The Guinness Dynasty Comes to Life: Meet Netflix's House of Guinness Cast and Their Complex Family Saga

Steven Knight, the visionary behind Peaky Blinders, is taking viewers into the intricate world of one of Europe’s most storied families with his latest Netflix series, House of Guinness. The drama unfolds against the backdrop of 19th-century Dublin and New York, centered on the tumultuous aftermath of Sir Benjamin Guinness’s death and the competing ambitions of his four adult heirs—Arthur, Edward, Anne, and Ben. “The will leaves a far-reaching impact on these children and the Dublin characters whose lives intertwine with the Guinness phenomenon,” the streamer explains. Knight emphasized his commitment to historical authenticity: “A lot of these characters genuinely lived during this era. They were part of the Guinness family, worked alongside them, and I’ve done my best to portray them as faithfully as possible to reality.”

The Four Siblings at the Heart of the Guinness Family Drama

Anthony Boyle as Arthur Guinness: The eldest brother, inspired by the real son of Sir Benjamin, Arthur represents aristocratic sophistication. Eton-educated and London-polished, he carries himself with a confidence that masks deeper anxieties. “When we first see Arthur at his father’s funeral, he’s not showing emotion like his siblings,” Boyle revealed. “He’s suppressing his fear, frustration, and sadness—it’s his default mode. He’s a layered character.” Boyle is recognized for roles in Masters of the Air, Manhunt, Derry Girls, and Say Nothing.

Louis Partridge as Edward Guinness: The youngest of the clan, Edward grew up immersed in the family brewery business and believes he’s destined to run the empire. Less naturally charming than Arthur in aristocratic circles, Edward compensates with conviction. “Edward has strong principles and knows exactly what he thinks,” Partridge explained to Netflix’s Tudum. “He’s assertive and can be formidable when needed.” The Enola Holmes star brings depth to this determined character, with credits including Disclaimer and The Lost Girls.

Emily Fairn as Anne Plunket: The sole daughter of the Guinness line, Anne was trapped in an unwanted marriage to a minor aristocrat. Her struggle for agency and purpose within a male-dominated family business forms a powerful narrative thread. “Being the only woman in a 19th-century family meant virtually no power,” Fairn shared. “She evolves despite overwhelming odds, fighting to assert strength in an impossible situation.” Known for The Responder, Saturday Night, and Black Mirror, Fairn brings nuance to Anne’s journey.

Fionn O’Shea as Benjamin Guinness: The middle brother, overshadowed and battling gambling and substance abuse, becomes the family’s most vulnerable figure. O’Shea’s portrayal captures Ben’s internal struggle: “He’s fighting demons constantly and never really had a place in the family structure. He feels like an apparition in his own household—unnoticed and underestimated.” O’Shea’s previous work includes Normal People and Dance First.

Power Brokers and Allies in the Guinness Universe

James Norton as Sean Rafferty: As the factory’s commanding foreman, Rafferty wields immense influence over the Guinness operation. His relationship with the siblings becomes strained following their father’s death. “Rafferty’s faith is entirely in his work and himself,” Norton told Tudum. “He’s the orchestrator, the one holding everything together—the brewery’s backbone. When maintaining order requires stepping into chaos, he won’t hesitate.” Norton has starred in Happy Valley, Bob Marley: One Love, and Rogue Agent.

Dervla Kirwan as Aunt Agnes Guinness: Following Sir Benjamin’s passing, Aunt Agnes assumes a mentorship role, steering the siblings through both commercial and personal turbulence. “Her mission as a Victorian woman is safeguarding the family’s standing,” Kirwan noted. “Managing these particular charges makes the job nearly impossible.” Kirwan brings gravitas from roles in True Detective: Night Country and The Stranger.

Jack Gleeson as Byron Hedges: A cousin with connections on both sides of the Catholic-Protestant divide, Byron is deployed to New York to cultivate business relationships. His character navigates the complex intersection of wealth, faith, and Irish identity. “Byron thrives by being positioned between two worlds—he leverages that ambiguity,” Gleeson shared. The Game of Thrones veteran brings his characteristic intensity to this multifaceted role.

The Revolutionary and Spiritual Forces Challenging the Guinness Legacy

Niamh McCormack as Ellen Cochrane: Sharp-minded and deeply committed to Irish Republican ideals, Ellen despises English Protestant dominance. “She’s powerful, ferocious, passionate—and as an 1800s Irish woman, she had almost nothing,” McCormack explained. “Yet her impact resonates widely.” McCormack’s credits include The Witcher and The Magic Flute.

Seamus O’Hara as Patrick Cochrane: Ellen’s volatile brother and leader of the Fenians, Patrick aims to dismantle the Guinness dynasty and the social hierarchy it represents. “Patrick is bent on destabilizing the establishment and undermining the Guinness ascendancy,” O’Hara stated. He’s known for Blue Lights and An Irish Goodbye.

Michael Colgan as Reverend Henry Gratton: A devoted missionary and spiritual guide to the Guinness clan, Gratton holds individual connections with each sibling. His traditional views align particularly with Arthur’s worldview. “He’s deeply traditional,” the character’s background suggests. “A father figure to the children who understands every secret.” Colgan appears in Say Nothing and The Regime.

Romantic Interests and Outside Influences Shaping the Guinness Family Story

Danielle Galligan as Lady Olivia Hedges: Drawing inspiration from a real 19th-century aristocrat, Lady Olivia maintains extravagant tastes despite her family’s financial constraints. “She’s a dream role—multifaceted with an incredible arc,” Galligan told Tudum. “Vivacious, ambitious, daring in her thinking and actions—she bends societal rules to her advantage.” Shadow and Bone star Galligan brings magnetic energy to this rebellious character.

Ann Skelly as Adelaide Guinness: A witty and autonomous cousin of the Guinness family, Adelaide resists marriage pressures despite family expectations. Her independent spirit resonates particularly with Edward. “She brings brilliant quirkiness to everything she does,” Partridge observed. Skelly is recognized from The Nevers and The Sandman.

Hilda Fay as Sultan: A cryptic healer from rural Ireland, Sultan intersects with Anne’s story, bringing mystical elements into the narrative. Featured in The Woman in the Wall and Spilt Milk.

The Underground Power Structure

David Wilmot as Bonnie Champion: Operating as Dublin’s ruthless racketeer who manages Guinness barrel distribution, Bonnie controls access to the city’s underground networks—gambling, narcotics, and illicit trade. His willingness to trade secrets for profit makes him a dangerous wildcard. Wilmot is known for Station Eleven, Bodkin, and The Wonder.

The House of Guinness cast transforms real historical figures and new fictional creations into a compelling narrative about ambition, family loyalty, and the forces threatening an empire built on tradition. The series streams exclusively on Netflix.