Who Are Ben Barnes Parents? Inside the Barnes Family

Ben Barnes has a close relationship with his parents.

Ben was born on August 20, 1981, in southwest London to Jewish mother Patricia Becker and non-Jewish father Thomas Barnes. His mother was a sexual relationship therapist, and his father was a psychotherapist who has worked with patients with mental health issues for over fifty years.

According to Live Journal, the actor was teased about his mother’s profession when he was a child. “It must have been quite difficult for him,” one of his friends said. “No teenage boy wants his mother and sex mentioned in the same sentence.”

Likewise, Ben revealed that his parents were strict, but they were also very supportive. The actor grew up along with his younger sibling, Jack Barnes. 

Ben Barnes took a break from acting to care for his mother

Ben took time away from acting while starring in the American dystopian science fiction western television series Westworld to care for his mother, who was battling cancer.

In an interview with Foxes magazine, the actor stated that his mother was diagnosed with cancer during the second season of the show, and he was grateful for the showrunners’ consideration of his situation.

Ben Barnes’ mother was diagnosed with cancer. (Source: Instagram)

Ben said, “When the second season started, my mum was not very well, with cancer, and so I went to showrunners, Lisa Joy and Jonathan Nolan, who are forever soldered into my life as the best people in the industry.

He added, “I said, ‘I don’t know what to do, my mum’s got to go [and] have this surgery, and I can live with not being in the second season of the show, I can’t live with not being there for my mum.’ They literally [said], ‘bye-bye, get on the plane, we’ll figure it out.’ That was the entire conversation, they just said we’ll figure it out, and hugged me.”

Following his mother’s treatment, he took to Instagram to thank all of the doctors who helped save his mother’s life. The actor also believed his mother was the bravest person he knew.

He wrote in the caption, “My mum is the bravest human being I have ever known; she has shown me the meaning of true courage in facing bold treatments head-on without a flicker of hesitation. Her battle gives everything perspective and meaning. Stories of hope are so important in my life, but none more than hers. I love you, mama.”

Ben Barnes’s acting career 

Ben began his television career in 2006, with a guest appearance on the UK series Doctors. According to IMDb, he rose to prominence in June 2008 for his role as Prince Caspian in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.

In November of the same year, he played John Whittaker opposite Jessica Biel and Colin Firth in Stephan Elliott’s romantic comedy Easy Virtue, which was based on Noel Coward’s play of the same name.

His other films include Locked In, Killing Bono, The Big Wedding, and many more. Similarly, his television credits include Sons of Liberty, The Punisher, Gold Digger, and others.

Dominic West Grew up with His Six Siblings — Into His Family Background

English actor Dominic West cherished his formative years in the warmth of a sizable family, surrounded by his six siblings.

Dominic spent his formative years growing up with six siblings, including five sisters named Georgiana West, Jacinta West, Thomasina West, Edwina West, and Natasha West, along with one brother named Damian West.

Despite having many siblings in his life, the actor has maintained a private stance, choosing not to divulge information about them or share any pictures of his family on his social media platforms.

Dominic West’s family background

Dominic was born on October 15, 1969, to his parents, Moya West and George West. His mother pursued a career as an actress, while his father was the owner of a plastics factory.

Unfortunately, both of the actor’s parents are no longer in this world. His father passed away at Cork University Hospital on April 26, 2004, while his mother peacefully departed at home on September 16, 2009.

Similar to his approach with his siblings, Dominic has maintained a high level of privacy regarding his parents. He hasn’t disclosed much information about them nor shared any details on his social media platforms.

Regarding the actor’s family background, he was born into a family of Irish descent. His maternal grandparents were born in Ireland, and his paternal grandmother was of Irish-American heritage.

Dominic West’s early life

Dominic grew up in the picturesque surroundings of Sheffield, West Riding of Yorkshire. During his early years, he attended a boarding school, an experience he later shared with Radio Times.

He revealed that being sent to boarding school at a tender age was a deeply profound and almost as traumatic experience as losing his parents. According to him, the education away from home, particularly at Eton, had a significant impact on him.

Reflecting on this period, he expressed, “It was the worst feeling I have ever had, very similar to the grief when my parents died. It’s the same thing, really; you think you’ve lost your parents. I learned to bury the emotional effects of that and then I went to drama school and had to dig it all up again.”

