7 Facts About Once Upon a Time Hearthrob Colin O'Donoghue

If you're a fan of Once Upon a Time, then odds are, you're obsessed with Colin O'Donoghue. The Irish actor is best known for making hearts swoon as Captain Hook, but his dashing good looks aren't the only reason we admire him. Whether you've followed his character since the beginning 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.

01
He’s an Aquarius
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He’s an Aquarius

The actor was born on Jan. 26, 1981, in Drogheda, County Louth, on the East Coast of Ireland.

02
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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 when he became a series regular on Once Upon a Time.

03
He Married His Childhood Sweetheart
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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. 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. They got married in 2012 and welcomed a baby boy in August 2013.

04
He Can Speak a Love Language
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He Can Speak a Love Language

When Colin was a teen, he lived in Paris for a month to learn how to speak French.

05
He Once Sat In on a Real-Life Exorcism
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He Once Sat In on a Real-Life Exorcism

Colin witnessed real-life exorcisms in Rome to help him prepare for his role in the 2011 horror-thriller The Rite.

06
He Has a Theater Background
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He Has a Theater Background

Aside from acting on screen, Colin also has a stage background. He went to the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin, Ireland, where he performed in a handful of plays.

07
His Character on Once Upon a Time Was a Hit From the Start
ABC

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 before his character’s first episode even aired!