that ignite Murphy’s artistic passion.

“I’ve always been interested in gloom, ambiguity, guilt. To me, that’s drama. That’s where real emotions are explored.”

The Reluctant Star: A Quiet Life Away from the Limelight

Cillian Murphy’s introversion is perhaps as well-known as his body of work. Throughout the press tour for “Oppenheimer,” the internet was often entertained by clips showing the actor’s discomfort during interviews.

The truth is, Murphy has always been this way. Unlike most of his peers, he has never been interested in fame. He doesn’t linger too long on the red carpet. He rarely watches the movies he stars in. And he particularly dislikes discussing his performances; before 2010, Murphy even refused to appear on talk shows.

“It’s like what actress Joanne Woodward once said: Acting is like sex, just do it, don’t talk about it.”

This desire to escape the limelight is so intense that Murphy and his family left London — not exactly a celebrity hotspot like Hollywood — to return to the quieter confines of Dublin, Ireland’s capital.

Here, Murphy leads a quiet life, reading books, watching films, listening to music, or taking the family dog for walks on the beach. He limits himself to one film per year and admits he isn’t worried about being out of work while waiting for a quality script.

Perhaps Cillian Murphy is living the life that many Hollywood stars claim to desire. He retreats from the chaos, enjoys life, yet doesn’t fear losing work because he knows Hollywood needs him and they know where to find him.

This lifestyle seems to be a secret ingredient in Murphy’s acting formula.

“Logically, the less people know who you are, the easier it is to convince them you’re playing someone else.”

“I Don’t Want to Change the World”

It takes 30 years to become an actor. That’s what Cillian Murphy was told. “I’ve been [acting] for 27 years. So, I’m almost there.”

What is success here when he already has the most prestigious award in the film industry? Which role will make Cillian Murphy acknowledge he has truly become an actor if not Oppenheimer?

But there’s a bit of irony: Oppenheimer, the character that brought Cillian Murphy to the height of fame, is one of the most influential figures in world history. Murphy himself acknowledged this in his Oscar acceptance speech. Yet about himself, he humbly said:

“I just want to do my job the best I can, and if that can impact someone, then that’s great. I don’t want to change the world.”

Cillian Murphy’s journey is a testament to the quiet strength and patience required to navigate the tumultuous waters of Hollywood. It’s a story of a man who, through sheer will, talent, and a bit of fate, found himself at the pinnacle of his craft — all while maintaining a rare humility and grace in an industry that so often lacks both.