David Harewood’s wife of nine years Kristy keeps him “grounded”: his personal life, children, net worth

Actor and broadcaster David Harewood, 57, was honoured with an OBE in the New Year Honour list 2023 for his contributions to drama and charity. The actor, who grew up in Birmingham, has had an illustrious career with roles in Homeland, Supergirl, and Blood Diamond.

The 57-year-old who played the Martian Manhunter in the DC universe is a superhero not just on screen but also to his two children he shares with his wife - Kirsty Handy.

David and Kirsty have been together for a long time but tied the knot only in 2013. They welcomed daughters Maize and Raven prior to their wedding. Their daughters were aged 7 and 4 when they wed, according to the Sun.

Their wedding took place in Stanford House, Polo Ridge in St James and was attended by friends and family.

David spoke highly of his wife in an interview with The Guardian.

"I married my wife Kirsty in February this year [2013] although we have been together for many years. Her best quality is that she keeps me very grounded,” he said.

His life in Birmingham

His parents are originally from Barbados but he grew up in Small Heath, Birmingham. His father was a long-distance lorry driver and his mother worked in catering.

“When I was a child, Dad would come in after a long day driving, sit in front of the television and fall asleep. Then he would wake up and swear he had been watching the television all along,” he said.

The youngest of four siblings, his parents supported his dreams of becoming an actor but were also worried about him during the hard times. They are proud of his success.

On fatherhood

The Homeland actor loves being a dad.

“Fatherhood is a joy. I feel very lucky to have a family. It gives you a perspective on things,” he told the Guardian.

While he tried to be a hands-on dad but found it hard that work took him away from his kids.

“We all know there have to be sacrifices. The family get to come out and see me. They enjoy being in America and the Los Angeles climate, and see a very different side of life. My kids see many countries, so I look at it as a blessing rather than a curse,” he added.

He ensured that his children did not grow up spoilt. “We have had some lean years, so they know it’s not all about luxury, travel and hotels. They are grounded and I’m grateful for that,” he said.

His struggles with mental health

David faced one of the hardest periods in his life when his mental health deteriorated.

In the documentary David Harewood: Psychosis and Me, he opened up about having a psychotic breakdown when he was 23. He had to be sectioned during that period.

However, he said that he has always been honest with his wife and children about the “strange few months” in his life when he was fresh out of drama school.