Keeley Hawes: Bio, Age, Husband, Children, Height, and Career
Keeley Hawes is a British actress and producer known for her compelling performances in television dramas such as “Ashes to Ashes,” “Line of Duty,” “Bodyguard,” and “The Durrells.” Born Clare Julia Hawes on 10 February 1976 in London, she has built a career spanning over three decades, appearing in critically acclaimed series and films. Her roles often portray strong, complex women, and she has earned multiple award nominations, including two BAFTA TV Award nods.
Hawes began acting in the late 1980s after a brief stint in modeling, and her early work included roles in “Karaoke” and “Wives and Daughters.” She gained widespread recognition in the 2000s for her lead role as Detective Inspector Alex Drake in “Ashes to Ashes,” followed by memorable performances in “Spooks” and “The Durrells.” More recently, her portrayal of Home Secretary Julia Montague in the BBC thriller “Bodyguard” brought her international acclaim.
Who is Keeley Hawes?
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Clare Julia Hawes |
| Born | 10 February 1976 (age 50 as of 2026) |
| Place of Birth | London, England |
| Occupation | Actress, Producer |
- Keeley Hawes is an English actress best known for her television roles in ‘Ashes to Ashes’, ‘The Durrells’, ‘Bodyguard’, and ‘Line of Duty’.
- She is married to actor Matthew Macfadyen, whom she met on the set of ‘Spooks’.
- Despite persistent online rumors, Keeley Hawes did not appear in ‘Game of Thrones’.
- She began her career in literary adaptations and gained prominence in the early 2000s.
- She has provided voice work as Lara Croft in the ‘Tomb Raider’ video game series.
- Her performance in ‘Line of Duty’ earned her a BAFTA TV Award nomination.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | 10 February 1976 |
| Height | 5 ft 8½ in (1.74 m) |
| Spouse | Matthew Macfadyen (m. 2004) |
| Children | 3: Myles, Maggie, Ralph |
| Notable Works | Ashes to Ashes, The Durrells, Bodyguard, Line of Duty |
| Parents | Brenda Hawes and Tony Hawes |
| Number of Siblings | Three (youngest of four children) |
| First Marriage | Spencer McCallum (Dec 2001 – Apr 2002) |
Who is Keeley Hawes married to? Does she have children?
Keeley Hawes has been married to actor Matthew Macfadyen since 8 October 2004. The couple met on the set of the BBC spy drama “Spooks,” where they played on-screen partners. They have two children together: a daughter, Maggie (born December 2004), and a son, Ralph (born September 2006).
Before marrying Macfadyen, Hawes was briefly married to Spencer McCallum from December 2001 to April 2002. She also has an older son, Myles McCallum (born April 2000), from that earlier relationship. In total, she is a mother of three.
Keeley Hawes shares two children with Matthew Macfadyen: Maggie and Ralph. Her eldest son, Myles, is from her first marriage. The family is known to keep a relatively private life away from the spotlight.
Who is Keeley Hawes’ husband?
Matthew Macfadyen is an English actor, best known for his roles in “Pride & Prejudice,” “Succession,” and “Spooks.” He and Hawes married in 2004 and have worked together on screen multiple times. The couple resides in the UK and occasionally attend public events together.
Does Keeley Hawes have children?
Yes, she has three children. Her first child, Myles, was born in April 2000. After marrying Matthew Macfadyen, she gave birth to Maggie in December 2004 and Ralph in September 2006. Hawes has described motherhood as a grounding influence in her life.
What is Keeley Hawes known for?
Keeley Hawes is best known for her leading roles in British television dramas. Her breakout came as Detective Inspector Alex Drake in the BBC series “Ashes to Ashes” (2008–2010), a role that earned her a Glamour Award for Best UK Television Actress. She later portrayed DI Lindsay Denton in the acclaimed police corruption drama “Line of Duty,” earning her first BAFTA TV Award nomination. In 2018, she played Home Secretary Julia Montague in “Bodyguard,” a role that brought her a second BAFTA nomination and international recognition.
Hawes also starred as Louise Durrell in the ITV period drama “The Durrells” (2016–2019), a role that showcased her versatility. Her film work includes “Death at a Funeral” (2007), “The Bank Job” (2008), “High-Rise” (2015), “Misbehaviour” (2020), and “To Olivia” (2021). Additionally, she is known for her voice acting as Lara Croft in the “Tomb Raider” video game series, beginning with “Tomb Raider: Legend” in 2006.
