Amanda Abbington, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in Sherlock and Doc Martin, has firmly defended her son Joe Freeman against claims of nepotism as he embarks on his acting career. Joe, 19, is set to make his debut in the upcoming MGM+ series The Institute, an adaptation of Stephen King's novel, which is slated for release next year.
In an interview with Richard Eden for the Daily Mail, Amanda, 51, expressed her pride in Joe's achievements, stating, "He's just done a massive Stephen King show called The Institute, which comes out next year. He spent four months in Canada playing the lead in that. He got it all on his own, without anyone's help - there was no nepotism there, which was good. None at all." This statement comes despite Amanda and Joe's father, Martin Freeman, having notable careers in the entertainment industry.
Martin Freeman, 53, has garnered fame for his roles in various successful projects, including The Office, Sherlock, and The Hobbit. His accolades include two Emmys and a BAFTA, alongside a Golden Globe nomination, showcasing the family's deep roots in acting. Nevertheless, Amanda insists that Joe's recent success is a testament to his talent and hard work rather than his parents' influence.
Joe's journey into acting began early, as he grew up surrounded by the industry. According to his agent's website, he has spent much of his life backstage or on studio sets, inheriting the natural talents of both his parents. The profile reads: "He has inherited the natural and engaging talents of both his parents and is well versed in dealing with the publicity that has followed his family." However, Amanda is keen to highlight that Joe's accomplishments are his own.
Before landing the lead role in The Institute, Joe participated in the production of Everybody's Talking About Jamie in Tunbridge Wells in 2023, and he also made an appearance in an episode of Doctors and starred in a music video for Paul Weller. Despite these experiences, he opted to finish his studies before pursuing acting full-time.
While Amanda and Martin share a supportive co-parenting relationship, they faced challenges after their split in 2016 following a 16-year relationship. The couple has two children together: Joe and his 16-year-old sister Grace. Martin has openly discussed the emotional difficulty of watching his children grow up and seek independence. He told Radio Times, "Me and their mum [Amanda] don't live together so there are times where they're inevitably going to not be with you, or when they say, 'Maybe not this weekend.' It's hard not to feel hurt when they start doing things that don't involve you, even though you understand it and welcome it because it's totally natural."
Recently, Grace provided a glimpse into their family life through a TikTok video showcasing their Christmas celebrations with their father, who now lives with his girlfriend, French actress Rachel Benaissa. The video featured the family lip-syncing to a song from Martin's beloved film Nativity, offering fans a lighthearted look at their home life.
In the video, Martin was seen relaxing on a plush blue velvet sofa with one of his dachshunds while Grace and Joe joined in on the fun. The clip captured the warmth and camaraderie of the family, despite the changes in their dynamic following Amanda and Martin's separation.
Amanda's current relationship with former daredevil Jonathan Goodwin has also garnered attention. They became romantically involved shortly after years of friendship, but their relationship took a tragic turn when Jonathan was left permanently paralyzed after a stunt accident just two months into their dating. Amanda has remained supportive of him during this challenging time.
As Joe prepares for his upcoming role, the support from both parents is evident. Amanda's strong defense against nepotism claims highlights her commitment to ensuring that Joe's talents are recognized on their own merit. With the premiere of The Institute approaching, all eyes will be on Joe as he steps into the spotlight, proving that he is more than just the son of famous actors.
Despite the challenges of growing up in a high-profile family, Joe's journey reflects a dedication to his craft. As he embarks on this new chapter, both Amanda and Martin are proud of his accomplishments and the man he is becoming. As Amanda aptly put it, Joe got his role without any help, showcasing his hard work and determination to make a name for himself in the competitive world of acting.
