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Charlie Murphy (Actress)
Charlie Murphy (born April 19, 1988) is a famous Irish actress who has become a household name thanks to her amazing talent. Most people know her as the brave Ann Gallagher from the hit BBC show Happy Valley (2014–2023). But that’s just one part of her story. She first became a star in Ireland playing Siobhán in the gritty drama Love/Hate, a role that won her several Best Actress awards.
Over the years, Charlie has worked in everything from stage plays to massive Hollywood-style shows. You might recognize her as the revolutionary Jessie Eden in Peaky Blinders or as Makee in the sci-fi series Halo. Even in 2026, she is staying busy with new lead roles in shows like Safe Harbor and Atomic, proving she is one of the hardest-working actresses today.
On the personal side, 2025 and 2026 have been very special for Charlie. She lives in London with her partner, the British director Sam Yates. After a long and difficult two-year journey with IVF, the couple was thrilled to welcome their first baby in June 2025. Charlie’s honesty about her struggles to become a mom has made her even more loved by her fans. Today, she successfully balances her life as a new mother with her flourishing career on screen.
Enniscorthy, County Wexford, Ireland
| Full Name | Charlie Murphy |
| Date of Birth | November 30, 1987 |
| Place of Birth | Enniscorthy, Ireland |
| 2026 Age | 38 Years Old |
| Height | 1.62 m (5 ft 4 in) |
| Parents | Brenda Murphy, Pat Murphy |
| Children | 1 |
| Known For | Peaky Blinders, Happy Valley, Love/Hate |
| Notable Roles | Halo, Obsession, Peaky Blinders |
| Net Worth | Estimated $3 Million – $5 Million |
| Spouse / Partner | Sam Yates |
| Years Active | 2010–present |
| Awards | IFTA Awards winner |
Career
Charlie Murphy has showcased her talent across theatre, television, and film. Renowned for her versatility, she notably portrayed Siobhán Delaney in the RTÉ drama series Love/Hate, earning acclaim that culminated in winning Best TV Actress at the 2013 Irish Film and Television Awards. Her stellar performance also garnered her the title of Best Actress in a Lead Role at the 2015 Irish Film and Television Awards.
Her remarkable acting prowess extends beyond the small screen. In 2017, Murphy clinched two IFTA Awards for her exceptional portrayals. She earned recognition as Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her compelling performance as Ann Gallagher in the BBC One drama series Happy Valley. Subsequently, in 2018, she triumphed in the same category for her portrayal of Jessie Eden in the BBC One historical crime drama series Peaky Blinders.
In the realm of theatre, Murphy’s talent shines brightly. Her portrayal of Eliza Doolittle in Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw at the Abbey Theatre earned her the prestigious Irish Times Irish Theatre Award. Additionally, her compelling performance as Mairead in The Lieutenant of Inishmore by Martin McDonagh, under the direction of Michael Grandage, earned her a nomination for Best Actress in a Play at the 2019 WhatsOnStage Awards.
Charlie Murphy’s Top Movies and TV Shows (Peaky Blinders to Halo)
Charlie Murphy has built a reputation as one of Ireland’s most versatile talents, consistently choosing high-stakes dramas and complex characters. While she has a diverse filmography, her latest role as Makee in the Halo TV series (2022–2024) brought her massive international recognition, showcasing her ability to lead a big-budget sci-fi franchise.
For many fans, her most iconic performance remains Jessie Eden in the hit historical crime drama Peaky Blinders. Her portrayal of the real-life communist activist became a pivotal part of the show’s middle seasons. Additionally, her role as the resilient Ann Gallagher in Happy Valley earned her critical acclaim and solidified her status as a household name in British and Irish television.
Looking ahead, 2025 and 2026 are set to be even bigger years for the actress. She is currently starring as Sloane Walsh in the thriller series Safe Harbor and has a supporting role as Laetitia in the upcoming project Atomic. Below is a quick-reference list of her most essential work to date.
Personal Life: Is Charlie Murphy Married?
While many fans often search for “Charlie Murphy’s wife” (frequently confusing the Irish star with the late American comedian), the actress is not married. She has, however, reached several beautiful personal milestones recently. Charlie has been in a long-term, committed relationship with her partner, Sam Yates, since 2019. Yates is a highly respected British theater and film director, known for his work on projects like Agatha Christie’s Towards Zero. In a heartfelt update for 2026, the couple recently celebrated a new chapter in their lives after welcoming their first child together in mid-2025.
