Nanny McPhee Celebrates 20th Anniversary: The Brown Children's Diverse Paths
It has been exactly two decades since the beloved family film Nanny McPhee first enchanted audiences worldwide. Starring the acclaimed Emma Thompson in the titular role, this cinematic gem quickly became a childhood classic upon its global release in January 2006. Set against the backdrop of Victorian England, the heartwarming narrative follows a magical nanny who transforms the lives of seven mischievous siblings following their mother's untimely death.
The film's enduring charm lies not only in its whimsical storytelling but also in the memorable performances of the young actors portraying the chaotic Brown family. As we mark this significant milestone, it is fascinating to reflect on how these child stars have evolved over the past twenty years, carving out remarkably diverse and unexpected careers beyond the silver screen.
Thomas Brodie-Sangster: From Simon Brown to Hollywood Stardom
Undoubtedly the most prominent alumnus of the Nanny McPhee cast is Thomas Brodie-Sangster, who brought eldest sibling Simon Brown to life. Now aged 35, Brodie-Sangster has leveraged his distinctive youthful appearance to secure roles in some of the most prestigious franchises in entertainment history.
His impressive filmography includes significant parts in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Game of Thrones, and the leading role in The Maze Runner series. In a notable personal development, the British actor married fellow performer Talulah Riley in June 2024. Riley, previously married to technology magnate Elon Musk, met Brodie-Sangster while filming the FX miniseries Pistol in March 2021.
Eliza Bennett: Sustaining a Successful Acting Career
Portraying Tora Brown launched Eliza Bennett, now 33, into a sustained acting career that has spanned various genres. She has demonstrated remarkable versatility, taking on a psychopathic character in the thriller Confine and appearing as Kate Anderson in Johannes Roberts' film F.
More recently, Bennett played Amanda Carrington for two seasons in the rebooted television series Dynasty until its conclusion in 2022. Her most recent professional endeavor saw her appear in the CBS legal drama Matlock during the previous year, showcasing her continued relevance in the industry.
Jennifer Rae Daykin: Embracing Life Beyond Acting
As the book-loving Lily Brown, Jennifer Rae Daykin captured audiences with her charming performance. Now 31, Daykin has consciously stepped away from the acting spotlight to pursue alternative professional paths.
Reports indicate she currently works as an operations manager at a virtual reality company while cultivating diverse personal interests. Her social media presence reveals a passion for tabletop gaming, particularly Dungeons & Dragons, and regular attendance at music festivals, illustrating a fulfilling life beyond Hollywood.
Raphaël Coleman: A Tragic Loss to Climate Activism
The actor who played Eric Brown, Raphaël Coleman, made a profound transition from child performer to dedicated environmental advocate. After his early acting career, Coleman studied zoology and became an impassioned climate activist, actively participating in the Extinction Rebellion movement.
Tragically, Coleman passed away in 2020 at just 25 years old due to heart failure while running. It was reported he was training to combat animal poaching, highlighting his deep commitment to conservation causes that defined his post-acting life.
Samuel Honywood: From Sebastian Brown to Property Professional
Samuel Honywood, who portrayed Sebastian Brown, has undergone one of the most dramatic transformations among the former child stars. Now 29, Honywood has largely left acting behind to build a career in the property sector.
After studying real estate management at Oxford Brookes University, he reportedly works as a surveyor managing workspaces across the United Kingdom and Germany. His post-university years included experimenting with DJing and extensive travel before settling into his current professional role.
Holly Gibbs: Creative Pursuits After Chrissy Brown
Holly Gibbs brought Christianna 'Chrissy' Brown to life with memorable charm before later appearing in Tracy Beaker as the character Milly. Now 25, Gibbs has channeled her creative energies into professional art direction at a global content company.
Her educational background includes studying sculpture at London's prestigious Central Saint Martins, though she has since expanded her creative repertoire to include writing and other artistic projects. On social media platforms like TikTok, Gibbs has humorously reflected on her brief acting career, embracing her status with good-natured self-awareness.
Hebe and Zinnia Barnes: The Quiet Lives of Baby Agatha
The scene-stealing Baby Agatha was actually portrayed by two sisters, Hebe and Zinnia Barnes, who shared the role during filming. Now in their early twenties, both sisters have maintained considerable privacy since their childhood acting experience.
While Hebe maintains an active TikTok presence, showcasing her ever-changing brightly colored hairstyles, both sisters have otherwise remained firmly out of the public eye, choosing paths distinct from the entertainment industry that briefly featured them as infants.
The legacy of Nanny McPhee extends far beyond its cinematic achievements, serving as a fascinating case study in how child actors navigate adulthood. From Hollywood success stories to tragic losses, environmental activism to corporate careers, the Brown children's journeys reflect the unpredictable nature of life after childhood fame. As Emma Thompson's career continues to flourish, her former on-screen charges have written their own unique narratives, reminding us that the magic of cinema often continues long after the credits roll.
