Sir David Suchet, best known for his portrayal of Hercule Poirot, has spoken publicly about his 11-year-old grandson's battle with a rare and incurable genetic condition. The 79-year-old actor revealed in an interview with the Daily Mail that his grandson has Tuberous Sclerosis, a disorder that causes non-cancerous tumours to develop in various parts of the body.
According to the NHS, Tuberous Sclerosis is present from birth and can lead to a range of health issues, including epilepsy, learning disabilities, and kidney problems. Suchet described the diagnosis as a shock, noting that his grandson is non-verbal but can walk with a distinctive gait. 'He is a beautiful child,' Suchet said.
The actor, who was knighted in 2020 for his services to drama and charity, said he is now campaigning to raise awareness of the condition. 'I learned it was incurable, it was hard to take in, not many people have heard of it,' he explained. Suchet and his wife, actress Sheila Ferris, rent a property in Wiltshire near their son's family to be on hand for support.
Suchet, who starred in the long-running television adaptation of Agatha Christie's Poirot, described his knighthood as the proudest moment of his life. Reflecting on his career, he said he is most grateful for the opportunity to work across all media.
