Barry Keoghan Says He ‘Couldn’t Look at’ Ringo Starr While Prepping for Beatles Biopic Role
Meeting the music legend himself was an unforgettable experience for Barry Keoghan, who is currently immersed in his role as Ringo Starr in the upcoming Beatles biographical series. Barry Keoghan, who is getting ready to play the legendary drummer, recently disclosed on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ that he had just paid Ringo Starr a visit at his house. This was an odd and humble moment for the actor.
The 32-year-old actor acknowledged that at first he was unable to look Starr in the eye because he was so overwhelmed by their meeting. According to Barry Keoghan, the visit was about sincerity, connection, and observation rather than merely fanaticism. Instead of merely imitating Ringo Starr’s actions for the television, he aimed to comprehend him as a person.
When Starr observed his nervousness, he comforted him by saying, “You can look at me,” Barry Keoghan told Kimmel. It was a poignant scene that stayed with Barry Keoghan, who stressed that it takes more than imitation to depict a real person, especially one as adored as Starr. He revealed, “It’s my responsibility to humanise him. I want to infuse the role with emotion.”
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The actual visit was quiet and personal. According to Barry Keoghan, Ringo played the drums for him informally after they had been sitting in the yard talking over coffee.
The four-part Beatles biopics, which are directed by Oscar winner Sam Mendes, have garnered increasing interest thanks to this behind-the-scenes look. Barry Keoghan will play Ringo Starr, while Paul Mescal, Joseph Quinn, and Harris Dickinson will play Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and John Lennon. The project was officially unveiled at CinemaCon 2025, but rumours about Barry Keoghan’s casting had been circulating for months. Intriguingly, Ringo himself revealed in December 2024 that Barry Keoghan would be playing him. This casting decision has thrilled fans, especially given Barry Keoghan’s intense commitment to character research and emotional nuance.
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Barry Keoghan is now promoting ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’, a new movie that opens in theatres on 16th May, in addition to his work on the Beatles project. Barry Keoghan’s portrayal of Ringo Starr is already one of the most anticipated performances of the upcoming years, even while spectators wait for the Beatles biopics to be released in the spring of 2028.
Barry Keoghan will make a lasting impression on the Fab Four’s history with his unmistakable charisma and dedication to perfection.
–Farheen Ali
