Keeley Hawes has charmed British television audiences for over three decades. From her breakthrough role in Spooks to her recent win in Miss Austen, this British actress continues to rethink what it means to be a leading lady in modern entertainment.
Born Clare Julia Hawes, she’s transformed from a working-class London girl into one of Britain’s most respected performers. Her journey includes everything from voicing Lara Croft in Tomb Raider video games to earning BAFTA nominee status multiple times.
This total guide covers everything you need to know about Keeley Hawes, her personal life, career corner, family shift with Matthew Macfadyen, and her impressive net worth.
Keeley Hawes Wiki/Bio
Keeley Hawes was born Clare Julia Hawes on February 10, 1976, at St Mary’s Hospital in London. At 49 years old, she’s proven that age is just a number in the entertainment industry.
This British actress has built her report on powerful television roles that showcase her amazing range. She’s equally safe playing spies, police officers, and period drama heroes.
| Personal Details | Information |
| Full Name | Clare Julia Hawes |
| Date of Birth | February 10, 1976 |
| Age | 49 years (as of 2025) |
| Profession | Actress, Producer |
| Nationality | British |
| Famous For | Spooks, Line of Duty, Bodyguard |
| @misskeeleyhawes |
Her transformation from Clare to Keeley happened early in her career. The name change helped her stand out in auditions and became her professional identity.
Keeley Hawes currently lives in London with her family. She’s managed to maintain a successful career while staying grounded in her British roots.
Physical Appearance
Keeley Hawes stands tall at 5 feet 8 inches, giving her a commanding presence on screen. Her height has been an advantage in many of her television roles, particularly when playing rule figures.
She maintains her weight at around 130 pounds through a blend of healthy eating and regular exercise. Her slim build has remained in line throughout her career.
Physical Stats:
- Height: 5 feet 8 inches
- Weight: Approximately 130 pounds
- Eye Color: Blue
- Hair Color: Blonde
- Build: Slim and athletic
Her striking blue eyes and blonde hair have become her signature look. Keeley has experimented with different hairstyles over the years, but she always returns to her classic blonde air.
At 49, she continues to defy the aging formula in Hollywood. Her commitment to fitness and self-care shows in every role she takes on.
Early Life
Keeley Hawes grew up in Marylebone, London, in a working-class family that shaped her down-to-earth personality. Her father, Tony, worked as a London taxi driver, just like her two older brothers.
Being the youngest of four children taught her spring and resolve. These qualities would later help her cross the competitive entertainment industry.
As a kid, Keeley worked at McDonald’s and Sainsbury’s to help support her family. These early jobs taught her the value of hard work and money.
Her life changed when she was scouted for modeling on Oxford Street. This chance led to work in magazines like Shout and Cosmopolitan.
The modeling event gave her confidence in front of cameras. It also provided the financial stability she needed to pursue acting seriously.
Education
Keeley Hawes attended the noted Sylvia Young Theatre School in London starting at age nine. She received a grant to attend, which was crucial for her working-class family.
Sylvia Young Theatre School is famous for training many successful British performers. The school provided Keeley with professional acting training from a young age.
Educational Journey:
- Primary Training: Sylvia Young Theatre School (age 9+)
- Scholarship: Grant-based attendance
- Focus: Acting, singing, dancing
- Early Exit: Left formal education for career opportunities
She made the bold decision to leave formal education early to pursue modeling and acting. This practical talk to learning served her well in the entertainment industry.
The foundation she received at Sylvia Young Theatre School remained with her throughout her career. The training taught her discipline and professionalism that directors still praise today.
Family
Keeley Hawes has built a beautiful blended family that’s become the foundation of her happiness. Her personal life shows the same thoughtfulness she brings to her professional choices.
Her first marriage was to Spencer McCallum in 2001. They had a son, Myles, in 2000, but the couple divorced in 2004.
Family Timeline:
- 2000: Son Myles born (with Spencer McCallum)
- 2001: Married Spencer McCallum
- 2004: Divorced Spencer McCallum
- 2004: Married Matthew Macfadyen (October)
- 2004: Daughter Maggie born (December)
- 2006: Son Ralph born (September)
Her second marriage to Matthew Macfadyen happened on the set of Spooks. Their on-screen chemistry translated into real-life romance.
Matthew Macfadyen is also a successful actor known for roles in Pride and Prejudice and Succession. Together, they’ve created a supportive partnership in both life and career.
The family includes their dog, Buster, who’s become a beloved member of the household. Keeley often mentions how important family time is for maintaining balance.
Career Highlights
Keeley Hawes began her television career in the late 1980s with small roles that showcased her natural talent. Her early work in productions like Karaoke and The Beggar Bride caught industry attention.
Her breakthrough came with Spooks (2002-2004), where she played Zoe Reynolds. This spy drama role established her as a serious actress capable of handling complex characters.
Television Dominance
- Ashes to Ashes (2008-2010): Leading role that proved her star power
- Line of Duty (2014-2016): DI Denton showcase her range in police drama
- The Durrells (2016-2019): Louisa Durrell brought warmth to period drama
- Bodyguard (2018): Julia Montague in this political thriller earned critical acclaim
Voice Acting Success
Keeley voiced Lara Croft in Tomb Raider video games from 2006 to 2014. This work introduced her to a global gaming audience and provided significant income.
The Lara Croft role required physical preparation and voice training. She brought depth and intelligence to the iconic character.
