This Life first entertained viewers 30 years in the past, with the BBC collection that adopted a bunch of twenty-something legal professionals initially of their careers changing into a cult hit, regardless of solely lasting for 2 seasons.
One of the present’s foremost characters was Miles Stewart, an formidable up-and-coming barrister born into privilege and wealth. The character, performed by Jack Davenport, had one of many largest arcs throughout the collection, though a number of of his key storylines concerned his romantic relationships.
This Life served as a launching level for Jack, who has since gone on to star as James Norrington within the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, in addition to showing in Kingsman: The Secret Service, The Talented Mr. Ripley and The Morning Show.
Jack, now aged 53, got here from an performing dynasty with each of his dad and mom, Nigel and Maria, being within the business, however on his mom’s facet, the star comes from a political dynasty, being the maternal nephew of a former MP.
The star additionally bought married to performing royalty, with the pair strolling down the aisle with actress Michelle Gomez again in 2000. Scroll down for all it is advisable to find out about Jack’s famous kin…
Famous wife
Michelle is a famous actress who rocketed to fame within the likes of The Acid House, The Book Group and Green Wing. In 2014, she joined the solid of Doctor Who as Missy, a feminine incarnation of The Master.
Since then, the 59-year-old has had main roles in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Doom Patrol and The Flight Attendant, the latter of which noticed her nominated for a SAG Award.
© FilmMagicThe couple had been reportedly launched by Jack’s This Life co-star Andrew Lincoln, however the star had his eyes on the actress since watching her in a efficiency of Trainspotting. Speaking to The Guardian in 2024, Jack recounted: “Michelle was in the stage production of Trainspotting in London, and I went to see it with a friend. She played all the female parts, and I was like, ‘Who is that?’
“I did not neglect her after which, by sheer coincidence, a yr later, I used to be in a bar performing some late-90s day-drinking and she or he walked in. I used to be with a good friend who knew her and requested him to introduce me and, almost 30 years later, right here we’re.”
© GC ImagesThe couple share a son, Harry, who was born in 2010, and the family have since develop into naturalised American residents. Jack hardly ever speaks about his son, however in 2025 interview with the Mirror about his function as James Forsyte in The Forsytes, he shared: “James is a pretty awful human being. But I have a son, I want the best for him.
“I perceive that if I attempt to management my very own youngster, I’m going to be on a hiding to nothing. He’s going to make his personal selections and his personal errors.”
Famous dad and mom
Jack’s parents were both famous actors, with the star being the son of Nigel Davenport and Maria Aitken, who were married from 1972 until 1981. The actor has praised his parents for how they raised him, telling The Guardian he owed them “every part”.
He added: “They had been in the identical line of labor. They tried to do the precise factor by saying, ‘What about an alternate?’ however they weren’t actively discouraging, and they’ve all the time been very beneficiant of their response to my efforts.”
© Getty ImagesNigel, who died on the age of 85 in 2013, is greatest recognized for showing in main movies like Chariots of Fire and A Man for All Seasons. Nigel additionally acted in The Avengers, Howards’ Way and he made a cameo look in Keeping Up Appearances as The Commodore.
Meanwhile, Maria is a BAFTA-nominated actress, together with her function in A Fish Called Wanda incomes her crucial acclaim. The 80-year-old has additionally starred in Mary, Queen of Scots, The Fool and Fierce Creatures, the latter of which was the movie her son made his skilled debut.
Other famous kin
Jack’s mom comes from a political dynasty, and as such, Jack’s uncle, Jonathan Aitken, and grandfather, Sir William Aitken, have served within the House of Commons. Jonathan was a Conservative MP between 1974 and 1997 and held positions including Minister for Defence Procurement and Chief Secretary to the Treasury beneath John Major. Meanwhile, William was the Conservative MP for Bury St Edmunds between 1950 and 1964.
© Getty ImagesThe star’s grandmother, Penelope Aitken, was a part of the aristocracy because the daughter of Sir John Maffey, 1st Baron Rugby, a civil servant and diplomat who served because the governor-general of Sudan between 1926 and 1934.
