While audiences may be familiar with the chaotic life of Amanda Hughes in London, little is known about the private world of Lucy Punch, the actress who portrays her. The 48-year-old British star fiercely guards her personal life and avoids social media entirely.
A Quiet Life in Los Angeles
Away from the spotlight, Lucy relaxes in her £2 million country farmhouse in Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles, with her long-time partner, artist Dinos Chapman (64), and their two young sons, aged 10 and six. Despite its modest value compared to typical Hollywood homes, the property sits among the rich and famous, with neighbours including Jack Nicholson and Kim Kardashian.
Lucy moved to Los Angeles nearly 20 years ago and met Dinos in 2014, following his divorce from Tiphaine de Lussy, with whom he shares two daughters. In a rare interview, she described them both as 'quite reserved' and noted how 'supportive and proud' Dinos is of her work.
Protecting Her Children
Lucy is particularly protective of her sons, whose names she keeps out of the public eye. 'It's privacy, isn't it? They don't have a choice. It's different when they're older but for now, it's not my place to make that decision for them. It's my place to protect them,' she explained.
When not working, she juggles school runs and summer activities, describing their childcare as 'mismanaged, chaotic' due to their unconventional jobs. She also revealed she never obtained a green card, relying on rolling visas despite owning a home and having American children. 'I get itchy feet. I like being a little bit here and a little bit there,' she said.
Dinos Chapman and the Chapman Brothers
Dinos was half of the renowned British visual art duo The Chapman Brothers, alongside his brother Jake. Their work, exploring hell, Nazi, Freudian, apocalyptic, and Biblical themes, earned a Turner Prize nomination in 2003. The duo split in 2022, with Dinos describing their relationship as 'never a love-in' and 'tinged with seething disdain'.
Escaping the LA Fires
Last year, Lucy and her family were forced to flee their home due to the LA fires, decamping to the Joshua Tree desert. Fortunately, their three-bedroom farmhouse with wood-burners and a sun-drenched patio survived. Lucy described the experience as 'shocking and devastating', likening it to 'east London flattened'. She now keeps packed bags ready for her partner and son still in LA.
Amandaland Success
Lucy's performance in the second series of Amandaland has received widespread praise. The show follows Amanda, a former socialite who becomes an online influencer despite having no followers. Critics have compared her character to comedy icons David Brent and Alan Partridge for her cringeworthy lack of self-awareness. The series recently won a BAFTA for Best Scripted Comedy.
Lucy described the role as her first lead, admitting she hasn't 'reflected too much' to avoid 'freaking out'. She noted her character is now more relatable, and co-star Joanna Lumley, whom she calls a 'second mum', plays a less cruel role than in Motherland.
Career Highlights
Lucy's career spans decades, with notable roles including the evil Esmé Squalor in A Series of Unfortunate Events (2017), an Ugly Sister in Into the Woods (2014), and the prudish Amy Squirrel in Bad Teacher (2011). Her breakthrough came in Woody Allen's You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger (2010), though she later expressed regret over the association. Other roles include Dinner for Schmucks (2010), Hot Fuzz (2007), St Trinian's (2007), and Ella Enchanted (2004).
Lucy often plays 'b***hes and witches and ugly stepsisters', a niche she enjoys. 'I've always liked people just verging on the grotesque. Not to be friends with, of course, but just to observe,' she said.
