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

Childhood Trauma and Recovery: Lennie James Opens Up on His Struggles

Bafta-winning actor and writer Lennie James has shared a poignant story from his childhood, revealing that he stopped talking after the death of his mother when he was 11 years old. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, James provided an intimate look into his formative years during which he faced significant challenges.

James explained how his father was not present in his life, leading to him being moved to a children’s home in south London with his brother Kester. “I stopped talking, and so I had the view of the back of my brother’s head again,” James recounted. “He kind of stepped in front of me and looked out for me.” The actor described how social services became involved when he was left solely with his brother.

James spoke about multiple visits to child psychiatrists and child psychologists, detailing the concerns raised by those around him regarding his inability to communicate. During a meeting with a social worker, James remembers being encouraged to speak directly but finding it difficult. “I remember my meeting with a social worker because I would make myself known to my brother, speak through him,” he said. “We’re in a meeting, and the social worker (was) saying that she was someone I could talk to and that I could trust, and that they’re very worried about me because they need to know what I’m feeling, and why won’t I talk.” His brother’s response, “what do you want him to say?,” offered a perspective on James’ silence: “He goes, ‘he’ll talk when he’s ready, and then you’ll be asking him to shut up.’ And he was kind of right.”

Resilience and Inspiration in Foster Care

The actor’s journey did not end with his time at the children’s home. He explained that despite the challenges, they “lucked out” as they stayed together, attended the same school, and kept their friendships intact. “We stayed together, stayed at the same school, stayed in the same neighbourhood,” James stated. Reflecting on the experience, he added, “Kept all my same friends.

There wasn’t a big turnover. They were attentive. The staff stayed.

They cared about us, and they looked after us.” This period of his life was also marked by change when the children’s home was sold, leading James to enter foster care at 15, which he said “inspired” his Bafta-nominated drama Storm Damage.

“My foster mother turned the house that she had fostered me into a privately run satellite children’s home, and my foster brother and sister worked there,” James explained. He went on to help out weekends and holidays, ultimately using these experiences as inspiration for his writing. “I wrote Storm Damage about the first two years of my foster family’s children’s home and the kids that were there and the work that they were doing.” The drama served as a testament to the staff and their commitment to the community.

Continuing Success in Hollywood and Beyond

The actor has since achieved significant success in both television and film. In 2025, he won the leading actor Bafta for his portrayal of Barrington Jedidiah Walker in the BBC’s TV adaptation of Bernardine Evaristo’s novel Mr Loverman. James expressed his desire to continue challenging himself with new roles: “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 has seen him star in shows like The Walking Dead, cementing his status as a versatile and accomplished actor.

James’ openness about his past provides insight into the resilience and strength required to overcome adversity. His journey from silence to success serves as an inspiration for many, highlighting both the challenges faced by children in care and the support systems that can help them thrive.