Keeley Hawes provided the voice for Lara Croft in several Tomb Raider games, including “Tomb Raider: Legend” (2006), “Anniversary” (2007), and “Underworld” (2008). Her performance helped define the character for a generation of gamers.
Despite frequent online speculation, Keeley Hawes never appeared in “Game of Thrones.” The confusion may stem from her resemblance to actress Lena Headey or from fabricated cast lists. No credible source confirms her involvement with the series.
What shows did Keeley Hawes play in?
Beyond her most famous roles, Hawes has appeared in a wide range of television series. Her early credits include “Karaoke,” “The Beggar Bride,” and “Wives and Daughters.” Later work encompasses “Upstairs, Downstairs,” “The Casual Vacancy,” “The Missing,” “It’s a Sin,” “The Midwich Cuckoos,” and “Orphan Black: Echoes.” She is also set to star in a 2025 series titled “The Assassin.”
Was Keeley Hawes in Game of Thrones?
No, Keeley Hawes did not appear in “Game of Thrones.” This is a persistent but false rumor. The actress has never been cast in the HBO fantasy series, and no reliable source supports the claim.
What is Keeley Hawes’ role in Ashes to Ashes?
In “Ashes to Ashes,” Hawes played Detective Inspector Alex Drake, a police officer from 2008 who is transported back to 1981 after being shot. The show is a spin-off of “Life on Mars” and ran for three series. Her performance was widely praised and won her a Glamour Award.
Keeley Hawes Career Timeline
- 1976: Born in London as Clare Julia Hawes.
- 1989: Made minor appearances in “The Bill.”
- 1998: Role in the film “The Last September.”
- 2001: Began role in “Spooks” where she met Matthew Macfadyen.
- 2004: Married Matthew Macfadyen.
- 2006: Starred in “Ashes to Ashes.”
- 2016: Starred in “The Durrells.”
- 2018: Gained international fame in “Bodyguard.”
Separating Fact from Fiction: Keeley Hawes
| Statement | Certainty | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Keeley Hawes was in Game of Thrones. | False | This is a persistent rumor. She has not appeared in the series. |
| Keeley Hawes’ height is 5 ft 8 in. | High | Multiple reputable sources list her height as 5 ft 8 in. |
| Keeley Hawes has three children. | Certain | Confirmed through interviews and public records. |
Analysis: The Enduring Appeal of Keeley Hawes
Keeley Hawes has built a reputation for playing strong, complex female characters across genres. From period dramas like “The Durrells” to contemporary thrillers such as “Bodyguard,” she brings depth and authenticity to each role. Her career transition from literary adaptations to high-stakes television demonstrates her versatility as an actress.
Despite her public profile, Hawes maintains a relatively private personal life. Her marriage to fellow actor Matthew Macfadyen attracts curiosity, but she rarely discusses family matters in interviews. This balance between professional acclaim and personal discretion contributes to her enduring appeal.
Notable Quotes and Sources
“I’m a very lucky lady.”
Keeley Hawes, Instagram (15th anniversary post)
“She is an award-winning British actress, known for her versatile performances.”
What’s Next for Keeley Hawes?
As of 2024, Keeley Hawes is set to star in upcoming drama projects on UK television. Fans are awaiting further announcements regarding potential film roles. Her career shows no signs of slowing down, and she remains one of Britain’s most respected actresses. For more on similar talents, see the Hayley Atwell – Biography, Movies and Personal Life Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Keeley Hawes on Instagram?
Yes, she has an official Instagram account (@misskeeleyhawes) with 272K followers.
What was Keeley Hawes like when she was young?
She was raised in a working class household in Marylebone, London, and showed an early interest in acting.
What is Keeley Hawes’ role in Ashes to Ashes?
She played the lead role of Detective Inspector Alex Drake in the BBC series ‘Ashes to Ashes’ (2006-2010).
How tall is Keeley Hawes?
She is 5 ft 8½ in (1.74 m) tall, according to IMDb biography.
Who are Keeley Hawes’ parents?
Her parents are Brenda Hawes and Tony Hawes. Her father and two brothers were London cabbies.
Does Keeley Hawes have any siblings?
Yes, she is the youngest of four children.
What awards has Keeley Hawes won?
She won a Glamour Award for Best UK Television Actress in 2008 for Ashes to Ashes and has received two BAFTA TV Award nominations.
Oliver Bennett is Managing Editor at ShowbizUK.co.uk, responsible for daily editorial planning, the publishing schedule, newsroom workflow, article commissioning and final editorial preparation.