Martin Clunes has a famous father - and he looks just like him

Martin Clunes is known and loved for his portrayal of cantankerous doctor, Martin Ellingham, in the popular ITV medical drama, as well as for starring in the gripping crime drama, Manhunt. 

But did you know that he isn't the only famous face in his family? Here's everything you need to know about his famous father, Alec Clunes. 

Who is Martin Clunes' famous father? 

Martin's father is actor and theatrical manager, Alec Clunes - and he looks just like him!

Show business clearly runs in the family as Alec, whose full name is Alexander Sheriff de Moro Clunes, was also born to theatre-loving parents back in 1912 and went on to appear in a number of films from 1940 to 1963.

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He began his stage career with Ben Greet's company before playing at the Old Vic theatre in 1934 and went on to play numerous Shakespearean roles. 

In 1942, Alec took over the management of the Arts Theatre in London, where he remained until 1950. 

© ANL/Shutterstock

As for his screen credits, the actor played the lead role of Governor Woodes Rogers in the first three episodes of 1956 US drama series The Buccaneers, and featured in several war films, including Saloon Bar, Sailors Three and Let George Do It! 

He also appeared in the 1955 adaptation of Shakespeare's Richard III with Laurence Olivier in the role of Lord Hastings, as well as the 1956 crime film Tiger in the Smoke, in which he played the role of Asst. Commissioner Oates.

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Before meeting Martin's mother, Alec was married to actress Stella Richman. The pair divorced and the actor went on to marry Daphne Gyllian Acott, who gave birth to Martin in 1961.

Alec died from lung cancer on 13 March 1970, aged 57. 

Martin's relationship with his father

In an interview with The Telegraph back in 2012, Martin said his dad was a "tortured soul".

"I keep finding things out about him as I get older," said Martin. "Yes, I think he probably was quite tortured. I think he gave a lot of people quite a hard time. He was a bit of a [expletive] actually. I don't think he was very nice to my mum."

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In a recent interview with The Times, Martin described his dad as "the strong and silent type". 

Martin was just eight years old when his father passed away and was expected to bottle up his emotions.  

The actor recalled: "The expectation was, 'Oh, come on, let’s not cry. Let's be grown-up.' How grown-up can you be at eight?"