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

Matthew Macfayden’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 Mcfayden 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.

After staying in Indonesia for some time, he finished his education in England and enrolled at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Macfayden 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.

The speculations began in 2021 when Twitter users shared their observations about Macfayden’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 Macfayden 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).”

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 Macfayden 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 Macfayden’s mannerisms that had led to that assumption, with some describing him as “effeminate” and “British posh.”

Despite the speculations, Macfayden 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 Armateifio. 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 Mcfayden 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 Macfayden 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.”

In a 2010 interview, Hawes said she loved that she married Macfayden 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 Macfayden’s home and has assisted in caring for the kids. He also developed a healthy relationship with Macfayden, and the three have supported each other’s children as a unit.