Alert – Barry Keoghan reveals he is ‘forever grateful’ to his driver for taking him to rehab – as actor talks his family’s struggles with drug addiction

Barry Keoghan has revealed he is ‘forever grateful’ to his driver Niall for taking him to rehab during a time of struggle. 

The actor, 32, opened up about the special bond he shares with Niall, who got on a plane with him to make sure he got to a rehabilitation facility in England. 

Barry told Hollywood Authentic: ‘Niall literally drove me and put me on a plane himself, came with me and brought me to the rehab in England.

‘I went back to visit. It was nice to see the staff again, and for them to see the change in me. 

‘They were quite emotional about it. I’m forever grateful. When I say that Niall is the best, I mean it, because no one else put me on the plane, by the hand, literally got on the plane with me.’

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Barry Keoghan, 32, has opened up on his and his family’s struggles with drug addiction over the years [Pictured this month]

Barry has starred in a number of series and films including the hugely popular Peaky Blinders and Top Boy [Pictured March 2025]

Barry also shared his family’s experience with rehab, including his mother – who died from heroin addiction 20 years ago – and his brother, who has also been in treatment.

Speaking about a treasured diary of his late mother, Barry quoted one entry which read: ‘Well, tonight went okay for me so I hope I have the strength to not touch anything tomorrow.’ 

He added: ‘I got to read that at Christmas. I sent a picture to my brother, because he was in rehab over Christmas. I sent him that picture of her last page. I said “Just look at that. You’ve got a chance now.” You can feel the pain in this.’

As well as losing his mother at a young age, Barry’s uncle passed away after battling a drug addiction, while various other family members including his father also suffered with the vice.

Barry said: ‘I had an uncle, Alan – he passed away. Heroin. 

‘He was my nannie’s boy. He was very present for us for a good few years. He was my mum’s brother. But he passed away. He was only 40, he had an overdose.

‘I’m not in denial anymore. I understand that I do have an addiction, and I am an addict. You know, when you accept that, you finally can move on, and learn to work with it.

The Irishman lost his mother to heroin addiction some 20 years ago, as well as his uncle [Pictured this month]

Barry played Tadgh in the fifth series of top boy, an Irish drug dealer in London 

‘My father passed away as a result of similar and I lost my mum to it. I’ve lost two uncles and a cousin to drugs.’

Barry’s heart-breaking revelation comes after he was confirmed as one of four cast members set to play The Beatles in four upcoming biopics releasing in 2028. 

It was announced in March that Barry will be playing Ringo Starr, although the drummer leaked the news himself a few months earlier.

Speaking about the project with Entertainment Tonight, the 84-year-old said: ‘I think it’s great. I believe he’s somewhere taking drum lessons, and I hope not too many.’ 

Barry recently had the opportunity to meet The Beatles legend, but admitted he was star-struck and struggled to maintain eye contact with Ringo.

He told Jimmy Kimmel on his show: ‘I met him at his house, and he played the drums for me.

‘He asked me to play, but I wasn’t playing the drums for Ringo.’

Jimmy asked Barry whether he was able to ‘study’ Ringo and whether he was watching him to see what he could absorb.

During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel, Barry spoke about his experience meeting Ringo Starr

The Saltburn actor is playing The Beatles drummer in four upcoming biopics 

‘I was,’ Barry confirmed, adding, ‘And when I was talking to him, I couldn’t look at him

‘I was nervous, like right now. But he’s like, “You can look at me.”‘ 

Despite being nervous, Barry did stress that Ringo was ‘absolutely lovely’ and that they sat in the garden ‘chatting away.’

‘My job is to observe and kinda taken in mannerisms and study him,’ Barry added. ‘I want to humanize him and bring feelings to it and not just sort of imitate.’