Biography

Childhood

Danny Boyle was born on 20 October 1956 in Radcliffe, Lancashire, England to Irish Catholic parents from County Galway. When Boyle was young he was heavily influenced by his mother who wanted him to become a priest, however at the age of 14 he was persuaded not to and to take another career path. This is when Boyle found an interest in drama and theatre.

Early Work

Boyle discovered his passion for film at a young age. During the mid  1980s,he worked as a director with a number of companies including the Joint Stock Theater Company and the Royal Court Theater.

Among his notable productions throughout his time at Royal Court were Saved by Edward Bond and The Genius by Howard Brenton. Danny Boyle has also directed a number of productions for the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Film Career: 

Danny Boyle’s film debut came in 1994 with Shallow Grave. The film starred Ewan McGregor and became a great success. This was followed by the hugely successful Trainspotting, released in 1996. Danny Boyle also started his television career in 1980 in Northern Island.

After the success of many films, Boyle sought a studio deal in Hollywood where he directed ‘A Life Less Ordinary’, starring Cameron Diaz, with British funding.

In 2008,  Boyle directed Slumdog Millionaire, which earned him his first Oscar, the film was about Dev Patel who competes in the Indian version of Who Wants to Be A Millionaire, which was set in Mumbai.

Another highlight of Boyle’s career was directing the London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony in which Boyle put together a fantastic show.

Recently, it was also announced that Boyle would become a patron of HOME in Manchester which is centre for international contemporary art, theatre and film.