Barry Keoghan is getting real about the challenges he faced growing up in foster care and how it shaped his life. The 32-year-old actor, known for his standout roles in films like The Banshees of Inisherin and The Batman, recently joined James Corden on SiriusXM’s This Life of Mine, where he reflected on the emotional toll of his childhood and its lingering effects.
During the conversation, James asked Barry to explain foster care to listeners unfamiliar with the system, especially regarding the length of time spent with different families.
Barry shared, “Two years was one. And you know, as a kid, you don’t know what’s going on. You’re basically attaching to anyone who’ll show you some sort of, you know…these people are taking you because they want to look after you and help your journey, but they become your family. You arrive and like, this is it. And then you get took and you go to another one, and that starts to affect you, you know, as you grow up and wherever.”
The actor delved deeper into the emotional aftermath of constantly moving between homes, particularly the trust issues that developed over time. “You don’t trust the process of anything,” he explained. “You have a problem with attachment and abandonment. All of these things that I’ve been working on for many years with several therapists. You know, all these moments in your life, like being a father and growing up and having your first movie premiere and all of these things. It just comes back and knocks on the door.”
Barry admitted that his upbringing made it difficult for him to trust relationships and connections with others. “Never trusted love, never trusted that someone wanted to know me or, let’s say, be a friend, for instance,” he revealed. “You know, I always kind of questioned it. You’re hard-wired differently. You have to really be aware and be honest and be brutally honest with yourself and, you know, to work on these things.”
Now a father himself, Barry acknowledged that raising his own child has brought these issues into sharper focus. He reflected on the challenges of navigating parenthood without a personal blueprint to follow. “And then having a child myself, you know, these things come into play, and like, what do I show my child?” he said. “Usually, people have something to draw from. You know, they have a blueprint or they have some sort of experience from their father. But I had none.”
Despite the hurdles, Barry’s honesty about his experiences shines a light on the resilience he’s cultivated over the years. By openly sharing his journey, he’s not only working through his own challenges but also inspiring others who may be facing similar struggles. His reflections offer a raw and heartfelt reminder of the lasting impact of childhood experiences and the ongoing work it takes to heal and grow.
