Ralph Macfadyen Was as an Extra in 'Ripper Street' – Meet Matthew Macfadyen & Keeley Hawes' Son

Ralph Macfadyen is the youngest child born to Keeley Hawes and her husband, Matthew Macfadyen. The young teen has already had a taste of performance art, though his role was too small for his liking.

Ralph Macfadyen drew his first breath in September 2006. He is the last addition to a family of five, following an older sister and brother. Much like his siblings, Ralph grew up protected from the spotlight.

Still, his parents have shared a few details about his life over the years, including his small venture into the film and TV world. Additionally, the youngster has been exposed to behind-the-scenes work by watching his parents.

Ralph Macfadyen's Minor TV Role

Ralph appeared in the drama series "Ripper Street," which stars his father, in 2015. The now 17-year-old was nine at the time, playing a background street urchin. Eager about his part, he asked his dad if he'd gotten "the part."

Matthew replied, "Well, it's not really a part as such. It's more running around in the background." Young Ralph was appalled. He thought he'd be doing a scene with his dad. But more than anything, "I really wanted to wear a velvet top hat!" his mom recalled him saying.

Ralph Macfadyen Has Watched His Parents in Action

Although Ralph has yet to get a more significant onscreen role, he has watched his parents at work. In 2008, his mom took him and his older sister, Maggie Macfadyen, on a trip to watch their dad film the period series "Little Dorrit" alongside Claire Foy and Freema Agyeman.

Then, in 2017, Keeley had him, Maggie, and his older brother, Myles McCollum, over for a week when she shot the series "The Durrells." The actress experienced an "Angelina Jolie moment" when her "adopted" onscreen kids and her own were together in one place.

Ralph Macfadyen's Tender Moments with His Mom

In a 2010 Q&A, Ralph's mother revealed the last time she cried was because she had lied to him. Keeley explained that Ralph had asked if she would stay with him forever. "I lied and said yes," the actress recalled.

Their bond appears to have remained strong over the years. Earlier in April 2023, Ralph unintentionally interrupted his mom's Zoom call. He apologized and shared his plans for the day, but before he left, he asked his mom if she wanted a bagel. Keeley politely declined, and he went on his way.

Ralph Macfadyen's Home Life

Ralphy lives in southwest London with his parents and siblings. Though he, Myles, and Maggie were allowed to use the internet, especially for school assessments and, sometimes, to play games, Keeley and Matthew still monitored their usage.

The beginning of the couple's romance was a highly-reported controversy in the early 2000s. Keeley left her first husband, Spencer McCollum, when their son, Myles, was almost two. The pair had only been married for eight weeks.

She left him for Matthew, whose sexuality once became a subject of interest, in 2002, and they married in 2004. Keeley and Spencer's separation was initially difficult, but they've moved past old hurts. They have the dynamic of a "very modern family," as all three parents get along well.