Gabriel Byrne, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?
- By Elizabeth Sy
- Dublin
- Last updated on
Hot news
- Love December 14, 2025
- Hot December 13, 2025
- Rumor Central December 2025
According to a well-placed source, Gabriel Byrne is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the actor's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.
UPDATE 14/12/2025 : This story seems to be false. (read more)
Why not Byrne for Person of the Year?
The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 75-year-old actor, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.
“What makes Byrne so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the actor have already been named ‘Irish Of The Year’ by some major Irish newspapers and even ‘Dublin Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Dublin (Gabriel Byrne's hometown).
Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year
A representative for the actor was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:
“Gabriel Byrne Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 13 Dec 2025
“Congrats! Gabriel has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 13 Dec 2025
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Gabriel Byrne?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 13 Dec 2025
Could 2026 officially be the Year of Gabriel Byrne?
Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.
Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?
© 2025 MediaMass All rights reserved. Do not reproduce (even with permission).
Gabriel Byrne: Recent News
- Buzz December 14, 2025
- Rumor December 2025
- Babies December 12, 2025
Celebrity Central