Barry Keoghan has had a wild few years. From dancing naked in Saltburn to becoming a regular fixture at the Oscars, the Dublin-born actor is basically everywhere. But lately, the internet hasn’t just been obsessed with his acting chops. People are fixated on his personal life, specifically the woman who was by his side during his massive rise to fame.
When you talk about a Barry Keoghan ex, you’re usually talking about Alyson Sandro. She isn't just a former flame; she’s the mother of his son, Brando, and the person who stayed home while Barry was off filming the movies that made him a household name. Their breakup in 2023 sent shockwaves through the fan base, especially because it happened right as Barry was becoming a global superstar.
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Who Exactly Is Alyson Sandro?
Alyson isn't an actress. Honestly, that’s probably why fans found their relationship so grounded and refreshing. She’s a dental nurse and orthodontic therapist from Scotland.
The two met in a London pub back in February 2021. Barry has joked in interviews—most notably with GQ—that she didn't care about his fame at all. When he told her he was an actor, she basically rolled her eyes. He actually had to show her pictures of himself with Angelina Jolie on the set of Eternals just to prove he wasn't making it up. It’s a classic "celebrity meets normal person" story that feels like it’s straight out of a rom-com.
They went Instagram official in late 2021 and were soon a staple on red carpets. By the time the 2023 Oscars rolled around, Alyson was right there with him, celebrating his Best Supporting Actor nomination for The Banshees of Inisherin.
The Breakup That Caught Fans Off Guard
Everything seemed fine until it wasn't. By the summer of 2023, rumors started swirling that the pair had split. People noticed they weren't posting each other as much. Then the unfollowing happened.
In January 2024, Barry finally confirmed the split during his GQ cover story. He didn't give a messy, play-by-play account of what went wrong, but he was very clear about one thing: Alyson is an incredible mother. He praised her for the "great job" she’s doing raising their son.
Reports from outlets like The Sun suggested that the pressure of Barry’s exploding career and some "late-night partying" might have caused friction. But honestly? Relationships are hard, and trying to navigate a new baby while one partner becomes the most famous person in Ireland can’t be easy.
The Brando Connection
We can't talk about Barry Keoghan's ex without talking about their son, Brando. Born in August 2022, he was named after the legendary Marlon Brando.
Barry was actually filming Saltburn when Brando was born. He famously got just one day off to be there for the birth before heading back to set. It sounds intense, and it was. Since the split, Alyson has been living in Scotland with the toddler.
Co-Parenting in the Spotlight
- Barry's Take: He’s been vocal about how much he loves his son, though he’s faced some criticism on social media for being "absent."
- Alyson's Take: She’s kept it classy. Her Instagram is full of sweet photos of Brando, but she’s stayed largely silent about the split itself.
- The Reality: Living on different continents—with Barry often in the U.S. or London and Alyson in Scotland—makes for a complicated dynamic.
The Sabrina Carpenter Era
Of course, the reason the Barry Keoghan ex searches spiked even higher in 2024 and 2025 was because of Sabrina Carpenter. Barry moved on to a very high-profile relationship with the "Espresso" singer.
They were the "It Couple" for a minute. He even starred in her "Please Please Please" music video, playing the bad-boy boyfriend. But as of late 2024, that relationship also hit the skids. By early 2026, Sabrina was posting TikToks about being glad she didn't get back with her exes, which fans immediately clocked as a dig at Barry.
Why the Internet Is Team Alyson
There is a weirdly protective vibe around Alyson Sandro online. Maybe it’s because she represents the "before" times—the person who was there before the viral dancing and the Hollywood excess. Or maybe it’s just that people respect an independent woman who is raising a kid away from the paparazzi.
While Barry's romantic life continues to be a tabloid fixture, Alyson seems to be doing her own thing. She’s a world traveler, a dedicated mom, and someone who clearly doesn't need a famous boyfriend to have a full life.
Moving Forward: What to Watch
If you're following the drama, the best way to keep up isn't just by refreshing Barry's IMDB. Keep an eye on the subtle shifts in social media.
- Social Media Blackouts: Barry deactivated his Instagram in late 2025 after facing a lot of "deadbeat dad" comments. He’s much more private now.
- The Scottish Base: Reports suggest Barry still visits Scotland to see Brando, even if it’s not broadcast on every entertainment site.
- Sabrina's Lyrics: If you want the "tea" on his most recent split, just listen to Sabrina Carpenter's new tracks. She’s historically very honest about her breakups in her music.
At the end of the day, Barry and Alyson are tied together forever because of their son. Whether he's dating a pop star or a co-star, his history with Alyson remains the most significant chapter of his personal life to date. It's a reminder that behind every "overnight success" is usually a partner who helped build the foundation.
Next Steps for Fans:
To get the most accurate picture of where Barry and Alyson stand today, look for interviews where Barry discusses his upbringing and fatherhood. He often draws parallels between his own difficult childhood in foster care and his desire to be a good father to Brando, which provides much more nuance than a gossip headline.