Death in Paradise star Don Warrington, renowned for his role as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, is the proud father of two highly successful sons who have carved out impressive careers in the entertainment industry. The 74-year-old actor shares his sons, Jake and Archie, with his wife, actress Mary Maddocks, showcasing a family deeply embedded in the performing arts.
The Talented Sons of Don Warrington
Archie Maddocks has established himself as a distinguished playwright and stand-up comedian, earning widespread acclaim for his innovative work. His debut production, Shirts Vs Skins, received glowing reviews and significant praise at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2016, leading to a successful tour in South Africa the following year.
His subsequent show, IlluminArchie, was equally lauded by critics, resulting in transfers to the Soho Theatre in London in 2017 and the Vault Festival in 2018. Archie has been recognized for his contributions, reaching the finals for both New Acts of the Year and English Comedian of the Year in 2014, and has appeared on panel shows like Guessable while writing for TV series such as Intergalactic and Gassed Up.
Jake Fairbrother's Acting Legacy
In contrast, Jake Fairbrother has followed more closely in his father's footsteps, pursuing a career in acting with notable roles in film and television. He appeared in the 2012 James Bond film Skyfall and has featured in TV dramas including Grace, Vera, and The Sandman.
Notably, Jake guest-starred alongside his father on Death in Paradise in 2022, portraying Gabriel Taylor, a character whose daughter is kidnapped, adding a personal touch to the show's narrative. Beyond television, the father-son duo have also shared the stage in Manchester, with Jake performing in The Maids at HOME Manchester while Don starred in Death of a Salesman at the Royal Exchange Theatre.
Family Ties and Performative Passion
The artistic talent extends throughout the family, as Mary Maddocks has also enjoyed a career in acting, notably starring in the West End adaptation of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. In a 2018 interview with Quays Life, Jake reflected on his parents' influence, stating, "The main thing I get from both of them is they understand the art of performance and the need to perform. It's not something you choose to do. It's something that you can't not do."
This sentiment underscores the deep-seated passion for performance that runs in the Warrington family, highlighting their collective dedication to the arts.
Death in Paradise Updates
Meanwhile, Death in Paradise continues to captivate audiences with its latest series on BBC One. Don Warrington has made a welcomed return as Selwyn Patterson after a brief absence, much to the delight of fans. The show features DI Mervin Wilson, played by Don Gilet, investigating mysterious deaths on Saint Marie, supported by a cast including Shantol Jackson, Shaquille Ali-Yebuah, and Élizabeth Bourgine.
In a recent episode, a cast member is poisoned during a performance of The Tempest, leaving Mervin and his team puzzled as to why others remain unaffected. Viewers are left wondering if the mystery will be unraveled in future broadcasts.
Death in Paradise airs on BBC One at 9pm, continuing to deliver engaging storylines and stellar performances from its ensemble cast.