Dominic West went to boarding school at a young age. (Source: Spectator)

Subsequently, Dominic pursued his education at the renowned Eton College, where his passion for acting was ignited when he secured the role of Hamlet in the Shakespeare play of the same name.

After a transformative gap year, he spent four months working as a cattle herder in Argentina. Following this unique experience, the actor continued his academic journey by studying English literature at Trinity College Dublin, earning his degree in 1993.

He then concluded his formal training at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, successfully graduating in 1995. Shortly after earning his degree, he took on small roles in a variety of British and Hollywood films, including Richard III, Surviving Picasso, True Blue, Spice World, and more.

Brief on Dominic West’s career

Dominic secured his breakthrough in Hollywood with the rom-com film 28 Days in 2000. His career reached new heights in 2002 when he played the notable role of Fred Casely in Chicago.

He also took on the award-winning character of Detective Jimmy McNulty in the American crime drama series The Wire. From 2003 to 2007, he showcased his versatility with memorable character roles in films such as Mona Lisa Smile, 300, Hannibal Rising, and more.

Moving to 2011, the actor contributed to the British supernatural film The Awakening and gave award-winning performances in the British television drama series The Hour and Appropriate Adult. He also showcased his theatrical talent in plays like Butley and Othello that year.

Dominic continued his theatrical endeavors with roles in The River and My Fair Lady. The year 2014 marked a significant milestone as he landed the award-winning role of Noah Solloway in the American television series The Affair, a role he continues to portray to this day.

Moreover, expanding his diverse portfolio, the actress lent his distinctive voice to the character Rudder in the film Finding Dory.

During this period, he also showcased his versatility by portraying various characters in animated TV films like Revolting Rhymes and took on the role of a narrator for an episode of the esteemed British documentary program Panorama.

Transitioning into 2018, Dominic graced the big screen with his presence in the film Colette and the remake of Tomb Raider. Maintaining his active presence on the screen, in 2019, the actress captivated audiences in the British television series Brassic.

Later, in October 2020, the actor stepped into the role of Charles, Prince of Wales, for the final two seasons of The Crown. His performance earned him nominations for two prestigious awards – the Screen Actors Guild Award and the Golden Globe Awards.

During an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, Dominic shared insights into his experience on the show, emphasizing that taking up the role of Charles, previously portrayed by Josh O’Connor, was an easy decision.

Dominic West as Charles, Prince of Wales in Netflix’s ‘The Crown’ (Photo: Twitter)

Likewise, he addressed the weight of joining a hugely successful series like The Crown, noting, “There was significant pressure due to its prior success and Josh’s excellent portrayal. However, when it comes down to it, you must choose roles that genuinely interest you; such opportunities are rare.”

Expressing his fondness, the actor conveyed how much he enjoyed stepping into the shoes of such a brilliant character. He also revealed that during his preparation, he immersed himself in numerous documentaries to thoroughly understand and capture the essence of the role.

Dominic West Shares Four Children With His Wife Catherine Fitzgerald

Dominic West is an English actor, director, and musician.

He is best known for playing Jimmy McNulty in HBO’s The Wire, Noah Solloway in Showtime’s The Affair, which earned him a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actor – Television Series Drama, Ebenezer Scrooge’s nephew Fred in A Christmas Carol, and Charles, Prince of Wales, in the Netflix drama The Crown, which earned him another Golden Globe Award nomination.

As successful as Dominic is in his professional life, the same is the case for his personal life. He is happily married to his wife, Catherine FitzGerald, with whom he shares four children —  Dora West, Senan West, Francis West, and Christabel West.

Here is all we know about them.

Dominic West’s children

While Dominic only shares four children with his current wife FitzGerald, he has five children. 

He welcomed his first child, daughter Martha West, with his former girlfriend Polly Astor. Martha has followed in her father’s footsteps in the entertainment industry.

She grew up in south-east London. She auditioned for her first professional job at the age of nine, and she was cast as the supporting lead alongside Paul Bettany and Jennifer Connelly in Creation, a biopic about Charles Darwin. 

It is reported that she eventually discontinued her acting career as a child at the request of her parents, who wanted her to concentrate on her studies at St Marylebone CE School. She received her training at the National Youth Theatre and participated in the Royal Court’s Young Court program. 

She graduated from Oxford University in 2021, where she performed and created plays, some of which received local attention.

