Rafe Spall has spoken candidly about his family life after welcoming a child with his Trying co-star Esther Smith two years ago. The 43-year-old actor, who shares three children with his ex-wife, says having his fourth child in his 40s has given him perspective on fatherhood.
Fatherhood Through All Phases
'I was 27 when I had my first child, and 42 when I had my fourth, and it means that you're very aware that nothing lasts forever when you're raising kids,' he told Metro. 'It gives you perspective. Sleepless nights never last forever. Potty training doesn't last forever. Everything passes, and when it goes, you miss it.'
The actor, known for playing Jason alongside Esther Smith's Nikki in the Apple TV comedy drama Trying, described his family as 'big, beautiful, full life' and expressed gratitude for the responsibility of fatherhood. 'I'm needed. Four people really rely on me and I'm very, very grateful for that.'
Blended Family and a 'Beautiful Addition'
Rafe said embarking on this adventure with Esther doesn't feel like 'starting again' but rather like a 'beautiful addition'. He described spending the summer in a rented house in the country 'with five children' while his partner worked on a play. 'Trying to find activities for children ranging from 15 to two. Then making dinner with a two-year-old on my hip,' he said.
He also reflected on his children's potential interest in acting, following in the footsteps of their father and grandfather Timothy Spall. 'Their dad and their granddad are actors, so they're around it a lot. Of course they're going to be interested in it... I don't put any pressure on them,' he admitted.
New Roles: PM and Sherlock Holmes
Rafe is set to play the Prime Minister in Steven Moffat's upcoming drama Number 10, a role he took so seriously he sat down with a former PM to discuss the job. He also plays Sherlock Holmes in The Death of Sherlock Holmes, set during the detective's three-year absence after Reichenbach Falls.
Despite his busy schedule, he remains focused on his family. 'I want to keep being in the position where I can provide for my family, whether that is through wearing a spacesuit, or tights, or a cowboy hat.' Trying season five is streaming now.
