Lennie James, actor

Nov 23, 2025

Lennie James, a celebrated British actor and writer known for his roles in Mr. Loverman and The Walking Dead, shares compelling insights from his life. He discusses the complexity of his character Barry, his emotional connection to music, and how it inspires his writing. Lennie remembers his mother Phyllis and the impact of losing her, the supportive moments in his children's home, and the influence of his foster mom Pam. He also reflects on his journey from scriptwriting to acting, his global recognition, and his desire to explore comedy.

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ANECDOTE

Gospel Shaped His Childhood Soundtrack

Lennie James remembers Jean Martin's gospel performances as a central soundtrack of his childhood church life.
He links that music to memories of his mother Phyllis and the emotional world of their Pentecostal community.

ANECDOTE

Early Loss And Maternal Dignity

Lennie lost his mother Phyllis at age 11 and has only partial memories, relying on family stories to fill gaps.
Despite hardship, he recalls magical Christmases and his mother's insistence on cleanliness and dignity.

ANECDOTE

Brother's Song From The Ice Rink

Lennie chose The Fatback Band's "I Found Lovin'" because it evokes his brother Kester DJing and their Streatham ice-rink days.
The track is his personal tribute to Kester's influence and early music education.

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Lennie James is a British actor and writer. In 2025, he received the BAFTA for Leading Actor for his portrayal of Barrington Walker in the TV adaptation of Bernadine Evaristo’s novel Mr. Loverman.

This award adds to his collection, which also includes accolades for writing. At seventeen, he wrote Trial and Error and won the National Youth Theatre–Texaco Playwriting Competition, earning the title of Most Prominent Playwright Under 21.

For a decade, Lennie played Morgan Jones in The Walking Dead and its spin-off Fear the Walking Dead, gaining such global recognition that he was even recognised by Vatican guards.

He also created and starred in the critically acclaimed Sky Atlantic drama Save Me, which premiered in 2018. Its second season, Save Me Too, won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Drama Series in 2021.

Raised by his mother Phyllis, who emigrated from Trinidad to work as a nurse, Lennie faced hardship after her death when he was eleven. He and his brother Kestor were placed in a children’s home, and later Lennie moved into foster care after the home was sold by Wandsworth Council.

Encouraged by a youth theatre group, Lennie pursued acting and later trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.

He met his wife, Giselle, at seventeen in the same youth theatre group. They have three daughters and divide their time between the US and the UK.

DISC ONE: Touch The Hem Of His Garment - Gene Martin DISC TWO: I Found Lovin’ - Fatback Band DISC THREE: Doesn't Make It Alright - The Specials DISC FOUR: Living For The City - Stevie Wonder DISC FIVE: Any Old Time - Artie Shaw and his Orchestra with Billie Holiday DISC SIX: For me... Formidable - Charles Aznavour DISC SEVEN: Champagne Supernova - Oasis DISC EIGHT: Try a Little Tenderness - Otis Redding

BOOK CHOICE: The Collected Novels of Toni Morrison LUXURY ITEM: A guitar CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: For me... Formidable - Charles Aznavour

Presenter: Lauren Laverne Producer: Sarah Taylor

Desert Island Discs has cast many actors and writers away including the author of Mr. Loverman, Booker Prize winner Bernadine Evaristo and the creator of Line of Duty, Jed Mercurio. You can hear their programmes if you search through BBC Sounds or our own Desert Island Discs website.