Who is Barry Keoghan and why is he associated with "13 Reasons Why"?

Barry Keoghan is an Irish actor who rose to prominence for his portrayal of Conor in the 2016 film "The Killing of a Sacred Deer". He has since starred in a number of other films and television shows, including "Dunkirk" (2017), "American Animals" (2018), and "The Green Knight" (2021). In 2019, he joined the cast of the Netflix series "13 Reasons Why" for its third season, playing the role of Monty de la Cruz.

Keoghan's performance in "13 Reasons Why" was widely praised by critics, who noted his ability to bring depth and nuance to the character of Monty. Monty is a complex and troubled character, and Keoghan's portrayal captured the character's inner turmoil and vulnerability. Keoghan's performance helped to make Monty one of the most memorable characters in the series, and his presence in the show undoubtedly contributed to its success.

Name	Barry Keoghan
Date of Birth	18 October 1992
Place of Birth	Dublin, Ireland
Occupation	Actor
Years Active	2011present
Spouse	Shona Guerin (m. 2022)

Keoghan's performance in "13 Reasons Why" is just one example of his talent and versatility as an actor. He is a rising star in Hollywood, and he is sure to continue to impress audiences with his work in the years to come.

Barry Keoghan in "13 Reasons Why"

Barry Keoghan's portrayal of Monty de la Cruz in the Netflix series "13 Reasons Why" brought depth and nuance to a complex and troubled character. Here are six key aspects of Keoghan's performance that made it so memorable:

Vulnerability
Intensity
Range
Physicality
Chemistry
Impact

Keoghan's performance captured Monty's vulnerability, making the character relatable and sympathetic despite his flaws. He also brought intensity to the role, particularly in scenes where Monty is struggling with his emotions. Keoghan's range was on full display in his portrayal of Monty's transformation from a seemingly harmless jock to a manipulative and dangerous predator. He also used his physicality to great effect, creating a sense of unease and tension in his scenes. Keoghan's chemistry with his fellow cast members was also undeniable, particularly in his scenes with Alisha Boe, who played Jessica Davis. Finally, Keoghan's performance had a lasting impact on the series, helping to make "13 Reasons Why" one of the most talked-about and controversial shows on Netflix.

1. Vulnerability

Vulnerability is a key aspect of Barry Keoghan's performance as Monty de la Cruz in the Netflix series "13 Reasons Why". Keoghan's portrayal of Monty's vulnerability makes the character relatable and sympathetic despite his flaws. In a role that could easily have been one-dimensional, Keoghan brings depth and nuance to Monty, creating a character who is both menacing and pitiable.

Monty's vulnerability is evident in his relationships with other characters. He is desperate for approval from his peers, and he is easily manipulated by those who are more powerful than him. This vulnerability makes him susceptible to peer pressure, and it ultimately leads him to make some very bad decisions.

Keoghan's performance of Monty's vulnerability is particularly effective in scenes where Monty is alone. In these scenes, we see Monty's true self, and we understand the pain and insecurity that drives his behavior. Keoghan's portrayal of Monty's vulnerability is a reminder that even the most flawed characters are human beings with their own struggles and insecurities.

The connection between vulnerability and "13 Reasons Why" is significant because it highlights the importance of understanding the root causes of behavior. Monty's vulnerability is a major factor in his decision to bully and harass Hannah Baker, and it is ultimately what leads to her suicide. By exploring Monty's vulnerability, "13 Reasons Why" sheds light on the complex factors that can contribute to bullying and other forms of violence.

2. Intensity

In his portrayal of Monty de la Cruz in the Netflix series "13 Reasons Why", Barry Keoghan brings an intensity that is both captivating and unsettling. This intensity is evident in Monty's relationships with other characters, his actions, and his overall demeanor. Here are four key facets of Keoghan's performance that contribute to its intensity:

Emotional Volatility
Monty is a character who is constantly on edge. He is quick to anger and prone to violent outbursts. Keoghan captures this emotional volatility perfectly, creating a character who is both unpredictable and dangerous.
Physical Presence
Keoghan's physical presence is another key factor that contributes to the intensity of his performance. He is a tall and imposing figure, and he uses his physicality to great effect in his portrayal of Monty. Monty is often seen looming over other characters, and his physical presence creates a sense of unease and tension.
Keoghan's is another powerful tool that he uses to convey Monty's intensity. Monty often stares at other characters with a cold and calculating gaze. This creates a sense of intimacy and tension, and it makes the audience feel like they are being drawn into Monty's world.
Vocal Delivery
Keoghan's vocal delivery is also key to the intensity of his performance. He uses his voice to create a range of different effects, from soft and menacing to loud and aggressive. This vocal range helps to convey Monty's complex and volatile personality.

