LOS ANGELES — Barry Keoghan, set to portray Ringo Starr in Sam Mendes’ upcoming series of Beatles biopics, says he recently had the surreal experience of meeting the music legend in person—but wasn’t ready to showcase his drumming skills just yet.
Appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live Wednesday night, the Saltburn actor recounted his visit to Starr’s home. “I met him at his house and he played the drums for me,” Keoghan said. “He asked me to play, but I wasn’t playing the drums for Ringo.”
Keoghan revealed that Starr was the first to unofficially announce his casting last November. “He let the news out,” Keoghan joked. “He said, ‘Barry is somewhere doing drums. I think he should stop and not do anymore.’”
Describing the encounter as “one of those moments when you’re just in awe,” Keoghan admitted to being nervous during the meeting. “I couldn’t look at him,” he said. “But he’s like, ‘You can look at me.’” He added that, as part of his preparation for the role, he’s observing and studying Starr’s mannerisms to capture more than just an imitation. “I want to humanize and bring feelings to it,” he said.
The Mendes-directed Beatles films, each focused on a different band member, are scheduled for theatrical release in April 2028. Joining Keoghan in the cast are Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, and Joseph Quinn as George Harrison.
Keoghan said his time with Starr was warm and memorable. “It was absolutely lovely,” he said. “We just sat in the garden chatting away.”
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