Is Matthew Macfadyen Gay? He Is Married to a Woman and Has Two Kids

Matthew Macfadyen's sexuality came into question due to his portrayal of Tom Wambsgans in the comedy-drama "Succession." Fans have wondered if he is gay; however, the actor has been happily married for nearly two decades.

English native Matthew Macfadyen drew his first breath in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, on October 17, 1974. He was born to an actress mother, who later taught Drama, while his father was a physicist who later became an oil executive.

He spent a good part of his childhood in different homes, and while that may constitute some form of trauma for others, the actor found it adventurous as his parents were always excited to visit or stay in new places.

Matthew Macfadyen arrives to the 74th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Microsoft Theater on September 12, 2022, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

After staying in Indonesia for some time, he finished his education in England and enrolled at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Macfadyen established himself remarkably as a stage actor before debuting his onscreen career in the late 1990s.

His first TV appearance was in "Wuthering Heights," where he played Hareton Earnshaw. He further cemented himself in the film world when he played Mr. Darcy alongside Kiera Knightly, Talulah Riley, and Donald Sutherland in 2005's "Pride and Prejudice."

The actor has remained active in TV and film ever since and has even dabbled in executive production. In 2018, he joined the main cast of "Succession" (including Kieran Culkin and Brian Cox), portraying Tom Wambgans. His portrayal of this character sparked speculation about his sexuality.

Matthew Macfadyen is pictured at the "Operation Mincemeat" UK premiere at The Curzon Mayfair on April 12, 2022, in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Speculations About Matthew Macfadyen's Sexual Orientation

The speculations began in 2021 when Twitter users shared their observations about Macfadyen's character. One wrote, "cant stop thinking about that post that said something like "i feel bad for matthew macfadyen his american accent is so bad that everyone thinks he's gay" 😭(sic)."

Another referenced photos of Macfadyen and his "Succession" co-star, Nick Braun, posing in elaborate shirts and said, "nick braun and matthew macfadyen look like stereotypical gay dads taking vacation selfies. (sic)."

(L-R) Jeremy Strong, Casey Bloys, Matthew Macfadyen, and Nicholas Braun attend HBO / HBO Max Emmy Nominees Reception at San Vicente Bungalows on September 12, 2022, in West Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

Another Twitter user shared their anticipation for the show's upcoming episodes in December 2021. This user was waiting to see if Wambsgans and Greg Hirsch (played by Braun) would become a couple or if Macfadyen and Braun are "just unbelievably gay for each other."

A Redditor revived the discussion in May 2023 when the user asked, "Why is Matthew MacFadyen playing Tom gay?" Most of the replies indicated that perhaps it was Macfadyen's mannerisms that had led to that assumption, with some describing him as "effeminate" and "British posh."

Matthew MacFayden during an interview on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon" January 12, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

Matthew Macfadyen Married Keeley Hawes

Despite the speculations, Macfadyen has been married to Keeley Hawes, an actress known for "Line of Duty," "It's A Sin," and "The Midwich Cuckoos," which also stars India Ria Amarteifio. The couple met on the set of "Spooks" in 2002.

When they met, the actress was a newlywed, having tied the knot with Spencer McCallum. She had a son, Myles, with McCallum. However, when Mcfadyen confessed his love, she left McCallum, whom she had been married to for eight weeks. Hawes described her divorce from the cartoonist as "horrific," but they mended their relationship in time.

She dated Macfadyen for two years before marrying him in 2004, and the pair subsequently welcomed two kids. The actress once described her and her actor husband as having polar opposite personalities. She said: "He's calm. I'm the fiery one."

Keeley Hawes and Matthew Macfayden pose at the 2023 Chelsea Flower Show at Royal Hospital Chelsea on May 22, 2023, in London, England | Source: Getty Images

In a 2010 interview, Hawes said she loved that she married Macfadyen and knew her husband felt the same. "It ties up everything and it's a statement to each other and to the world," she continued. Hawes added that marriage and being a mother were "crucial" to her happiness and life.

Moreover, her co-parenting relationship with McCallum has been blissful. McCallum lives near Hawes and Macfadyen's home and has assisted in caring for the kids. He also developed a healthy relationship with Macfadyen, and the three have supported each other's children as a unit.

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