“Saltburn” actor Barry Keoghan's own medical struggles sound like the premise of a horror movie.
The Irishman, who has been active in Hollywood for more than a decade, recently revealed that he was diagnosed with a rare, life-threatening illness before he started making the film. In an interview with GQ magazine, the 31-year-old spoke about being diagnosed with a rare flesh-eating disease called necrotizing fasciitis.
Cogan said he not only feared losing his arm, but also feared for his life. The possibility of amputation was also discussed, but doctors were unsure whether he would survive.
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Barry Keoghan said he discovered he was suffering from meat-eating disease before he started making the film The Banshees of Inisherin. (Gilbert Flores/Variety, via Getty Images)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, necrotizing fasciitis is a “rare bacterial infection that spreads rapidly within the body and can be fatal.” They report that even if treated, one in five people diagnosed with the infection will die.
Cogan survived and had the scar tissue on his arm to prove it. He was scheduled to begin filming the 2022 film “The Banshees of Inisherin” when he was diagnosed with the infection. Martin McDonagh, who wrote part of Corgan's role, remembers wondering if the actor would be available.
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Barry Keoghan has scar tissue on his arm from an infection. (Getty Images)
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“I don't know if he was on a lot of medication, but he seemed to ignore it,” McDonough told GQ. “It had only been about four days since we shot, so his arms were swollen. But he was like, 'Yes, no, it's fine. I'll see you on Tuesday.'” I was in the hospital. , and I thought, “Oh my god, is he going to die? Much less, is he ever going to make a movie?” But when I came out of there, I was full of energy and looking forward to it. ”
Cogan said she remembers the heart monitor beeping and McDonough offering words of encouragement about her chances of getting an Oscar nomination. He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, but he did not win.
In 2023, Barry Keoghan was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in The Banshees of Innishelin. (Christopher Polk/WWD via Getty Images)
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Cogan doesn't seem to be slowed down by his near-death experience. He has four projects in production, including a miniseries with Austin Butler. “Saltburn” starring Jacob Elordi is now in theaters.
