MARTIN CLUNES ART PROJECT
by
ABOUT MARTIN
Personal Life
Martin Clunes was born on 28 November 1961 in Wimbledon, London, and grew up in Croydon. He came from a family with strong theatrical roots: his father, Alec Clunes, was a respected actor and theatre manager, while his cousin Jeremy Brett became internationally renowned for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. Martin also shared a close bond with his older sister, Amanda.
His father’s death from lung cancer when Martin was only eight was a formative loss — one that left a deep impression and contributed to the emotional depth and sensitivity audiences often recognise in his performances.
Education and Early Influences
Clunes attended the Royal Russell School in Croydon before training at the Arts Educational Schools in London. Boarding school was not always easy — he often felt homesick and struggled with the discipline — but he found solace in caring for the school’s animals. That early connection became a lifelong passion, mirrored both in his personal life and in much of his later documentary work.
Family Life
In 1997, Martin married television producer Philippa Braithwaite. Their daughter, Emily, was born in 1999 and inherited her parents’ love for the countryside and animals, later choosing a career in equine veterinary care. The family deliberately maintains a private, low-key lifestyle in rural Dorset, far removed from London’s entertainment scene — a choice that reflects Martin’s down-to-earth character as much as his love of nature.
Honours & Titles
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Appointed in the 2015 Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to drama, charity, and the community in Dorset.
Deputy Lieutenant of Dorset (DL)
Appointed June 2019.
President of the British Horse Society
Since June 2011.
Honorary Doctorate of Arts
Awarded by Bournemouth University in recognition of his contributions to drama and the Dorset community.
Chancellor of Hartpury University and Hartpury College
Appointed 2024 as inaugural ceremonial head.
Animal Lover
Martin Clunes has always shared a profound connection with animals — a bond that shapes not only his daily life but also much of his public image. Over the years, many creatures have found a home on his Dorset farm, but a few have taken on a special significance.
His Jack Russell, Jim, was more than just a companion: Martin often called him his “right-hand man.” Jim went everywhere with him and even appeared alongside him in the ITV drama Arthur & George. When Jim passed away, Martin built him a small coffin lined with squeaky tennis balls — a detail that says more than words about the affection between them.
Equally emblematic are his Clydesdale horses, especially Bruce and Ronnie, who became familiar to audiences through media features about his rural life, and more recently Patrick, the newest member of the family. Their presence reflects Martin’s longstanding love for heavy horses and traditional country ways.
Though the animals on the farm may change with time, this deep bond — with dogs, horses, cows, cats and hens — remains a constant thread in his personal story and a defining feature of how fans and the public see him.
Books
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The Funny Side of Nursing (Stirling Johnstone, with contributions by Martin Clunes, 1996)
A lighthearted collection of humorous hospital stories and nursing mishaps, published in support of Comic Relief. With Clunes lending his name to promote laughter for a good cause, this short but charming volume demonstrates his playful side and commitment to charity.
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A Dog’s Life (2009)
A heartfelt memoir celebrating Martin’s lifelong bond with dogs. Blending personal stories — including moving recollections of his beloved Jack Russell, Jim — with broader reflections on the human‑animal connection, the book has been praised as “fond, funny and endearing.”
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Martin Clunes: The Biography (2010) — Stafford Hildred & Tim Ewbank
The official biography charting Martin’s life from his theatrical family roots and formative years to his breakthrough with Men Behaving Badly and enduring television success. It offers insight into his family life, countryside passions, and charitable commitments, painting an intimate portrait of the actor beyond the screen.
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Meetings with Remarkable Animals (2024)
A collection of true life stories about extraordinary creatures — from therapy horses and rescue dogs to war pigeons — drawn from Martin’s own encounters and travels. The book reflects his passion for animal welfare and includes the story of adopting his guide‑dog‑turned‑companion, Laura. Described by critics as “heartwarming, inspiring, and always fascinating.”
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Training John and Murray (forthcoming April 2026)
Insight into life with his two Jack Russell puppies, exploring the joys and challenges of animal companionship.