The combination of these four facets creates a performance that is both intense and unforgettable. Keoghan's portrayal of Monty de la Cruz is a masterclass in acting, and it is one of the main reasons why "13 Reasons Why" is such a successful and talked-about series.

3. Range

Barry Keoghan's performance as Monty de la Cruz in the Netflix series "13 Reasons Why" showcases his remarkable range as an actor. Keoghan is able to portray Monty's complex and contradictory nature with ease, creating a character who is both menacing and sympathetic.

Emotional Range
Keoghan is able to convey a wide range of emotions in his portrayal of Monty. Monty is often seen as a bully and a predator, but Keoghan also shows us Monty's vulnerability and insecurity. This emotional range makes Monty a more complex and well-rounded character.
Physical Range
Keoghan also uses his physicality to great effect in his portrayal of Monty. Monty is a physically imposing figure, and Keoghan uses his size and strength to create a sense of menace and danger. However, Keoghan also shows us Monty's vulnerability through his physicality. In one scene, Monty is seen crying in the shower, and Keoghan's portrayal of Monty's physical and emotional vulnerability is heartbreaking.
Vocal Range
Keoghan's vocal range is another key aspect of his performance. Monty is often seen shouting and screaming, but Keoghan also uses his voice to create more subtle effects. In one scene, Monty whispers a threat to Hannah Baker, and the effect is chilling. Keoghan's vocal range helps to create a complex and nuanced character.
Character Range
Keoghan has played a wide range of characters in his career, from the innocent and vulnerable Conor in "The Killing of a Sacred Deer" to the menacing and dangerous Monty in "13 Reasons Why". This range shows Keoghan's versatility as an actor and his ability to inhabit a variety of roles.

Keoghan's range as an actor is one of the main reasons why his performance in "13 Reasons Why" is so memorable. He is able to bring depth and nuance to a complex and contradictory character, and he creates a character who is both sympathetic and terrifying.

4. Physicality

Barry Keoghan's physicality is a key aspect of his performance as Monty de la Cruz in the Netflix series "13 Reasons Why". Keoghan uses his physicality to create a character who is both menacing and vulnerable. Here are four key facets of Keoghan's physical performance:

Height and Stature
Keoghan is a tall and imposing figure, which he uses to his advantage in his portrayal of Monty. Monty is often seen towering over other characters, and his physical presence creates a sense of unease and tension.
Facial Expressions
Keoghan's facial expressions are another key aspect of his physical performance. Monty is often seen with a cold and calculating expression, but Keoghan also shows us Monty's vulnerability and insecurity through his facial expressions. In one scene, Monty is seen crying in the shower, and Keoghan's portrayal of Monty's physical and emotional vulnerability is heartbreaking.
Body Language
Keoghan's body language is also key to his portrayal of Monty. Monty is often seen with his arms crossed or his fists clenched, which creates a sense of tension and aggression. However, Keoghan also shows us Monty's vulnerability through his body language. In one scene, Monty is seen curled up in a ball on the floor, and Keoghan's portrayal of Monty's physical and emotional vulnerability is heartbreaking.
Movement
Keoghan's movement is another key aspect of his physical performance. Monty is often seen moving in a predatory manner, and his movements create a sense of unease and tension. However, Keoghan also shows us Monty's vulnerability through his movement. In one scene, Monty is seen walking away from Hannah Baker after she has rejected him, and Keoghan's portrayal of Monty's physical and emotional vulnerability is heartbreaking.

Keoghan's physicality is a key aspect of his performance as Monty de la Cruz in "13 Reasons Why". He uses his physicality to create a character who is both menacing and vulnerable, and he brings depth and nuance to a complex and contradictory character.

5. Chemistry

Chemistry is a key element of Barry Keoghan's performance as Monty de la Cruz in the Netflix series "13 Reasons Why". Keoghan has great chemistry with his fellow cast members, particularly Alisha Boe, who plays Jessica Davis. This chemistry is evident in their scenes together, which are often intense and emotional. Keoghan and Boe are able to create a believable relationship between Monty and Jessica, and their chemistry helps to make the characters more relatable and sympathetic.

