Barry Keoghan’s journey into fatherhood has been marked by joy, a newfound sense of responsibility, and challenges, particularly as he navigates public scrutiny and the demands of a successful acting career. Since welcoming his son, Brando, with ex-girlfriend Alyson Sandro in August 2022, the Irish actor has been candid about the impact of fatherhood on his life.
Fatherhood on Set
Keoghan’s first taste of balancing work and fatherhood came while filming Saltburn. Reflecting on the experience, he humorously described getting a single day off for Brando’s birth before diving back into night shoots and feedings. “Good ol’ Brando,” he quipped in a January 2024 GQ interview, playfully noting how the newborn phase kept him “tired.”
A Lasting Impact on His Life
Keoghan has expressed deep love and admiration for his ex, Sandro, whom he described as an “incredible mother.” He also shared how Brando has altered his outlook on life, calling fatherhood “breathtaking” in a December 2022 Flaunt magazine interview. “I mean, you literally can’t be selfish,” he explained, acknowledging the sacrifices and shifts in perspective that parenting requires.
Passing Down Life Lessons
Despite his own lack of a father figure growing up, Keoghan is determined to build a loving bond with Brando. While he acknowledges he has no “blueprint” for fatherhood, he emphasizes that pure love will guide him. In a September 2024 interview with Entertainment Weekly, he noted that “love is pure, and so I’m not on about that, but I’m on about little stuff like teaching your son this or teaching your daughter that.”
Facing Online Criticism
As Keoghan’s fame has grown, so has public curiosity about his private life—especially regarding his relationship with Brando. On a September 2024 episode of The Louis Theroux Podcast, he addressed accusations of being a “deadbeat dad” and expressed frustration with social media’s harsh narratives. “I’m not an absent father,” he stated emphatically, adding that he’s chosen to stop posting Brando’s photos online to protect his son from online trolls.
A Nod to Marlon Brando
Keoghan’s admiration for the legendary actor Marlon Brando inspired his son’s name. “Imagine that, for a name!” he joked, envisioning Brando Keoghan with a “rock-star attitude” and a motorbike by age twelve. The name reflects Keoghan’s hopes for his son to embody independence and strength.
Keeping Brando’s Future Open
When asked about Brando potentially following in his acting footsteps, Keoghan shared a balanced approach. He’s ready to support any path his son might choose, but doesn’t want to “brainwash” him into acting. “I think it’s exciting to see where he ventures,” he told PopSugar in October 2022, signaling an open-minded approach to parenting.
From the challenges of fatherhood to setting boundaries with the public, Barry Keoghan’s journey highlights his dedication to his son, his willingness to learn, and his resolve to protect Brando from unwelcome scrutiny. As he navigates his roles on-screen and in real life, Keoghan’s focus remains firmly on the bond he’s building with Brando.
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