Love, drama, and a touch of controversy—what more could you ask for? Keeley Hawes and Matthew Macfadyen recently turned heads with a rare red carpet appearance, but it’s not just their star power that’s got everyone talking. Here’s the full story, and trust me, it’s a doozy.
On a glamorous Monday evening, Keeley Hawes stepped into the spotlight as the epitome of a supportive partner, joining her husband, Matthew Macfadyen, at the premiere of his latest series, Death by Lightning. Set to hit Netflix on November 6, the show casts Matthew as Charles J. Guiteau, the infamous assassin of President James A. Garfield in 1881. But here’s where it gets controversial: how does one portray such a polarizing historical figure? Is it glorification, or a necessary exploration of a complex past? Let’s dive in.
At the premiere, held at New York City’s iconic Plaza Hotel, the couple radiated affection. Matthew exuded sophistication in a sleek black suit, accented with a spotted handkerchief and striped tie. Meanwhile, Keeley stole the show in a dramatic red plumed dress, evoking the elegance of a phoenix rising. And this is the part most people miss: their appearance came just after celebrating 21 years of marriage, a milestone Keeley commemorated with heartfelt photos and the caption, ‘21 years. No notes. Love you with all my heart.’
Death by Lightning, a four-part drama, pairs Matthew with Michael Shannon, who plays the assassinated President Garfield. Shannon, a two-time Academy Award nominee for Revolutionary Road and Nocturnal Animals, brings his signature intensity to the role. The cast also includes Nick Offerman as Chester A. Arthur, Betty Gilpin as Lucretia Garfield, Bradley Whitford as James Blaine, and Shea Whigham as Roscoe Conkling. Bold question: With such a powerhouse cast, will this series redefine historical dramas, or will it fall into the trap of over-dramatization?
Now, let’s talk about Keeley and Matthew’s love story—because it’s as captivating as any script. The pair first crossed paths in 2002 on the set of the spy drama Spooks. Fast forward to 2004, and they tied the knot in an intimate ceremony, with Keeley seven months pregnant with their daughter, Maggie. Here’s the twist: Keeley was previously married to writer Spencer McCallum, but their relationship ended before she and Matthew began dating. The exes remain on good terms, proving that sometimes, love stories can have unexpected chapters.
In an interview with The Evening Standard, Keeley recalled the moment Matthew confessed his feelings: ‘He just came straight out with it and said, “I love you” in the rain one day. I thought, oh dear, here we go.’ She later told The Telegraph, ‘I love being married to Matthew, and I know Matthew loves being married too.’ Their on-screen chemistry is undeniable, as seen in 2023’s Stonehouse, where they played a toxic married couple. Keeley joked, ‘I actually think our marriage in Stonehouse was on par, as far as toxic marriages go!’ Controversial take: Could their real-life harmony be the secret to their ability to portray such dysfunction so convincingly?
As we celebrate their enduring partnership, it’s impossible not to wonder: What’s the key to their success? Is it their shared passion for acting, their ability to balance privacy with public life, or something more intangible? We want to hear from you: What do you think makes a Hollywood marriage last? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
