A familiar face from Weatherfield caused a stir among British viewers at a top-tier table during last week's star-studded Critics' Choice Awards in Los Angeles. It was none other than former Coronation Street actress Katy Cavanagh, but she wasn't there for her own acting accolades. Instead, the 52-year-old was celebrating a new role: a hugely successful Hollywood 'momager' – a combination of mum and manager – for her two rising star sons.
From Julie Carp to Hollywood Power Mum
Best known to soap fans for her seven-year stint as the bubbly Julie Carp on the ITV cobbles, Cavanagh has put her own career on the back burner. She has dedicated herself to managing the careers of her sons, Noah Jupe, 20, and Jacobi Jupe, 12. Her efforts have paid off spectacularly, with both young actors earning critical praise for their roles in the highly lauded film Hamnet, starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal.
"She's put everything into helping the boys have the best start in the industry," an insider revealed. "Obviously she's not known in Hollywood, so it's not like her name has particularly opened doors for them, but she's got them into the industry and is constantly helping them."
A Family Affair in 'Hamnet'
The period drama, which has garnered several award nominations, tells the tragic story of Shakespeare's son. Jacobi plays the title role of Hamnet, the Bard's son who died aged 11. His older brother, Noah, plays an actor performing Hamlet in the play within the film, said to be inspired by that personal loss.
Interestingly, it was Jacobi who was first cast by director Chloe Zhao. When the production began filming without having found their Hamlet, Cavanagh suggested Noah. "Two months into their shoot and I got a call from my mum and Chloe, and they're very giddy and smiling," Noah told Time magazine. "They say to me, 'How would you feel about playing Hamlet?' It was obviously something you just cannot turn down."
Noah is already an established name with 26 film and TV credits, including the A Quiet Place horror films and projects with Nicole Kidman and George Clooney. Both brothers, however, are quick to credit their parents – their father is producer Chris Jupe – for their grounded approach to success.
Stepping into the Spotlight
"Without them, a) I don't think I would've chosen the same level of jobs potentially, and b) I might've not been mentally the way I am right now," Jacobi has said. Noah concurs, emphasising the crucial support system their mother provides.
Katy Cavanagh accompanied her younger son to the Critics' Choice Awards, where Jessie Buckley won Best Actress, and they are both expected to attend the upcoming Golden Globes. The film, Buckley, and co-star Paul Mescal are all nominees, marking a pinnacle moment for the Jupe family's Hollywood journey.
This heartening story of a mother's dedication stands in contrast to other awards season narratives, such as the noted snub of Sydney Sweeney in the nominations, though it didn't stop her from making a headline-grabbing appearance at a pre-Golden Globes party. For the Jupes, however, the focus remains firmly on family and formidable talent.
