Oscar-nominated Irish actor Barry Keoghan was almost impossible to recognise while filming on location in Dublin this past Saturday. The 33-year-old star, known for his roles in Saltburn and The Banshees of Inisherin, appeared completely transformed for his latest project.
A Striking On-Set Transformation
Gone were Barry Keoghan's signature shaven dark locks. In their place, the actor sported a head of long, ginger curls, marking a dramatic departure from his usual appearance. He was seen wearing pyjama bottoms on set, fully immersed in his character, who is named Josh. This radical new look is for the forthcoming low-budget film titled Lemonade.
The project is being directed by Kim Barley and features a cast of Irish talent including Lewis Brophy, Connie Doona, and Graham Earley. Filming is currently taking place in Dublin, a location notably distant from the neighbourhood where Keoghan himself was raised.
The Deeply Personal Story Behind 'Lemonade'
Reports indicate that Lemonade will serve as a semi-autobiographical exploration of Barry Keoghan's own life, with a central theme focusing on the battle against drug addiction. This subject matter is profoundly personal for the actor.
Keoghan's mother, Debbie, tragically died from a heroin overdose when he was just 12 years old. He had no relationship with his father. In a 2024 episode of The Louis Theroux Podcast, Barry remembered his 'lovely, gorgeous' mother, sadly recalling how her addiction 'caught her'. 'That kind of haunts me still, you don't forget those things,' he confessed.
His childhood was tumultuous. As a result of his mother's addiction, Barry and his younger brother Eric entered the foster care system when he was five. The brothers lived in 13 different foster homes before eventually moving into their aunt and grandmother's two-bedroom flat.
Hollywood Fame and a Public Break-Up
Despite these early hardships, Barry Keoghan has risen to become a major Hollywood figure, catapulted to global fame by his standout role in Saltburn and his high-profile relationship with American singer Sabrina Carpenter. The pair met at Paris Fashion Week in September 2023 and dated until late 2024.
Over a year after their split, Sabrina Carpenter appeared to reference the relationship in a recent social media post. The singer reposted a TikTok on her page stating: 'It's been a tough year, but at least I didn't get back with my ex.' The clip notably featured her hit song 'Manchild', a track widely believed by fans to have been inspired by her relationship with Keoghan.
When pressed about which ex inspired 'Manchild' during an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Sabrina Carpenter deftly avoided answering, simply taking a long sip of beer on camera and letting the moment speak for itself.
As Keoghan throws himself into this deeply personal film role, his dramatic physical transformation mirrors the profound and challenging personal history he is drawing upon for his art.
