Byrne began his theatrical career with The Focus Theatre and The Abbey Theatre in Dublin before joining The Royal Court and the National Theatre in London. In 1981 he made his film debut in Excalibur and has made over 40 movies since, including the critically acclaimed Miller’s Crossing, The Usual Suspects, and Spider. In addition to acting, Byrne has also produced a number of movies including Into the West, In the Name of the Father and The Last of the High Kings, of which he was also a screenwriter. He has also written a book about his childhood in Ireland entitled Pictures in My Head.

Byrne is a well-known Human Rights activist and was deeply involved with getting Amnesty’s Imagine campaign running. In fact, it was his inspiration, after hearing his niece's school choir perform Imagine, that led Amnesty International's USA office to approach Yoko Ono with the idea for the campaign. Byrne is also a treasured patron of Croi, The West of Ireland Cardiology Foundation.

Photo credit: © 2002 Digital Hit Entertainment

www.amnestyusa.org/imagine/

www.croi.ie/