She has appeared alongside her father in the BBC series Pursuit of Love. She also attended the 2019 Met Gala with Dominic. 

Dora, Dominic’s second child but the first one he shares with his wife, was born in 2006. She does not have any social media, so there is no information about her.

Senan, FitzGerald’s second child, has followed in his father’s and half-sister’s footsteps into the acting industry. He was cast as Prince William in the final few episodes of Season 5 of The Crown alongside his father, despite his lack of acting experience. 

It helped that Senan, who was blonde and blue-eyed, resembled a young Prince William, and the natural father-son bond didn’t hurt. However, Dominic did not let Senan reprise his role in the sixth season of the Netflix show.

Dominic West with his son, Senan West, and wife Catherine FitzGerald. (Source: Twitter)

He told the Radio Times [via The Times] that he did not want his son to act in the scene where he would learn that his mother [Princess Diana] had died. He said, “I didn’t really fancy doing the scene at Balmoral [Castle], telling a boy his mother has died.”

He revealed that Senan was invited back but it was Dominic who stopped his son from playing Prince William. “They invited Senan back because he did such a good job, and he was great, but I did slightly balk at that. It was unfair of me because he did want to do it, but I wouldn’t have fancied that, to be honest,” he confessed.

Not much is known about Dominic’s youngest two children, Francis and Christabel. They maintain a low profile and they have not joined their siblings and father into the world of acting. 

Dominic lives with his children and wife at Glin Castle in Ireland. He told House and Garden, “Glin enriches my life and my kids’ lives in terms of identity and continuum. My children are surrounded by Irish wit and humanity. They have a far broader existence than they would anywhere else in the world.”

Dominic West and his wife, Catherine FitzGerald

FitzGerald and West fell in love while attending Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, but their relationship was short-lived. “I fell in love with my wife when I was at university and I managed to persuade her to fall in love with me for about three months but then she ran away and married someone else,” Dominic told British Vogue. 

FitzGerald also talked about their love story with the Irish Independent and said that it would not have been the right decision to settle with him at the time. “We had all the time in the world to explore the pubs and back streets and walk the canal. But at the end of the summer, I left him. And he has not let me forget it! But I couldn’t have settled down with him right then forever. That would not have been a good idea for either of us,” she explained.

When FitzGerald and Dominic split up, she married Edward Lambton, the 7th Earl of Durham, in 1995, while the actor relocated to the United States to shoot The Wire and had a daughter with Astor.

FitzGerald and Lambton ended their relationship in 2002, and she and Dominic reconnected the same year. He was taking a year off and returned to London to be with his daughter, and a mutual acquaintance introduced them. 

“We were both, then, at the right time in our lives,” FitzGerald told the Irish Independent. “And it was lovely to have that shared history, from earlier days.” 

The duo has been together since then. They welcomed their children and were engaged for three years before getting married at the Glin Castle on June 27, 2010.

All looked good between Dominic, his wife, and their children. 

However, their marriage was put to the test in 2020, when Dominic was seen looking cozy with The Pursuit of Love co-star Lily James on the streets of Rome, Italy. The two were seen riding a scooter together, and at one point, James nuzzled Dominic’s neck. 

He wasn’t wearing his wedding band while he was with James. However, FitzGerald forgave her husband for the affair.

The day after the images were released, Dominic and FitzGerald addressed reporters outside their London home, presenting a unified face. They then handed reporters a note that read, “Our marriage is strong and we’re very much still together. Thank you. Catherine and Dominic.”

In the years after, the pair has remained supportive of one another, with FitzGerald appearing beside her husband at the season 5 premiere of The Crown in 2022 alongside their children.

Idris Elba’s Tattoos — Unveiling the Meaning behind His Inks

English actor Idris Elba has left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry for three decades, showcasing his versatility through diverse roles in film and television, all while passionately pursuing a music career.

Over the years of witnessing Idris’ on-screen prowess, fans have not only appreciated his artistic talent but also observed his passion for getting inked across his body. Let’s explore the meanings behind each of the actor’s unique distinctive tattoos.

1. Idris Elba has ‘The Black Star of Ghana’ Tattoo on His Hand

Idris chose to imprint ‘The Black Star of Ghana’ on the back of his right hand. He enthusiastically shared a snapshot of his inked masterpiece on Facebook on December 2, 2013, with the playful caption, “Showing off my tattoo. Hope you don’t mind.”

