John Duddy

John Duddy Profile Photo

Actor

John Duddy is a former professional boxer from Derry, Northern Ireland, who made a name for himself in the ring and later on the stage and screen. Known as “Ireland’s John Duddy” or “The Derry Destroyer,” he compiled an impressive 29-2 record, with 18 knockouts, and held both the IBA World and WBC Continental Americas middleweight titles. After relocating to Queens, New York, in 2003, Duddy became a fan favorite for his exciting style and charm, fighting in iconic venues like Madison Square Garden and Cowboys Stadium.

Since retiring in 2011, he has transitioned into acting, with credits including work on Grudge Match (alongside Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone), A Bend in the River, Emerald City, and Hands of Stone. Duddy now lives in New York City with his wife, Gráinne Coll, where he continues to pursue acting, training programs for Parkinson’s patients, and his fitness company, Duddy Fitness.

April 27, 2025

LIVE at 1st Irish Festival, Act II: John Duddy & Ciaran Byrne, Northern Irish Actors

Former champion boxer John Duddy from Derry and one-time construction worker Newry’s own Ciaran Byrne share their unlikely paths to acting on stage and in film in part two of our first live podcast recording for Origin Theatr...