Lennie James Says He Stopped Talking When He Was a Child After His Mother Died

Childhood Trauma and Silence

Acting veteran Lennie James recently opened up about a traumatic period in his childhood during an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs. He revealed that he stopped talking for a significant period after the death of his mother, Phyllis, when he was just eleven years old. The actor’s mother passed away on October 25th, and this event marked the beginning of a challenging time in James’ life.

Life at Children’s Home

James shared that after his mother’s death, he was placed with his brother Kester in a children’s home located in south London. Due to his father’s absence from their lives, this move became necessary. Speaking candidly about the experience, James said, “I stopped talking, and so I had the view of the back of my brother’s head again, because he kind of stepped in front of me and kind of looked out for me.” This period was not without its challenges as social services got involved to address his lack of communication.

Professional Success

Despite the early hardships, James has gone on to achieve significant success in the entertainment industry. He is known for his roles in both television and film, including Mr Loverman, where he received a Bafta nomination for leading actor, and the popular zombie horror series The Walking Dead. Reflecting on his journey, James stated, “I want to do something funny.

I still want to be challenged. I still want the fear of getting it wrong and the joy of getting it right, or some way towards getting it right.” His career spans decades, with notable works including his portrayal of Barrington Jedidiah Walker in the BBC’s adaptation of Bernardine Evaristo’s novel Mr Loverman.

Reflections on Past and Future

James also discussed how his experiences growing up influenced his work. He explained that after leaving the children’s home, he entered foster care at 15, which later inspired his Bafta-nominated drama Storm Damage. This production offered a testament to his foster family and their dedication to supporting vulnerable children.

In the interview, James shared, “My foster mother turned the house that she had fostered me into a privately run satellite children’s home, and my foster brother and foster sister worked there and I went back and helped out weekends and holidays.” This experience was instrumental in shaping his perspective and informing his creative endeavors.

The full interview with Lennie James can be heard on the episode of Desert Island Discs which aired at 10 am on Sunday, providing listeners with a profound insight into the personal struggles and professional triumphs that have defined his career. As he continues to navigate the entertainment landscape, James remains committed to both challenging himself creatively and advocating for those in need.