Despite being founded almost 300 years ago, Guinness is really having a moment. After becoming Britain's favourite beer in 2023, now the family behind the famous brewery is the subject of an eight-part Netflix drama.
While there is a lot of real history in House of Guinness, it has also been made with healthy creative licence – it is a Netflix show after all. So as well as the bickering siblings and their aristocratic relations, there are a few fictional characters to keep the plot ticking over, including Byron Hedges.
If you plan to spend your weekend binging on all eight episodes (with a well-poured Guinness in hand) and want to know more about the character of Byron then you've come to the right place.
Who is Byron Hedges from House of Guinness?
In the series, Byron is something of an antagonist to the Guinness empire. His connection to Lady Olivia, the wife of Arthur Guinness, puts him on the periphery of aristocratic society and makes him a catalyst for conflict.
Is Byron Hedges based on a real person?
No, Byron Hedges is a fictional relative of Lady Olivia Hedges. She was also known as Baroness Ardilaun and became the richest woman in Ireland of her time.
Who plays Byron Hedges in House of Guinness?
Another Game of Thrones alum to be cast in House of Guinness, Jack Gleeson plays Byron Hedges. After starring in the hit HBO show he took a year off acting, but he returned in 2023 to star in In the Land of Saints and Sinners. Jack has also acted in Batman Begins, The Sandman and Reign of Fire.
What is House of Guinness about?
The eight-part series by Steven Knight centres on the family behind the Guinness brewing company in 19th century Ireland and New York, and the consequences following the death of Benjamin Guinness, the man responsible for the extraordinary success of the Guinness brewery, and the fate of his four adult children, Arthur, Edward, Anne and Ben.
Where can I watch House of Guinness?
The entire series is now available to stream on Netflix. If you want to find out more about how the modern day Guinness' feel about the series, read Grazia's recent interview with Daphne Guinness, who calls the name 'a blessing and a curse'.
Nikki Peach is a writer at Grazia UK, working across entertainment, TV and news. She has also written for the i, i-D and the New Statesman Media Group and covers all things pop culture for Grazia (treating high and lowbrow with equal respect).