Steve Coogan takes on the role of former Labour MP and interviewer Brian Walden in the new Channel 4 drama, Brian and Walden.
The series delves into a pivotal moment in British political history, exploring how a single television interview conducted by Walden (Steve Coogan) in 1989 precipitated the downfall of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (Harriet Walter).
Coogan is perhaps best known for his comedic creation Alan Partridge, a character that has spawned multiple TV series and a film, Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa, earning him numerous accolades including a Bafta.
His acting credits also include roles in Philomena, Stan and Ollie, The Reckoning, Around the World in 80 Days, Tropic Thunder, The Trip and Saxondale.
Beyond his successful career in acting and writing, Coogan has made headlines with his high-profile relationships with models, actresses and singers.
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Mark Thomas/REX/Shutterstock (9664112ab)Actor, comedian, screenwriter and producer, Steve Coogan, filmimg his new ‘Alan Partridge’ show.Steve Coogan, London, UK-6 May 2018 (Image: Mark Thomas/REX/Shutterstock)
Early life and career of Steve Coogan
Born on October 14, 1965, Coogan grew up in Alkrington, Rochdale, where he achieved four A-levels in English Literature, British Government and Politics, Art, and General Studies. developed an early passion for acting and comedy, working as a voice artist for TV adverts and the satirical puppet show Spitting Image.
His comedy career expanded with performances in sketch shows and at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. It was while working on Radio 4’s comedy On the Hour that Coogan created his iconic character, Alan Partridge, a parody of British sports presenters.
Steve Coogan rose to fame with his iconic character Alan Partridge, who featured in numerous shows, including Knowing Me, Knowing You with Alan Partridge, I’m Alan Partridge, and Mid Morning Matters with Alan Partridge.
The character even made it to the big screen with the film Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa and is set to return in a new series, And Did Those Feet… With Alan Partridge, later this year.
In the 2000s, Coogan expanded his acting repertoire with roles in films like 24 Hour Party People and the Night at the Museum trilogy, playing the miniature Roman general figure Octavius.
Coogan also showcased his comedic talents alongside Rob Brydon in the partially improvised BBC2 sitcom The Trip and its subsequent series and films. Furthermore, he enjoyed success as a writer and producer with projects like Philomena and Stan and Ollie.
Recent roles include his portrayal of Jimmy Savile in the One series The Reckoning, Paddy Meyers in Joker: Folie à Deux, and The Lost King.
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 26: Steve Coogan attends the UK premiere of “The Lost King” at Ham Yard Hotel on September 26, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images) (Image: Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images)
Rock star fling
In 2002, Coogan married British socialite Caroline Hickman, but the pair divorced in 2005, with Hickman saying the marriage had irretrievably broken down.
The same year Coogan’s divorce was granted, he had a brief two-week fling with Hole singer Courtney Love, who was married to Nirvana rocker Kurt Cobain.
In 2021, Love called the rendezvous “one of my life’s great shames” on social media. In the post, the musician criticised her solo record America’s Sweetheart, writing: “Like Steve Coogan, or crack, it’s one of my life’s great shames.”
Asked about the romance claims, Coogan once said: “Some of it was true, most of it was b*****ks. To borrow the title of the film, it was 20 per cent c***, and 80 per cent bull.”
Beyond Courtney Love, Coogan has had a number of high-profile relationships. Coogan dated actress and restaurant heiress China Chow between 2008 and 2011, model Elle Basey between 2011 and 2014 and in 2018 and 2019.
2019 Clare Coogan, daughter of Steve Coogan and Anna Cole Steve Coogan and daughter Clare Coogan attending the 72nd British Academy Film Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London. (Image: PA)
Does Steve Coogan have any children?
He is a father to one daughter, Clare Coogan Cole, who he had with his former partner Anna Cole.
The 26-year-old previously worked in administration and later campaigned for former deputy leader of the Lord Tom Watson for three years.
She even dabbled in acting, taking up small parts in her dad’s ventures such as Saxondale, Mid Morning Matters with Alan Partridge, and The Alan Partridge podcast.
Before that, Clare contributed to the children’s entertainment sector as a Production Assistant at Rag Doll TV Ltd.
Steve Coogan’s quiet life away from the cameras
Away from the limelight, Steve Coogan leads a relatively low-key life. He resides in the serene Barcombe village located within East Sussex’s Lewes District, a place nestled in the breathtaking South Downs.
Coogan is well known for his love of cars, becoming something of a motoring enthusiast over the years. As well as a swimming pool and tennis court, his mansion is believed to have plenty of space for an array of cars, including a selection of Ferraris.
Before settling in Barcombe, Coogan resided in the picturesque Ovingdean area on the fringes of Brighton. His abode was none other than the renowned Ovingdean Grange.
This country mansion is not only famous for being Coogan’s former residence but also for its literary significance. It served as the backdrop for the novel ‘Ovingdean Grange: A Tale Of The South Downs’, penned by William Ainsworth, a contemporary and friend of Charles Dickens, in 1857.
Coogan purchased the Grade II* listed house in 2011 for £2.45 million and called it home for approximately six years before putting it on the market for £3.5 million. The three-storey, six-bedroom property boasts a courtyard garden, a cinema room, and a billiard room.