
Martin Clunes Opens Up About Strained Relationship with Late Father
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Martin Clunes, a beloved star of ITV’s Out There and a long-time fan favorite of Doc Martin, has revealed the challenges he faced growing up, shedding light on his strained relationship with his father. The actor, celebrating a career spanning back to the 1980s, shared heartfelt memories and painful truths about his early life during an exclusive interview.
Born in Wimbledon, southwest London, Martin is the son of Daphne and Alec Clunes, a successful actor who graced both stage and screen from the 1940s until his untimely death in 1963. Despite the acting legacy in his family, Martin’s childhood was far from easy. At the tender age of eight, Martin’s father, whom he described as “the strong and silent type,” passed away from lung cancer at the age of 57.
“The expectation was, ‘Oh, come on, let’s not cry. Let’s be grown-up.’ How grown-up can you be at eight?” Martin confided to The Times. This emotional burden was compounded when Martin learned in his twenties that his father had left the family before his death. Alec had moved hundreds of miles away to Mallorca after his diagnosis, seeking solitude in a small shack under the care of a Spanish doctor.
Martin recounted the moment he discovered his father’s departure: “He’d gone to live in a little shack in Mallorca when a Spanish doctor told him he had lung cancer and three months to live. When I found out, Mum said, ‘Oh, I thought you knew.’” This revelation left Martin grappling with the complexities of his father’s actions and his mother’s concealed pain.
Reflecting on his father’s character, Martin described him as a “tortured soul” who often gave people a hard time. In a 2012 interview with The Telegraph, he admitted, “I keep finding things out about him as I get older. Yes, I think he probably was quite tortured. I think he gave a lot of people quite a hard time. He was a bit of a [expletive] actually. I don’t think he was very nice to my mum.”
Following his father’s death, Martin was sent to a boarding school in Surrey. His paternal grandparents made the decision, fearing he might “become gay” if he stayed with his mother and older sister—a misconception that forced Martin to suppress his emotions. “Because that’s how it happens, apparently. So then I had not to cry and not wet the bed at boarding school, which was impossible,” he candidly shared.
Despite these early hardships, Martin has built a successful career and a loving family with his husband, Jeremy Parisi. The couple, who married in 2022, moved to London in 2023 after Kelly Brook sold her 15th-century Kent country house. Together, they enjoy a vibrant jet-set lifestyle with their daughter, Minnie.
Martin’s journey from a troubled childhood to becoming one of the UK’s most adored actors is a testament to his resilience and strength. His openness about his past not only humanizes the star but also offers solace to others facing similar familial struggles.
As Out There airs today, Martin continues to captivate audiences with his performances, balancing his professional achievements with his personal growth. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of family relationships and the courage it takes to confront and overcome early life challenges.
Martin Clunes’ willingness to share his experiences underscores his commitment to authenticity, making him a relatable and cherished figure in British entertainment. As he navigates his successful career and personal life, Martin remains a source of inspiration, proving that despite the scars of the past, one can achieve greatness and find happiness.