Following the post, a wave of curiosity swept through the actor’s devoted fan base. One fan playfully inquired, “What does the 5-point star represent?” while another delved into deeper inquiry, questioning, “What is it? And why have it?”

So, the profound meaning behind this particular tattoo lies in Idris’s rich heritage. With his mother, Eva Elba, hailing from Ghana, he chose to honor her roots by getting ‘The Black Star of Ghana’ permanently etched on his right hand.

Within the star, a finely detailed lion’s face is featured, symbolizing ‘Sierra Leonean Symbols’ as a tribute to the heritage of his father, Winston Elba. This intricate fusion of symbols not only represents familial connections but also serves as a visual testament to Idris’ cultural identity.

2. Idris Elba has a ‘Baby’ tattoo on his right shoulder

Idris has inked both the baby sign and written ‘Baby’ on the upper part of his shoulder. This tattoo holds personal significance among the various inkings on the film star’s arms.

Idris Elba’s baby tattoo on his bicep. (Source: Bodyartguru)

In a candid interview, the actor shared his perspective on tattoos, expressing, “This is our canvas – I just want to decorate it and be proud of it.”

4. Idris Elba’s left hand tattoo

Idris proudly displays a large and intricate tattoo on his left hand, but the meaning behind it remains unknown.

The actor has also not shared specific details about this tattoo, leaving fans to wonder whether it carries a personal significance or if it’s simply a stylish addition for aesthetic appeal.

5. Idris Elba has a ‘One Life’ tattoo on his forearm

Idris chose to ink ‘One Life’ on his left forearm as a touching tribute to his father, Winston, who sadly passed away from lung cancer in September 2013.

In a poignant interview with The Hollywood Reporter on March 11, 2019, the actor opened up about the heartfelt meaning behind the words “one life” tattooed on his forearm.

He shared the painful experience of witnessing his father’s battle with lung cancer, leading to his passing at the age of 76. This profound loss became a catalyst for Idris’ realization of the preciousness of life.

Idris Elba’s tattoo stands as a heartfelt tribute in remembrance of his father. (Source: Bodyartguru)

Recollecting the moments with his father, he expressed, “That’s it. That’s all we’ve got. I watched my dad die, and he and I had big plans. I never got to show him the fruits of my labor. We talked about things he could have done if I made it, and then he got sick.”

The actor went on to describe how this heartbreaking experience deeply influenced his outlook on life, stating, “It was heartbreaking, but it also grounded the (explicit) out of me.”

As a result, the ‘One Life’ tattoo on Idris’s left forearm serves as a poignant and enduring reminder of life’s fragility and the profound impact of cherished memories.

6. Idris Elba has his name tattooed on his shoulder

Idris chose to ink his name on his left shoulder. The reason behind this particular tattoo remains a mystery, as the actor has not disclosed the underlying significance. However, speculations suggest it might be just an additional personal touch to his body art collection.

7. Idris Elba has another line on his shoulder

Below the tattoo of his name, Idris has another set of line-like tattoos on his biceps. While these tattoos may not hold specific individual meanings, they play a crucial role in completing the overall aesthetic of his arm.

8. Idris Elba has word tattoos above his wrist

Idris has a word spelled like ‘Msses’ tattooed above his left wrist. However, the actor has not shared any specific meaning associated with the tattoos, nor has he provided clarity on the significance of the word.

As of now, the purpose behind this particular ink remains unclear, leaving fans and enthusiasts intrigued by the mysterious allure of Idris’s choice in body art.

9. Idris Elba has ‘The Long Awaited Lift Bearer’ tattoo on his forearm

Idris’s longest tattoo, spanning his right forearm, bears the inscription ‘The Long Awaited Lift Bearer.’ The actor, however, has kept the meaning of this tattoo a mystery.

Although he has not shared the specific meaning of his tattoo, some individuals speculate that it might carry significance or reflect a personal sentiment resonating with the phrase, perhaps symbolizing a moment of accomplishment or a profound journey in his life.

10. Idris Elba has a tattoo on his chest

Idris has two words written on his left chest, but they cannot be visible. Similar to his other tattoos, the actor has not publicly disclosed the specific details or personal significance behind this particular ink, keeping it shrouded in mystery.

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