Damian Lewis made a rare appearance with his two children, Manon and Gulliver, at the 2025 BAFTA Television Awards.
The family attended the glamorous event in London, where Damian was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of King Henry VIII in BBC’s Wolf Hall.
Although he didn’t take home the award, he looked dashing in a black suit and crisp white shirt.
His children, 18-year-old Manon and 17-year-old Gulliver, joined him, both looking equally stylish. Manon wore a chic black halter-neck dress paired with black suede heels and a sparkly gold handbag, while Gulliver looked the spitting image of his father in a similar black suit.
Damian’s Role in Wolf Hall and the Series’ Impact
Damian Lewis is widely known for his role as King Henry VIII in the BBC’s Wolf Hall, based on Hilary Mantel’s acclaimed novels.
The series, which explores the rise of Thomas Cromwell, originally aired in 2015, and its continuation picks up after the execution of Anne Boleyn.
Damian’s performance as the increasingly paranoid and unpredictable king resonated with many.
Despite his acclaimed role, he was ultimately overshadowed by other contenders for the BAFTA win.
Remembering Helen McCrory
Sadly, the presence of Damian’s children at the awards was a bittersweet reminder of his late wife, Helen McCrory, who passed away in April 2021 after battling breast cancer.
Damian has often opened up about the impact Helen’s passing had on their family.
In a touching tribute to her, he reflected on how Helen had always encouraged him to move forward in life, even making a joke that their mother would have wanted him to “have lots of girlfriends.”
Their children, Manon and Gulliver, continue to embody the qualities that Helen cherished: courage, humor, and a zest for life.
A Rare Public Outing for the Family
The BAFTA appearance marked a rare moment for Damian and his children to be seen together in public.
Their last outing was earlier this year at the Burberry London Fashion Week show, where they looked proud as they stood together as a family.
Damian has expressed how much his children have inherited from their mother, describing them as fearless and talented individuals.
“They have in them the fearlessness, wit, curiosity, talent, and beauty of their mother,” he wrote in a tribute.
Damian Reflects on Family Life and Parenting
In a conversation about family life, Damian has also shared some amusing insights into his parenting journey.
He revealed that his daughter Manon is now so particular about her food choices that she no longer lets him cook for her—he jokingly attributed her newfound preference to her vegetarian diet and the air fryer he bought her.
This humorous moment offered a glimpse into the more personal side of his life, as Damian often stays private about his family.
The 2025 TV BAFTA Awards: BBC Dominates the Night
As the BAFTA ceremony unfolded, it was clear that the BBC was the night’s biggest winner.
With 17 awards across various categories, the BBC’s dominance overshadowed ITV’s expectations, with Mr. Bates vs The Post Office claiming several accolades, including Best Limited Drama.
However, ITV’s Mr. Bates vs The Post Office did manage to take home some honors, marking a significant moment for the network.
The show, which delves into the wrongful accusations against sub-postmasters in the UK, highlighted the power of real-life stories in resonating with audiences and prompting action.
Notable Winners and Nominations
In other categories, the competition was fierce, with Baby Reindeer from Netflix leading with eight nominations, followed by Mr. Bates vs The Post Office and Rivals.
The awards celebrated a wide range of talent across genres, from crime dramas like Blue Lights to reality TV shows like The Traitors.
For the first time in its 20-year history, Strictly Come Dancing did not receive a nomination in the Entertainment Programme category, marking a significant shift for the long-running show.
Television Excellence in 2024
Jane Millichip, CEO of BAFTA, praised the excellence of UK television in 2024, noting how the power of television to inspire change and connect with national conversations was unparalleled.
The night showcased the incredible range of talent within the industry, from drama series to documentaries, and from newcomers to seasoned veterans, proving that UK television continues to lead the way in quality storytelling.
The awards also celebrated the resilience and creativity of artists who continue to push the boundaries of what television can achieve.
A Night to Remember
Overall, the 2025 BAFTA Television Awards was a celebration of exceptional talent and remarkable storytelling.
As Damian Lewis shared a special evening with his children, it was a reminder of the importance of family, resilience, and the power of love in the face of loss.
The night also demonstrated how the television industry continues to evolve and thrive, offering a platform for new voices and timeless stories.