Mr Loverman Lennie James' life from tragic death to new life abroad

Lennie James, star of Mr Loverman, has been a mainstay on the British TV scene for many years but international TV viewers will recognise him from The Walking Dead franchise

Lennie James, the Mr Loverman star, has been a staple on British television for many years. The TV and film actor has made memorable appearances in numerous iconic TV shows such as Line Of Duty, Jericho, Spooks, and Save Me.

Across the Atlantic, Lennie is best known for portraying Morgan Jones in The Walking Dead series, where his character overcomes personal tragedy to become a guiding moral force for Rick and others.

Now 59, James takes on the role of Barry in Mr Loverman, a man grappling with the challenges of coming out to his family while dealing with a serious relationship with his best friend and soul mate Morris.

When asked about his decision to take on the role, Lennie James remarked: "Any actor who saw and read Barry would like to play him as a character. He's everything that would excite an actor complicated, funny, a good dresser and harsh."

"He's also a contradiction - loyal but disloyal, a good and bad husband, a good and bad father, a good and bad man.

"He loves and hates in equal measure. Every part of him is really interesting to me and would be to any actor. The opportunity to play him was a real no-brainer."

With the full series of Mr Loverman released on BBC iPlayer on Monday, October 14, here we take a look into Lennie James' life, his early heartbreak, career breakthrough and his new life abroad.

Early life and career

Born in Nottingham to Trinidadian parents, Lennie James spent his formative years in South London. Following the death of his mother, he and his brother were placed in a council children's home where they resided for an extended period.

Although he had a keen interest in rugby, it was the theatre that caught his interest. He graduated from the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London in 1988 and has been consistently employed in the acting industry since then.

His play Trial and Error, submitted to the National Youth Theatre-Texaco Playwriting Competition, earned him the title of Most Prominent Playwright Under 21. After establishing himself in theatre, Lennie James made his television debut in shows like A Touch of Frost, Cold Feet and Undercover Heart.

Drawing on his personal experiences in the care system, he penned the critically acclaimed autobiographical film Storm Damage in 2000. This poignant drama won him a Royal Television Society award the following year.

Lennie James continued to make his mark in TV shows such as Spooks, Buried, Jericho, Hung, Save Me and notably as the corrupt police officer DCI Tony Gates in Line of Duty.

Lennie James' US breakthrough

After many years on British TV, it is his role as Morgan Jones in The Walking Dead franchise that has made him most recognisable. He quickly became a fan favourite after his appearance in the series' pilot episode.

The British actor later joined the spin-off Fear the Walking Dead between 2018 and 2023, and even directed three episodes.

Film fans will be familiar with Lennie James from his roles in hits like 24 Hour Party People, Sahara, Blade Runner 2049, and his upcoming voice role as Obasi in Mufasa: The Lion King.

Family heartbreak and time in foster care

The actor has opened up about the personal tragedies and challenges he faced growing up. At the tender age of 10, Lennie's world was turned upside down when his mother Phyllis passed away, leading to him and his older brother Kester being placed in a children's home in south London.

Reflecting on those times, Lennie acknowledges the deep impact it had on him.

But the years that followed, and the upbringing he received, he says, have led him to conclude that the “generosity of strangers” helped make him the person he is now. "The fear and vulnerability of going into care is etched in my memory,” Lennie said.

"But I owe such a debt of gratitude to the staff who looked after us and then to my foster family for taking responsibility for who I was going to be.

"I benefited from the generosity of strangers. We were not blood related but they looked after me in the best way they could. These were people who had no obligation to do any of the things they did and I’m very lucky they did.

"They helped shape who I am today and they showed how a child’s future doesn’t have to be defined by their past."

Lennie recalls life in the Tooting children's home as highly structured yet tumultuous. He remembers the compassion of the staff, who would often contribute their own funds to buy Christmas gifts for the children, ensuring they felt cared for.

His journey has led him to become an ambassador for Barnardo's, advocating for children in and leaving care.

Is Lennie James married?

James is married to fellow actor and publicist Giselle Glasman. The couple has three daughters Romy and twins Celine and Georgia with the family living in Los Angeles.

The Walking Dead star fondly recalls meeting his wife during their youth theatre days, describing her as the "greatest love" of his life.

In a heartfelt confession to The Guardian in 2019, James recalled, "I met my wife in youth theatre when we were 18, which meant that our first kiss was in the rehearsal room.

"I've never been more frightened to kiss somebody and I've never been so happy once I was doing it."

James once shared that his ideal evening would be one where he's cooking, surrounded by friends and family at the dinner table, sharing laughter and red wine into the night.

Owing to his London roots, Lennie James is a Tottenham fan.