The chemistry between Keoghan and Boe is particularly important in the scenes where Monty and Jessica are exploring their relationship. In these scenes, Keoghan and Boe are able to convey the nuances of their characters' emotions. They show us the attraction between Monty and Jessica, as well as the challenges that they face in their relationship. Keoghan and Boe's chemistry helps to make these scenes believable and emotionally resonant.

The chemistry between Keoghan and Boe is also important in the scenes where Monty and Jessica are dealing with the fallout from Hannah Baker's suicide. In these scenes, Keoghan and Boe are able to convey the grief and pain that their characters are feeling. They show us how Monty and Jessica are struggling to cope with Hannah's death, and their chemistry helps to make these scenes emotionally powerful.

Overall, the chemistry between Barry Keoghan and Alisha Boe is a key element of his performance as Monty de la Cruz in "13 Reasons Why". Keoghan and Boe are able to create a believable and emotionally resonant relationship between Monty and Jessica, and their chemistry helps to make the characters more relatable and sympathetic.

6. Impact

Barry Keoghan's performance as Monty de la Cruz in the Netflix series "13 Reasons Why" had a significant impact on the show and its audience. Keoghan's portrayal of Monty was both menacing and sympathetic, and he brought depth and nuance to a character who could have easily been one-dimensional. Keoghan's performance helped to make Monty one of the most memorable characters in the series, and his impact on the show was undeniable.

One of the most important ways that Keoghan's performance impacted the show was by making Monty a more complex and sympathetic character. Monty is a bully and a harasser, but Keoghan's performance shows us that there is more to him than meets the eye. We see Monty's vulnerability and insecurity, and we understand that he is a product of his environment. Keoghan's performance helps us to empathize with Monty, even though we may not agree with his actions.

Keoghan's performance also had a significant impact on the audience. Many viewers were surprised by how much they came to care about Monty, and they were devastated by his death in the third season. Keoghan's performance helped to humanize Monty, and it made his death all the more tragic.

The impact of Keoghan's performance is a testament to his talent as an actor. He was able to create a complex and nuanced character that resonated with audiences. Keoghan's performance helped to make "13 Reasons Why" a more powerful and thought-provoking series.

FAQs about Barry Keoghan's Role in "13 Reasons Why"

Barry Keoghan's portrayal of Monty de la Cruz in the Netflix series "13 Reasons Why" was widely praised by critics and audiences alike. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Keoghan's role in the show:

Question 1: What was Barry Keoghan's role in "13 Reasons Why"?

Keoghan played the role of Monty de la Cruz, a high school jock and bully who is involved in the events leading up to and following the suicide of Hannah Baker.

Question 2: How did Keoghan prepare for the role of Monty?

Keoghan spent time researching the character of Monty and the issues of bullying and suicide. He also worked closely with the show's creators and other actors to develop a nuanced and believable portrayal of Monty.

Question 3: What was the most challenging aspect of playing Monty?

Keoghan has said that the most challenging aspect of playing Monty was finding the balance between making the character sympathetic and relatable while also portraying his darker side.

Question 4: How did Keoghan's performance impact the show?

Keoghan's performance was widely praised for its depth and nuance, and it helped to make Monty one of the most memorable characters in the series. Keoghan's portrayal also helped to shed light on the complex issues of bullying and suicide.

Question 5: What was Keoghan's favorite scene to film?

Keoghan has said that his favorite scene to film was the scene in which Monty confronts Bryce Walker about his involvement in Hannah Baker's death. Keoghan felt that this scene was a powerful and cathartic moment for his character.

Overall, Barry Keoghan's performance as Monty de la Cruz in "13 Reasons Why" was a tour de force that helped to make the show a critical and commercial success.

Conclusion

Barry Keoghan's portrayal of Monty de la Cruz in the Netflix series "13 Reasons Why" was a tour de force that helped to make the show a critical and commercial success. Keoghan's performance was widely praised for its depth and nuance, and it helped to make Monty one of the most memorable characters in the series. Keoghan's portrayal also helped to shed light on the complex issues of bullying and suicide.

Keoghan's performance is a reminder that even the most flawed characters can be humanized and understood. Monty is a bully and a harasser, but Keoghan's performance shows us that there is more to him than meets the eye. We see Monty's vulnerability and insecurity, and we understand that he is a product of his environment. Keoghan's performance helps us to empathize with Monty, even though we may not agree with his actions.