Producer Evolution
In recent years, Keeley has expanded into producing with projects like Honour and Finding Alice. This move shows her business acumen and industry knowledge.
Her BAFTA nominee status comes from three separate nominations across different projects. This recall proves her consistent merit in television roles.
Career Timeline
Keeley Hawes has built an impressive career spanning multiple decades and genres. Her clever choice of roles shows artistic growth and commercial awareness.
| Year | Project | Role | Impact |
| Late 1980s | TV debut | Various small roles | Industry introduction |
| 2002-2004 | Spooks | Zoe Reynolds | Breakthrough performance |
| 2008-2010 | Ashes to Ashes | Alex Drake | Leading lady status |
| 2014-2016 | Line of Duty | DI Lindsay Denton | Critical acclaim |
| 2016-2019 | The Durrells | Louisa Durrell | Family audience appeal |
| 2018 | Bodyguard | Julia Montague | BAFTA nominee recognition |
| 2021 | Honour/Finding Alice | Producer | Career expansion |
| 2025 | Miss Austen | Cassandra Austen | Continued relevance |
Her career shows remarkable unity and growth. Each decade has brought new challenges and successes.
The 2025 projects prove that Keeley Hawes remains in high demand. Miss Austen on BBC series and The Assassin on Prime Video show her continued relevance.
Net Worth
Keeley Hawes has built an rated net worth of $5 million as of 2025. This figure returns her successful career across multiple entertainment mediums.
Her income sources include:
Primary Income Streams:
- Television acting: Leading roles in major productions
- Voice work: Tomb Raider video games provided substantial earnings
- Producing: Behind-the-scenes work adds to her income
- Endorsements: Selective brand partnerships
Financial Breakdown:
- Estimated Annual Earnings: $500,000 – $800,000
- Property Investments: London real estate portfolio
- Savings and Investments: Diversified financial planning
- Lifestyle Expenses: Family maintenance and education costs
Her partnership with Matthew Macfadyen creates a powerful entertainment power couple. Combined, their household income significantly exceeds $10 million.
Keeley has been smart about money management throughout her career. She’s avoided the financial problems that affect many actors by making conservative investments.
Controversies
Keeley Hawes has maintained a remarkably clean public image throughout her career. In an industry known for scandals, she’s managed to avoid major controversies.
Her 2004 divorce from Spencer McCallum was handled privately and professionally. Both parties focused on co-parenting their son Myles effectively.
Public Challenges Addressed:
- Mental Health: Openly discussed dealing with depression
- Ageism: Spoke about industry challenges for women over 40
- Work-Life Balance: Honest about juggling career and motherhood
She’s used her platform to address important issues without creating unnecessary drama. Her approach to debate is to address it honestly and move forward.
The media respects her boundaries regarding her children’s privacy. This mutual respect has helped maintain her positive public image.
Recent Updates
2024 was a significant year for Keeley Hawes with several high-profile projects and air. She appeared in Scoop on Netflix and attended the Emmy Awards with Matthew Macfadyen.
2025 Projects:
Miss Austen premiered on BBC series in February 2025 to critical acclaim. Keeley plays Cassandra Austen, Jane Austen’s sister, in this biographical drama.
The show has already been renewed for Miss Austen Returns, proving its welcome with audiences. Her portrayal brings depth and nuance to the historical figure.
Her role in The Assassin on Prime Video launched in July 2025. This thriller shows her range in action-oriented roles.
The streaming service investment in the project shows confidence in Keeley’s drawing power. International audiences are discovering her talent through this platform.
Upcoming Projects
- Falling (Channel 4 drama) – Currently in production
- Miss Austen Returns – Confirmed for 2026
- Various producer projects in development
Conclusion
Keeley Hawes means the best of British television talent. Her journey from working-class London to BAFTA nominee status moved aspiring actors everywhere. Her marriage to Matthew Macfadyen shows that successful partnerships are possible in the entertainment industry. Together, they’ve built a family while maintaining sole artistic honesty.
From Spooks to Miss Austen, her television roles show amazing range and commitment. Whether she’s playing spies, police officers, or historical figures, Keeley brings truth to every performance. Her work in Tomb Raider video games proved that she could master different mediums. This creativity has kept her relevant across changing industry trends.
At 49, Keeley Hawes shows no signs of slowing down. Her recent projects on Prime Video and BBC series prove that age is an asset, not a limitation. The future looks bright for this British actress who continues to surprise and delight audiences worldwide. Her next chapter promises even more exciting growth in her remarkable career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Keeley Hawes’ real name?
Keeley Hawes was born Clare Julia Hawes on February 10, 1976. She changed her first name professionally to stand out in auditions.
How much is Keeley Hawes worth in 2025?
Keeley Hawes has an rated net worth of $5 million as of 2025, earned through acting, producing, and voice work projects.
Is Keeley Hawes married to Matthew Macfadyen?
Yes, Keeley Hawes married Matthew Macfadyen in October 2004 after meeting on the Spooks set. They have two children together: Maggie and Ralph.
What TV shows is Keeley Hawes famous for?
Keeley Hawes is best known for Spooks, Line of Duty, Bodyguard, The Durrells, and her recent role in Miss Austen on BBC.
Did Keeley Hawes voice Lara Croft in Tomb Raider?
Yes, Keeley Hawes was the voice of Lara Croft in Tomb Raider video games from 2006 to 2014, seeing the iconic character come to life.
