Damian Lewis makes rare appearance with kids at Baftas after late wife's death

Daily Mirror

12-05-2025

Damian Lewis was joined by his two children, Manon and Gulliver at the 2025 BAFTA Television Awards.
Damian Lewis made a touching appearance at the 2025 BAFTA Television Awards on Sunday, 11 May, accompanied by his two children, Manon, 18, and Gulliver, 17.
This family outing comes just four years after the death of his wife, Helen McCrory. The star of Wolf Hall, aged 54, was up for Best Supporting Actor for his role as King Henry VIII in Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light, the eagerly awaited sequel to the award-winning original.
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Despite not winning the award, his heartwarming presence with his children captured everyone's attention.
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Looking dapper in a classic black suit and skinny tie, the actor was a sight to behold on the red carpet. His daughter Manon exuded effortless elegance in a black halter-neck gown, complemented with black suede heels and a hint of glitz from a gold bag.
Meanwhile, Gulliver, who strikingly resembles his father, matched him in a tailored suit and white shirt. This event is one of the few public appearances the trio have made together since Helen's sad death in April 2021, after a private battle with breast cancer. She was just 52 years old when she died, reports the Express.
Damian, who was married to the Peaky Blinders actress for 14 years, has openly discussed the pain of losing her and the resilience she instilled in their children. In a heartfelt tribute published in The Times, he revealed that his wife had wished for him to find love again.
He wrote poignantly: "She's left our beautiful children, Manon and Gully, too early, but they have been prepared for life. They have in them the fearlessness, wit, curiosity, talent and beauty of their mother. She has exhorted us to be courageous and not afraid."
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The actor added: "As she said repeatedly to the children, 'Don't be sad, because even though I'm about to snuff it, I've lived the life I wanted to'."
The family's last public outing was at a Burberry event during London Fashion Week earlier this year, but their appearance on the red carpet at Sunday's BAFTA ceremony was even more touching as it celebrated British TV—a realm both Damian and Helen have greatly influenced.
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In Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light, we see Damian portrayal of Henry VIII following Anne Boleyn's execution. Mark Rylance returns as Thomas Cromwell, skilfully manoeuvring through treacherous court politics to maintain his grip on power.
Away from the cameras, he has been dedicating himself to his family. He revealed an intimate glimpse into his home life during an interview on the Dish podcast last autumn where he discussed raising teenagers and kitchen blunders.
"I do cook. I like it," he shared, with a touch of humour revealing that his vegetarian daughter is now head chef thanks to a new air fryer, effectively banning him from cooking duties.
The Bafta TV Awards aired on BBC One Sunday 11 May at 7pm and is available to stream on iPlayer.