Actors vs. Real Historical Figures

Netflix has brought in a host of talented actors to portray the historical figures of the Guinness family in House of Guinness. Set in the 19th century, this historical drama series will follow the famed family behind the still-booming Guinness brewing company. House of Guinness is created by Steven Knight.

The Guinnesses did more than popularize the Irish stout. Sir Benjamin Guinness, 1st Baronet, who originally purchased St. James’s Gate Brewery in 1759, became the wealthiest man in Ireland through the export of beer and other goods. When he died in 1868, his empire was left to his children, and this is where Netflix’s House of Guinness will pick up.

The central characters of House of Guinness will be Benjamin Guinness’ four children, each of whom is based on an actual historical figure. The Netflix series has also added a mix of supporting characters, some based on real people, while others have been created to enhance the story. Regardless, each is portrayed by a phenomenal actor.

Anthony Boyle As Arthur Guinness

Date Of Birth: June 8, 1994

Irish actor Anthony Boyle first rose to prominence playing Scorpius Malfoy in the West End and Broadway productions of the stage play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in 2016. From there, he appeared in projects like The Lost City of Z (2019), Tetris (2023), Masters of the Air (2024), and Manhunt (2024), among others.

Boyle plays Arthur Guinness in House of Guinness, the eldest of Benjamin Guinness’ four children. The real Arthur Guinness was a politician and philanthropist who lived from 1840 to 1914. Boyle’s appearance in House of Guinness is quite similar to statues erected in honor of Arthur Guinness, with combed-over hair and a full mustache.

Louis Partridge As Edward Guinness

Date Of Birth: June 3, 2003

Louis Partridge, born in Wandsworth, London, had his breakthrough role in Netflix’s Enola Holmes in 2020, which he reprised in the 2022 sequel. This led to further projects, such as Argylle (2024), Pistol (2022), and Disclaimer (2024). Patridge has several new projects on the way, including Enola Holmes 3 and Pride and Prejudice.

Partridge plays Edward Guinness in House of Guinness, Benjamin Guinness’ third son and the co-operator of the Guinness brewery following his father’s death. He was born in 1847 and passed away in 1927, just before his 80th birthday. Photographs of Edward typically feature a mustache, though Partidge is clean-shaven in House of Guinness.

Emily Fairn As Anne Guinness

Date Of Birth: September 16, 1998

English actor Emily Fairn made her debut playing Cassey in the BBC One police drama TV Show The Responder in 2022. This led to an appearance in another BBC One series, Rain Dogs, as well as an episode of Netflix’s anthology series, Black Mirror. Most recently, Fairn played Lily in the British historical drama series Mary & George.

Fairn plays Anne Guinness in House of Guinness, Benjamin Guinness’ only daughter. Anne, who took the surname Plunket following her marriage to William Plunket, 4th Baron Plunket, was known for her charity work in Dublin, where she helped the sick and poor throughout the region by funding medical supplies and care. Anne was born in 1839 and died in 1889 at the age of 50.

Fionn O’Shea As Benjamin Guinness

Date Of Birth: January 2, 1997

Irish actor Fionn O’Shea had his debut in the short film New Boy, which received a nomination for Best Live Action Short Film at the Academy Awards in 2008. After appearing in a variety of minor movies and TV roles, O’Shea starred in projects such as 2016’s Handsome Devil, 2020’s Dating Amber, and the BBC Three miniseries Normal People (2020). Most recently, he played Sgt. Steve Bosser in Masters of the Air (2024)

O’Shea plays Benjamin Lee Guinness, the second son of Sir Benjamin Guinness. He was born in 1842 and passed away in 1900, and it appears that he was somewhat less involved in philanthropy and the Guinness brewing company than his siblings. Still, this historical figure will play a prominent part in Netflix’s House of Guinness.

House Of Guinness Supporting Cast & Characters

David Wilmot as Bonnie Champion – David Wilmot, known for The Crown and Calvary, will play Bonnie Champion in House of Guinness, a character seemingly created for the Netflix series.

James Norton as Sean Rafferty – James Norton will be playing Sean Rafferty in House of Guinness, an Irishman with a unique connection to the Guinness family. Norton is best known for Happy Valley, Northmen: A Viking Saga, and Little Women.

Jack Gleeson as Byron Hughes – Jack Gleeson, known for playing Joffrey Baratheon in Game of Thrones, will play a character called Byron Hughes in House of Guinness.

Niamh McCormack as Ellen Cochrane – Every Now‘s Niamh McCormack will play Ellen Cochrane in House of Guinness.

Seamus O’Hara as Patrick Cochrane – Known for Shadow and Bone and Game of Thrones, Seamus O’Hara will play Patrick Cochrane in House of Guinness.

Dervla Kirwan as Aunt Agnes Guinness – Dervla Kirwan, known for Goodnight Sweetheart, plays Aunt Agnes Guinness, who, according to history, was married to William Loel Seymour Guinness, the Guinness siblings’ paternal uncle.

Michael McElhatton as John Potter – Michael McElhatton, known for playing Roose Bolton in Game of Thrones, plays John Potter in House of Guinness.

Danielle Galligan as Lady Olivia Hedges – The real Arthur Guinness was married to Lady Olivia Hedges, who will be portrayed by Danielle Galligan (Shadow and Bone) in House of Guinness.

Hilda Fay as Sultan – Though details around this House of Guinness character are left purposely mysterious, “Sultan” will be played by Irish actor Hilda Fay.

Release Date

September 25, 2025

Network

Netflix

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  Anthony Boyle

  Arthur Guinness

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  Louis Partridge

  Edward Guinness