Importance Score: 40 / 100 🔵
Death in Paradise Star Don Warrington’s Famous Son Revealed
Fans of the hit BBC crime drama Death in Paradise may be surprised to learn about a familial connection of one of its stars. Don Warrington, renowned for his role as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson since the series’ inception in 2017, has a famous son, Jake Fairbrother, who is also an accomplished actor. As the popular show concludes and the spin-off Beyond Paradise takes center stage, interest in the Death in Paradise cast and their lives away from the screen is higher than ever.
Don Warrington: From Trinidad to Television Stardom
The 72-year-old Warrington boasts a distinguished career spanning decades, with notable appearances in the sitcom Rising Damp and Red Dwarf, the latter alongside his Death in Paradise colleague Danny John-Jules. Born in Trinidad, Warrington relocated to Newcastle upon Tyne with his mother and brother at the age of seven. His lineage includes a prominent figure; his father was Basil Kydd, a Trinidadian politician who passed away in 1958 when Warrington was just six years old.
Jake Fairbrother: Following in His Father’s Footsteps
Like his father, Jake Fairbrother has carved out a successful acting career. His credits include roles in the James Bond blockbuster Skyfall (2012), the television drama Grace, and even a guest appearance in a 2022 episode of Death in Paradise alongside his father. Fairbrother’s diverse portfolio also features appearances in series such as Vera, The Sandman, and Alex Rider.
Father and Son on Manchester Stages
In a noteworthy coincidence, both Jake and Don Warrington once found themselves performing in plays in Manchester simultaneously. Jake took on a role in The Maids at HOME Manchester, while his father was engaged in a production of Death of a Salesman at the Royal Exchange Theatre.
Speaking to Quays Life in 2018, Jake Fairbrother remarked on the situation: “It’s absolutely a coincidence that my dad and I are working in Manchester concurrently, but a delightful one. He’s just a short distance away at the Royal Exchange in Death of a Salesman, which I had the pleasure of seeing last night!”
He added enthusiastically, “His performance is exceptional; it’s a must-see for everyone. We are hoping to have some pre-show dinners together as well once The Maids is underway.”
A Family of Performers
Jake’s mother, Mary Maddocks, Don Warrington’s wife, is also an accomplished actress, known for her performances in the West End production of The Rocky Horror Show. Jake expressed admiration for his parents’ profession: “The most significant thing I’ve inherited from both of them is their understanding of the art of performance and the inherent need to perform. It’s not a career choice; it’s an undeniable calling.”
Don Warrington’s family also includes his son Archie, a writer and comedian. Archie’s writing credits include the 2021 play A Place For We, which featured Blake Harrison from The Inbetweeners. His comedy-drama, Congton, has also been commissioned by the BBC, further solidifying the family’s presence in the entertainment industry.