Martin Clunes opens up about his career resurgence and personal life, revealing the crucial support of his wife Philippa Braithwaite and their daughter, Emily, who chose a life outside the industry. But what’s the real story behind their ‘happy’ family life after his ‘rotten’ marriage?
Martin Clunes, 64, has received widespread praise for his latest role as disgraced newsreader Huw Edwards. But beyond his on-screen success, the actor’s personal life is equally inspiring, especially the unwavering support from his wife, Philippa Braithwaite, a TV power player in her own right, and their daughter, Emily, who has turned her back on the entertainment industry.
Clunes, best known for his role as Dr. Martin Ellingham in Doc Martin and Gary Strang in Men Behaving Badly, found a new chapter in his life when he met Philippa, a successful producer who helped shape his career behind the scenes. The pair tied the knot in 1997, the same year Clunes ended his first marriage to actress Lucy Aston, which he later described as “rotten.”
Opening up about the end of his first marriage, Clunes said, “When I met Philippa, I was coming out of a rotten marriage, and was very resistant to the idea of getting involved again.”
With Philippa’s support, Martin has gone on to achieve massive success, including the long-running success of Doc Martin and Manhunt, where Philippa served as the executive producer. Their company, Buffalo Pictures, was founded in 1996 with the aim of promoting creative independence and sustainable production in the countryside, away from the traditional London-centric model.
Philippa, 61, is one of the most respected producers in the UK, with a career that includes major hits such as Sliding Doors and Staggered. Despite her success, she prefers to remain out of the public eye and keeps her personal life private. But behind the scenes, she’s played a major role in Martin’s career, producing some of the most popular British TV dramas.
The couple also found time to build a peaceful family life in Dorset, where they live on a 130-acre farm with animals. Their daughter, Emily, 26, has chosen a career outside the limelight, pursuing a path as an equine vet, despite having every opportunity to follow her parents into showbiz. Emily’s decision to reject the “nepo baby” route is a testament to the family’s values of independence and hard work.
Clunes has recently stepped into a darker role, portraying Huw Edwards in a Channel 5 drama about the disgraced newsreader’s fall from grace. “I’ve played a murderer before and I’m vile in Wuthering Heights, so this isn’t my first dark role,” Clunes said. “I’ve always been lucky enough to balance light-hearted roles like Doc Martin with dramas in between.”
The family’s strong bonds are evident in their lifestyle choices, and Philippa’s unwavering support has been crucial to Martin’s ability to thrive both personally and professionally. As Martin continues to take on challenging new roles, his family remains his greatest strength.
Source: Daily Mail
