Lennie James, known for his role in The Walking Dead, recently shared how he fell silent after his mother’s death at the age of 11. The acclaimed actor, famous for portraying Morgan Jones on the hit series, reflected on his childhood experiences during a candid interview.

At just 11 years old, Lennie lost his mother, Phyllis, and without a father figure around, he and his brother Kester were placed in a children’s home in south London. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, Lennie recounted the challenges they faced and how his brother became his voice during that difficult time.

Recalling those days, Lennie mentioned undergoing sessions with child psychiatrists and psychologists to understand his silence. He shared an anecdote about a social worker urging him to speak up, but his brother reassured them that Lennie would open up when he was ready.

Despite the hardships, Lennie expressed gratitude for the supportive environment of the children’s home where he and his brother stayed together, maintaining their bond and friendships. This experience later inspired Lennie’s Bafta-nominated drama Storm Damage, based on his time in foster care at 15 after the children’s home was sold.

Recently, Lennie’s outstanding performance in the TV adaptation of Bernardine Evaristo’s novel Mr Loverman earned him a leading actor Bafta. Looking ahead, Lennie shared his desire to explore comedy roles in the future, aiming for a significant part in his upcoming projects.

Listeners can catch Lennie’s full interview on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds. For those impacted by similar experiences, Cruse Bereavement Support offers free assistance to help navigate emotions. Visit their website or call 0808 808 1677 for support.