Anthony Boyle’s journey from an all-girls’ school to starring in House of Guinness and Harry Potter

Anthony Boyle, known for his role as the eldest son Arthur Guinness in Netflix’s series House of Guinness, had an unconventional path to stardom. Expelled from boys’ schools in Belfast due to behavioural issues, Boyle was accepted into an all-girls’ school called St Louise’s Comprehensive College, which had a drama department that greatly nurtured his acting talents. He was one of only 15 boys among 2,000 girls and spent much of his time engaging in theatre, which he credits as foundational to his career. Diagnosed with Perthes disease as a child, which limited his physical activities, Boyle developed a deep observational skill that he later channeled into his acting. After training at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, he gained critical acclaim for roles in productions like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and has continued to portray complex characters in historical dramas such as Say Nothing and Manhunt. His role in House of Guinness explores the legacy of the Guinness family empire, created by Ivana Lowell and brought to screen by Steven Knight. The show combines period drama with modern themes, highlighting familial conflict and the power struggles within the famous brewing dynasty.