Jack Gleeson brings Byron Hedges to life in Netflix’s House of Guinness

Jack Gleeson, best known for his role as Joffrey Baratheon in Game of Thrones, takes on a new challenge in Netflix’s House of Guinness. 

The Irish actor plays Byron Hedges, a character caught between two worlds in 19th-century Dublin — the son of a wealthy Protestant mother and a Catholic rebel father.

In the series, Byron becomes a key figure as Edward Guinness (Louis Partridge) seeks to expand the family’s brewing empire to America. Recognizing an opportunity, Byron offers himself as a representative for the venture, using his mixed background and smooth-talking nature to bridge divides between opposing communities.

Gleeson describes Byron as ambitious, resilient, and opportunistic, noting the character’s ability to capitalize on his unique position. “He’s in this special position that he can use to gain leverage on the Guinness family,” the actor explained. Series creator Steven Knight praised Gleeson for bringing unexpected energy to the role, calling his performance “gleeful” and full of “sleight of hand.”

One of the season’s standout moments occurs when Byron arrives in New York and finds himself pursued by anti-Irish Catholic firefighters, leading to a chaotic chase through the city’s streets. Gleeson admitted the scene was demanding but “good for my cardio overall.”

Costume and styling also play a major role in shaping Byron. Gleeson credits the design team for crafting Byron’s flashy look, while his signature curls — created by the hair department — add to the character’s mischievous charm.

House of Guinness is now streaming on Netflix, immersing audiences in a richly detailed world of ambition, politics, and intrigue.