Adjoa Andoh, the acclaimed actress best known for her role as Lady Danbury in Netflix's Bridgerton, has warmly shared her profound happiness at becoming a grandmother, while candidly discussing the significant challenges she faced as a working mother raising three children. The 63-year-old star emphasized that her primary parenting philosophy has always centered on allowing her children to remain authentically true to their own identities.
A Grandmother's Delight
Andoh became a grandmother in 2022 with the arrival of her grandson, Luca, born to her eldest daughter, Jesse. However, due to the pandemic's stringent travel restrictions, Andoh did not meet Luca until he was six months old, as Jesse gave birth while living in Cambodia, where her husband served as a deputy ambassador. Despite this initial separation, Andoh expressed that they have since bonded immensely, and she cherishes every moment spent with him.
"I am a Nana. I am delighted in Luca my grandson," Andoh revealed during an interview on the Saga podcast, Experience is Everything, with host Jenni Murray. "So we didn't see each other for the first six months of his life, which is quite hard. But we've made up for it."
She fondly described following Luca's lead in his explorations, whether it was practicing walking up and down stairs or engaging in activities like visiting skate parks or discussing Lego creations. "I'd just follow his lead because I love them at that age. They're so curious and they're so interested in everything, they're full of that wonder," Andoh said, adding humorously, "And I feel a bit vampiric about it. I love that wonder."
Fame Through a Grandchild's Eyes
When asked if Luca is aware of his grandmother's fame, Andoh recalled a charming incident where he recognized her on television. While watching CBeebies Bedtime Stories at school, Luca exclaimed, "That's my Nana," though his teacher initially dismissed it. "And then I picked him up from school one day, and she went, 'Oh, that was your Nana.' So I think that might be the only thing he's seen me on," Andoh noted with amusement.
The Struggles of Working Motherhood
While grandmotherhood brings her immense joy, Andoh openly admitted that balancing a successful acting career with raising three children—son Liam, daughter Daisy with her husband of 25 years, Howard Cunnell, and eldest daughter Jesse from a previous relationship—was far more demanding. She confessed to having "done a lot of crying" and frequently calling girlfriends for emotional support, describing it as a constant juggling act.
"I haven't managed it very well at all. I've done a lot of crying. I've done a lot of calling girlfriends up for therapy," Andoh stated frankly. "But, in the end, I really love my kids and I really want them to be good people in the world and I want them to thrive."
She acknowledged missing many school events like sports days and parents' evenings but emphasized that she aimed to model a fulfilling life by pursuing her talents. "But I think I've modelled being a person who's got a gift, who uses that gift and is happy because they are able to," Andoh explained.
Parenting Philosophy and Support
Andoh credited her supportive co-parents and reliable childcare for helping her navigate motherhood, but stressed that the core of her approach is allowing her children to be themselves. "So then you have to see who they are and then support them through their life, being as true to who they are as they can be," she said, adding that parents must "tune into the uniqueness of all your kids."
She also humorously remarked on the challenges mothers face, quipping, "And also, you have to get used to being the person who will get it in the neck more than any other human being on the planet, because I think that's also part of what happens to mothers."
Advocacy and Personal Beliefs
Andoh has been a vocal advocate for the transgender community, publicly supporting her son Liam, who is transgender. She joined London protests in April condemning a Supreme Court ruling that excluded trans women from the legal definition of women, and has spoken out against transphobia, highlighting the disproportionately high rates of self-harm and suicide among trans youth.
"My feeling is hold your peace until you know of what you speak," Andoh advised in a 2022 interview with Red Magazine. "Self-harm and death among young trans people are disproportionately high. Why on earth are we creating a society that means people feel so reviled and un-allowable that they would rather end their lives?"
She firmly stated, "For me, your gig as a parent is to raise your child up, keep them from falling under a bus and teach them to do unto others. I'm a mother and I want all my children to thrive; it's a no-brainer."
Reflections on Bridgerton's Success
Elsewhere in the podcast, Andoh reflected on the global phenomenon of Bridgerton, attributing its massive popularity to its release on Christmas Day 2020 during the pandemic, when people were "sick, dying, lost their jobs, really frightened and very isolated." She described the show as a "little glowing nuggety gem" that offered a vibrant escape with its Regency romance, diverse casting, and modern soundtrack.
"I just think it was something that was fresh and hugely distracting for people when they really needed something," Andoh said, praising showrunner Shonda Rhimes as "the queen of storytelling." She admitted that the cast initially underestimated "the power of streamers" in driving the show's success.
The Bridgerton Family
While remaining discreet about details of the upcoming fifth season, Andoh confirmed its production and expressed affection for the close-knit cast and crew, whom she described as "a family you come back to." She noted how they have "sort of grown up together," with younger cast members transitioning into adulthood over the seasons.
"But there is this family that you come back to. And there's something really lovely about that," Andoh shared. "You catch up on who's doing what and what's been going on."
Through her heartfelt revelations, Adjoa Andoh offers a poignant glimpse into the joys of grandmotherhood, the trials of working motherhood, and her unwavering commitment to fostering authenticity and support within her family.
