With an impressive film, television and theatre career spanning more than four decades, Timothy Spall is an instantly recognisable name and face on our screens. And now, the actor, perhaps best known for his role in titles such as Secrets and Lies, is leading the cast of BBC’s hit historical drama, Wolf Hall, where he plays the Duke of Norfolk.
The show looks at the rise and fall of Thomas Cromwell, and those who assist his ascent to the right hand side of the King to his fall and ultimately his execution – and the Duke of Norfolk plays a key role in Cromwell’s downfall.
Timothy, 66, has many other notable credits to his name and so it’s perhaps unsurprising that one of his children has gone on to follow in the thespian’s footsteps and become an actor himself. Read on to find out more about Timothy’s family including his wife and children.
Who is Timothy Spall?
Timothy Spall is an English actor who has enjoyed success on stage, film, and television. He is the recipient of some prestigious awards including a BAFTA for his role in Secrets and Lies and a Cannes Film Festival award for Best Actor thanks to his role in Mr. Turner.
Born in London, Timothy began acting when he enrolled at the prestigious National Youth Theatre before going on to study at RADA. After graduating, he went on to land numerous credits in film and television productions including Quadrophenia, Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, Vanilla Sky, Shooting the Past, and, in later years, The Last Samurai, Harry Potter and more.
He’s also an esteemed stage actor having worked with the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company for a number of years in productions such as Hamlet, The Merry Wives of Windsor and more. In 1996, Timothy was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia but has since been in remission.
Who is Timothy Spall married to?
In 1981, Timothy married Shane Spall. Shane works an author and has published two memoirs about her husband’s recovery from leukaemia and their journey around Britain on their barge. The husband and wife also documented their trip around the British Isles for a BBC Four TV series titled: Timothy Spall: Back at Sea.
© Dave J HoganDoes Timothy Spall have children?
Timothy and Shane are parents to two children, two daughters, Pascale and Mercedes, and one son, Rafe. Not a huge amount is known about their daughters but their eldest, Pascale, runs her own business, Stag & Bow Ltd, in London and their son, Rafe, has gone to follow his dad’s footsteps and become an actor.
© David M. BenettYou may recognise Rafe for his roles in TV shows such as The English, Trying and The Salisbury Poisonings, but he’s perhaps best known and adored for his frequent collaborations with the filmmaker Edgar Wright, appearing in his films including Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and The World’s End.
© Jim SpellmanRafe’s other film credits include The Big Short, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, One Day and Men in Black: International.
© Amanda SearleWhat is his role in Wolf Hall?
Speaking about playing the Duke of Norfolk, Timothy explained to the BBC: “Norfolk is a brute, he doesn’t hold his tongue, when he’s annoyed with you he lets you know and he’s an old friend of the King so he has a lot of influence with him. As far as Cromwell’s concerned, he’s keeping a very strong eye on him because he’s seen how influential he is with the King and he’s seen this reliance from Henry on him which he’s not comfortable with.”
© Nick BriggsHe also spoke about the elaborate costumes, saying: “I’ve got a very cheeky pair of leather tights on here. I’ve got these thigh-length boots, I’ve got a jerkin, a codpiece. All the men have a codpiece which was an acceptable fashion and evidently a mark of your status and virility. Me thinks the Duke of Norfolk protesteth – or displayeth – too much! But there we are. It’s superb.”
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