The couple’s journey to parenthood was a brave and public one. Charlie has been incredibly open about their two-year struggle with IVF, describing the experience as an intense “emotional and financial gamble.” Her honesty has resonated with fans, transforming her from a screen icon into a relatable figure for many families navigating similar paths. The family currently resides in London, where they moved into a shared home during the pandemic. Despite her growing international fame from her latest roles in Halo and Safe Harbor, Charlie remains deeply connected to her Irish roots. One of six siblings, she frequently credits her large family in Wexford for keeping her grounded amidst the success of her various movies and tv shows.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Charlie Murphy
Key facts, career highlights, and personal life of the Irish actress
She is also widely praised for her performance as Ann Gallagher in Happy Valley. Her powerful acting in these series has earned her multiple Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) awards.
The Irish actress Charlie Murphy is not related to American comedian Eddie Murphy or his late brother Charlie Murphy. She was born in Enniscorthy, County Wexford, Ireland, and holds Irish nationality.
In a heartwarming update for 2026, Charlie Murphy and her fiancé, director Sam Yates, welcomed their first child in June 2025. She has spoken openly about her journey to motherhood, including her experience with IVF.
She is also featured in the upcoming project Atomic and recently completed her acclaimed run as Makee in the hit TV series Halo.
As of 2026, her estimated net worth ranges between $3 million and $5 million, earned through major roles in international hits like Peaky Blinders, Happy Valley, and Obsession.
Film and Television
| Year | Title | Role | Film / TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | The Clinic | Natasha Halpin | TV series |
| 2010 | Single-Handed | Mairead O’Sullivan | TV series |
| 2010–2014 | Love/Hate | Siobhan Delaney | TV series |
| 2012 | Misfits | Grace | TV series |
| 2013 | Philomena | Kathleen | Film |
| 2013 | Ripper Street | Evelyn Foley | TV series |
| 2013–2014 | The Village | Martha Lane / Martha Allingham | TV series |
| 2014 | ’71 | Brigid | Film |
| 2014 | Northmen: A Viking Saga | Inghean | Film |
| 2014 | Quirke | Deirdre Hunt | Mini-series |
| 2014–2023 | Happy Valley | Ann Gallagher | TV series |
| 2015 | The Last Kingdom | Iseult | TV series |
| 2016 | To Walk Invisible | Anne Brontë | Film |
| 2016 | Rebellion | Elizabeth Butler | Mini-series |
| 2017 | The Foreigner | Maggie Dunn / Sara McKay | Film |
| 2017–2019 | Peaky Blinders | Jessie Eden | TV series |
| 2019 | The Corrupted | DS Gemma Connelly | Film |
| 2019 | Dark Lies the Island | Sarah | Film |
| 2020 | The Winter Lake | Elaine | Film |
| 2022 | Halo | Makee | TV series |
| 2022 | Deadline | Natalie | TV series |
| 2022 | The Capture | Simone Turner | TV series |
| 2023 | Obsession | Anna Barton | TV series |
| 2025–2026 | Safe Harbor | Sloane | TV series (Main Role) |
Stage
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 4:48 Psychosis by Sarah Kane | Woman |
| 2010 | The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare | Bianca |
| 2011 | The Seagull by Anton Chekhov | Nina |
| 2011 | This is Our Youth by Kenneth Lonergan | Jessica |
| 2011 | The Silver Tassie by Sean O’Casey | Jessie Taite |
| 2011 | Big Maggie by John B. Keane | Katie |
| 2011 | Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw | Eliza Doolittle |
| 2011 | Disco Pigs by Enda Walsh | Runt |
| 2014 | Our Few and Evil Days by Mark O’Rowe | Adele |
| 2016 | Arlington by Enda Walsh | Isla |
| 2017 | Arlington by Enda Walsh | Isla |
| 2018 | The Lieutenant of Inishmore by Martin McDonagh | Mairead |
Songs
| Year | Title | Artist |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Ye Watan Tumhara Hai | Various |
Awards
2011 – Irish Times Theatre Awards – Eliza Doolittle in Pygmalion at Abbey Theatre → Won
2013 – Irish Film and Television Awards – Love/Hate → Won
2015 – Irish Film and Television Awards – Love/Hate → Won
2017 – Irish Film and Television Awards – Happy Valley → Won
2018 – Irish Film and Television Awards – Peaky Blinders → Won
2019 – WhatsOnStage Awards – Maraid in The Lieutenant of Inishmore → Nominated
Gallery
