Cliff Parisi, the beloved actor behind shopkeeper Fred Buckle in the long-running BBC drama Call The Midwife, has charmed audiences for years. As the show returns for its fifteenth season, his character's growing community role continues to win hearts. But away from the cameras, Parisi leads a multifaceted life filled with family, business ventures, and community activism.
From Stand-Up Comedy to National Treasure
Parisi's journey to becoming a household name began not in acting, but on the comedy circuit. He launched his career as a stand-up comedian in 1982, performing for seven years before making the switch to screen acting. His television debut came in the 1989 film Queen of Hearts, which opened doors to roles in major series like The Bill and the iconic BBC soap EastEnders, where he played the memorable character Minty Peterson.
It was during his time on EastEnders that he met his future wife, Tara Wyer, a BBC producer known for her work on shows like The Weakest Link and Nigella. The couple, who met at the BBC, tied the knot in 2010—the same year Parisi made his final appearance in Albert Square. Parisi is a father to four children: a son, Arthur, with Tara, and three children—Mandy, Dean, and Jack—from previous relationships.
The Dream That Led to a Skincare Empire
Beyond his acting accolades, Cliff Parisi has successfully ventured into the world of business. He is the proud founder and owner of Manley and Moosh, a luxury skincare company specifically designed for men. The unique inspiration for the brand came from an unexpected source: his Call The Midwife character, Fred Buckle.
"I was dozing off one day whilst learning my lines and I had a dream," Parisi explained on his website. "I was doing a Fred Buckle task oiling the nuns' bike chains with my little pump action oil can and it suddenly came to me. 'That's it! A moisturiser in a canister you keep forever.'"
He knew exactly what he wanted: a product that was fast-absorbing, had a pleasant scent, provided a matte finish, and was kind to both skin and the environment. "No one wants a shiny Moosh!" he quipped. The actor expressed immense pride in collaborating with expert chemists to bring his vision to life.
Community Spirit and a Pub Rescue Mission
Parisi's commitment to community isn't just limited to his on-screen persona. In 2024, he demonstrated real-world dedication by joining a local campaign to save The Queens Head pub in Littlebury, near Saffron Walden, Essex. Over a hundred residents pledged financial support to prevent the establishment's closure.
Parisi publicly promised to invest in the community buyout plan and even offered to occasionally cook in the kitchen once the pub reopened. Sadly, despite the concerted efforts, the campaign to save the historic venue was ultimately unsuccessful.
As Fred Buckle continues to be a pillar of the Poplar community on Call The Midwife—which airs on BBC One on Sundays at 8pm—Cliff Parisi himself remains a devoted family man and an enterprising businessman, proving there is much more to the actor than meets the eye.
