Lennie James, known for his role in The Walking Dead, shared that he fell silent after his mother’s passing when he was only 11 years old. The acclaimed actor gained prominence for portraying Morgan Jones in the popular series.
In a recent revelation, the 60-year-old reflected on his early years, recounting the loss of his mother, Phyllis, at a young age. With no father figure present, he and his brother Kester were relocated to a children’s home in south London. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, Lennie discussed how they coped with the difficult circumstances.
Recalling the challenging period, Lennie disclosed, “I stopped talking, and my brother became my voice of reason, shielding and supporting me. Social services intervened as it was just the two of us now.”
Lennie disclosed undergoing sessions with child psychiatrists and psychologists to understand his silence, adding, “I vividly remember a meeting with a social worker where my brother acted as my spokesperson, emphasizing my need for time to open up.”
The actor mentioned their fortunate situation at the children’s home, where they were able to stay together and continue attending the same school, preserving their friendships.
Years later, following the closure of the children’s home, Lennie entered foster care at 15, an experience that inspired his Bafta-nominated drama, Storm Damage.
Earlier this year, Lennie clinched the leading actor Bafta for his role as Barrington Jedidiah Walker in the BBC adaptation of Bernardine Evaristo’s Mr Loverman.
Looking ahead, Lennie expressed a desire to delve into comedy roles to challenge himself further, aiming for a substantial part in his upcoming projects.
For those impacted by similar experiences, Cruse Bereavement Support offers free assistance to navigate emotions. Visit their website or call 0808 808 1677 for support.