Noah Jupe has opened up about his efforts to shield his younger brother, Jacobi, from the negative aspects of the film industry, reflecting on their upbringing. The 21-year-old actor recently appeared alongside his 12-year-old brother Jacobi in the BAFTA-winning movie Hamnet, where Jacobi played the title role.
Family Background in Showbiz
The Jupe brothers were introduced to Hollywood through their mother, Kathryn Sarah Collins Jupe, a Coronation Street star, and their father, Chris Jupe, a filmmaker. While Jacobi has quickly made a name for himself in the entertainment world, Noah has shared insights into how the family navigates the industry's challenges.
Protecting Jacobi from the Dark Side
In an interview with The Times, Noah explained: "I feel very protective of him; we all do. My parents and I have been in the industry long enough to have seen the dark side and we know how to keep Jacobi away from it." He acknowledged that Jacobi's life is far from ordinary, but emphasized his brother's strength: "His life isn’t normal, but Jacobi isn’t a normal kid; he’s an extremely rare and individual human, and he’s strong enough to handle it."
Growing Up in a Showbiz Family
Noah also reflected on his childhood with his parents and sister, Jemimah, who has chosen to stay out of the spotlight and attend university. He recalled family movie nights that extended beyond four hours because his father, a movie director, would encourage post-film discussions. One of Noah's favorite activities with Jacobi is introducing him to classic films like The Karate Kid and watching his reactions.
Emotional Openness in the Family
Noah revealed that the Jupe family has always encouraged expressing emotions freely. He and his mother cried together during the first screening of Hamnet. Noah admitted he knew his brother was talented but didn't realize the full extent until seeing the film.
Career Trajectories
Noah has amassed 26 film and TV credits, including the Quiet Place horror films and projects with Nicole Kidman, George Clooney, and Hugh Grant. However, it was Jacobi who was first cast in Hamnet by director Chloe Zhao. Noah praised his parents for guiding his career: "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."
About Hamnet
Hamnet is a historical drama exploring the domestic life and grief of William Shakespeare (played by Paul Mescal) and his wife Agnes (Anne) Hathaway after the death of their 11-year-old son, Hamnet. Directed by Chloe Zhao and based on Maggie O'Farrell's novel, it fictionalizes how the boy's death inspired Hamlet. The film earned critical acclaim, with Jessie Buckley winning the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Anne, and it won Best Motion Picture – Drama at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards.
