The 'Banshees of Inisherin' actor, who spent time in foster care, leverages his tumultuous childhood experiences to showcase pathways into the film industry for foster care children, aiming to inspire them to reach for greatness.
- June 4, 2024
AceShowbiz - Barry Keoghan, known for his roles in films like "Saltburn" and "The Banshees of Inisherin", recently showed his support for The Hazel Project, a child fostering organization in southeastern England. The actor was spotted wearing a branded hoodie from the organization, highlighting his personal connection to the cause.
Keoghan grew up in 13 foster homes with his brother Eric due to their mother's addiction struggles. He has openly discussed the challenges he faced, including the lack of stability and the pain of being continually moved around. However, he also acknowledges the love and care he received from some of his foster families.
This is not the first time Keoghan showed his support for foster care children. He previously hosted an exclusive event at Pinewood Studios, alongside the organization Actors Studio, to provide guidance and inspiration to young people interested in a career in the film industry.
"I want to show kids in care that there are opportunities for them," Keoghan said in May. "I want to inspire them to reach for their dreams and believe that they can achieve anything they set their minds to."
Diverse Care Fostering, a participating organization in the event, expressed their excitement about the opportunity for their children to learn from Keoghan's experiences and expertise.
"Barry has a firsthand understanding of the challenges our foster children face, and he is passionate about helping them realize their potential," a Diverse Care spokesperson said.
Actors Studio, which provides screen acting courses, added that Keoghan "is a role model for anyone who has ever faced adversity." The studio believes that his story and guidance can make a lasting impact on the lives of these young people.
Keoghan's latest film, "Bird", premiered to critical acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival. He has also received recognition for his work in "Dunkirk" and "Top Boy". Despite his success, the actor remains committed to using his platform to advocate for children in care and inspire their dreams.