In a dramatic career shift, former Coronation Street star Katy Cavanagh has announced she is stepping away from acting to become a full-time manager for her two sons, who are making waves in the film industry. The 52-year-old actress, best known for playing Julie Carp on the ITV soap, is putting her own career on hold to guide the burgeoning Hollywood journeys of Noah, 20, and Jacobi Jupe, 11.
From Weatherfield to Hollywood: A Mother's New Role
Katy Cavanagh, who first joined the cast of Coronation Street in April 2008, has decided to leave the cobbles for a second and seemingly final time. After a brief break from the show in 2015, she returned last year for a short stint, only for her character to be killed off in a tragic cancer storyline. Now, she is channeling her energies into a new venture behind the camera, embracing the role of a Kardashian-style 'momager'.
Married to producer Chris Jupe, Cavanagh is the proud mother to three children. Her sons, Noah and Jacobi, have both landed pivotal roles in the Oscar-tipped film 'Hamnet', directed by Chloe Zhao. The film explores the family life of William Shakespeare, with young Jacobi playing one of the Bard's children and Noah taking on the emotionally charged role of Prince Hamlet within a play featured in the movie.
Sacrificing Stardom for Family Success
A source close to the family revealed the extent of Cavanagh's dedication to her sons' careers. "She's put everything into helping the boys have the best start in the industry," the insider told the Daily Mail. "She's put her own career on the back burner to help them realise their dreams." The source added that while Cavanagh's name may not open doors in Hollywood, her relentless support and guidance have been instrumental in launching their film careers.
The decision marks a significant turning point for the actress, who has enjoyed a successful television career spanning almost two decades. Beyond Coronation Street, she has appeared in high-profile series such as 'Bodies', 'Midsomer Murders', and 'Birds of a Feather'.
'Hamnet' and the Path to Awards Glory
The film at the centre of this family endeavour, 'Hamnet', has generated substantial awards buzz since its UK release. It stars Jessie Buckley in a critically acclaimed performance as Agnes Hathaway (Anne Hathaway), Shakespeare's wife, alongside Paul Mescal as the playwright himself. The story charts their romance, family life, and the grief following the loss of a child to the plague.
Cavanagh's departure from Coronation Street was met with warm sentiments from the show's production team. When she first left in 2015, producer Stuart Blackburn praised her, saying: "Julie Carp has become a warm, wonderful and eccentric character... Everyone at Corrie wishes Katy all the very best." It seems those well-wishes have now carried her to a new chapter, not in front of the camera for herself, but in steering the spotlight towards her talented sons.
