Anthony Mark O'Brien, born in Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire, was the firstborn son of Denise Margaret O'Brien. His maternal grandfather hailed from Ballina, County Mayo, while his other grandfather, an Irish immigrant to England, instilled in him a deep connection to his Irish heritage.
Raised by a foster family, Helen and Peter Taylor, both teachers, Anthony grew up in a stable and adventurous environment. He spent his childhood participating in Forest School Camps, developing a creative freedom that would stay with him throughout his life. His love for acting was encouraged by his drama tutor, Mrs. Hambley, who introduced him to Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
Anthony has two younger sisters, both accomplished athletes and creatives. At 19, he joined H.M. Forces, where he trained as a commando and gained experience in various environments. He left the army in 1999 and went on to study acting at the City of Glasgow College, Scotland.
Anthony's acting career has been marked by collaborations with renowned directors, including Ken Loach and Michael Lacey. He has also worked with emerging writers, directors, and producers, and has gained experience as a film crew member.
