Sheila Hancock’s Three Children: Including ‘Love Actually’ Actress Daughter

Dame Sheila Hancock has enjoyed a seven-decade career on stage and screen. She also raised a close family, including three daughters.

Marriage and family life

Sheila married actor John Thaw on Christmas Eve 1973. The couple wed in Cirencester in a private ceremony.

They remained married for 28 years. John Thaw died of cancer in 2002. He was best known for playing Detective Inspector Jack Regan in The Sweeney.

Sheila Hancock’s three children

Sheila’s three daughters come from two marriages and a previous relationship. One daughter was adopted into the family after Sheila’s marriage to John Thaw.

Melanie Thaw

Melanie was born in 1964 to Sheila and her first husband, Alec Ross. Alec Ross died in 1971.

John Thaw later adopted Melanie and she took his surname. Melanie works as a drama teacher and runs a summer school.

She has three children: Jack Byam-Shaw, born 10 March 1995; Lola Byam-Shaw, born 3 April 1998; and Louis Byam-Shaw, born October 2007. Melanie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017. Sheila wrote about the episode in her memoir Old Rage.

Joanna Thaw

Joanna was born on 27 July at Queen Charlotte’s Hospital in 1974. She became an actress like her parents.

Joanna appeared in the background of Love Actually and had a role in The Inspector Lynley Mysteries. She has been married to Matt Harvey since 2004, and they have two children.

Because of her appearance in the film, Joanna is sometimes referenced as the ‘Love Actually’ actress daughter.

Abigail Thaw

Abigail was born on 1 October 1965 to John Thaw and his first wife, Sally Alexander. Sheila adopted Abigail after marrying John.

Abigail trained at RADA and married actor Nigel Whitmey. They live in Muswell Hill, London.

She is best known for playing investigative journalist Dorothea Frazil in Endeavour. Her television credits include Casualty, Midsomer Murders, Agatha Christie’s Poirot, and Black Mirror.

Recognition and memoir

Sheila received an OBE at Buckingham Palace during her long career. Her memoir Old Rage includes personal accounts of family events and health challenges.

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