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Entertainment • Actor

Matthew Macfadyen

Matthew Macfadyen is an English stage and screen actor born on 17 October 1974.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Matthew Macfadyen is an English stage and screen actor born on 17 October 1974. He is best known for playing Mr Darcy in *Pride & Prejudice* (2005) and Tom Wambsgans in HBO’s *Succession* (2018–2023), a role that brought him major international awards and recognition.

Early life and background

Matthew Macfadyen was born David Matthew Macfadyen in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England, on 17 October 1974. He is an English actor with stage and screen experience.

Career

Macfadyen began his career in theatre and television. He gained early recognition for his role in the British television series *Spooks* (also known as *MI-5*). His work on screen led to further opportunities in both film and television.

Breakthrough roles

Macfadyen played Mr Darcy in Joe Wright’s 2005 film adaptation of *Pride & Prejudice*, a role that established him internationally. He later achieved wider recognition for playing Tom Wambsgans in the HBO series *Succession* (2018–2023). For this performance, he won two Primetime Emmy Awards, two BAFTA TV Awards, and a Golden Globe Award.

Personal life

Macfadyen married actress Keeley Hawes in 2004. The couple have two children, and sources note they met while working together on *Spooks* / *MI-5*.

Key facts

  • Born in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, in 1974.
  • Began his career in theatre and television before becoming widely known on screen.
  • Gained prominence playing Mr Darcy in Joe Wright’s *Pride & Prejudice* (2005).
  • Achieved wider recognition for Tom Wambsgans in *Succession* (2018–2023).
  • Won major awards for *Succession*, including two Primetime Emmy Awards, two BAFTA TV Awards, and a Golden Globe Award.
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Canadian context

Matthew Macfadyen is best known to Canadian audiences through widely distributed international television and film releases, especially *Succession* and *Pride & Prejudice*.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Matthew Macfadyen?
Matthew Macfadyen is an English actor known for stage, television, and film work. He is especially known for *Pride & Prejudice* (2005) and *Succession* (2018–2023).
How old is Matthew Macfadyen?
He was born on 17 October 1974, which makes him 51 years old as of 2026.
What is Matthew Macfadyen known for?
He is known for playing Mr Darcy in *Pride & Prejudice* and Tom Wambsgans in *Succession*, along with earlier television work such as *Spooks* / *MI-5*.
Matthew Macfadyen Succession
In *Succession*, Macfadyen played Tom Wambsgans. The role earned him two Primetime Emmy Awards, two BAFTA TV Awards, and a Golden Globe Award.
Matthew Macfadyen wife
His wife is actress Keeley Hawes. They married in 2004 and have two children.
Matthew Macfadyen Pride and Prejudice
Macfadyen played Mr Darcy in Joe Wright’s 2005 film adaptation of *Pride & Prejudice*, a role that helped establish him internationally.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Macfadyen
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, nationality, major roles, awards, and marriage information.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Matthew-Macfadyen
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, career overview, *Pride & Prejudice* and *Succession* roles.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0532193/
    Supports: Marriage to Keeley Hawes, meeting on *Spooks*, and career summary.