The Assassin's Keeley Hawes' life off-screen including real name
The Assassin is coming to Prime Video and the high-octane thriller follows Julie and her estranged son Eddie (played by Freddie Highmore) as their relationship is put to the test in the ultimate fight for survival.
Star Keeley Hawes portrays a former hitwoman now residing in Greece, and when her son arrives for a visit, he's desperate for answers about his father's identity and his mum's mysterious past.
Both mother and son find themselves in mortal peril as Julie's dark history begins to resurface and long-buried secrets come to light. Hawes recently made a rare family admission ahead of the show's release.
The 49 year old star was born in Paddington, London, as the baby of four siblings, spending her formative years in a council flat in Marylebone until age 16.
Despite her worldwide recognition under her stage moniker, she was actually christened Clare Julia Hawes, reports the Express.
In a candid chat with The Times about her upbringing, she revealed details about life alongside her elder brothers, Keith and Jamie, plus older sister, Joanne.
"My mum was very house-proud — if we had any spare money, it would go on decorating," she said.
"The result was hilarious. We had lots of authentic brassware around a fireplace, but you could clearly see it was an electric fire.
"She was quite partial to terrible little figurines on top of the television cabinet. She also loved animals - we had a standard poodle, Becky, and a big white Persian cat."
She reflected on her modest origins, explaining: "My parents weren't well-heeled, and it must have been a struggle bringing up four children, but we were never on the breadline.
"In those days, people didn't go on big holidays. Every year or so, we went to Cornwall for a couple of weeks, in the taxi, or we'd go on day trips - and always end up in Brighton."
When she reached nine years old, her mum and dad asked whether she fancied attending Sylvia Young's theatre school which had just opened close by.
She had relished performing in school productions and it seemed like an obvious path to pursue.
It was at this establishment where she would forge friendships with former Spice Girl Emma Bunton and actress Kellie Bright.
Hawes initially burst onto the scene during the 1990s following several supporting appearances in Troublemakers, Karaoke and The Beggar Bride.
Her debut cinema performance came in The Avengers in 1998, where she portrayed Tamara.
The Assassin airs on Prime Video on July 25
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