If you're a fan of Once Upon a Time [1], then odds are, you're obsessed with Colin O'Donoghue [2]. The Irish actor is best known for making hearts swoon as Captain Hook [3], but his dashing good looks [4] aren't the only reason we admire him. Whether you've followed his character since the beginning [5] or you're new to the Colin fandom, we've rounded up a few interesting facts about the star that are sure to get you hooked.
He’s an Aquarius
The actor was born on Jan. 26, 1981, in Drogheda, County Louth, on the East Coast of Ireland.
He Was in a Rock Band
Not only is he extremely handsome, but he can sing and play guitar as well. Swoon! He started up a pop-rock Irish band called The Enemies in 2003 but eventually had to back out [6] when he became a series regular on Once Upon a Time.
He Married His Childhood Sweetheart
Sorry, ladies, he is off the market. Colin and Helen grew up in nearby towns back in Ireland and have been together since he was 18 [7]. Although the pair is pretty private about their relationship, they have made a few public appearances on the red carpet together, including the show's 100th episode premiere [8]. They got married in 2012 and welcomed a baby boy [9] in August 2013.
He Can Speak a Love Language
When Colin was a teen, he lived in Paris for a month [10] to learn how to speak French.
He Once Sat In on a Real-Life Exorcism
Colin witnessed real-life exorcisms [11] in Rome to help him prepare for his role in the 2011 horror-thriller The Rite.
He Has a Theater Background
Aside from acting on screen, Colin also has a stage background. He went to the Gaiety School of Acting [12] in Dublin, Ireland, where he performed in a handful of plays.
His Character on Once Upon a Time Was a Hit From the Start
It seems like the show's creators knew a good thing when they saw it. The actor was promoted to series regular [13] before his character’s first episode even aired!