Ruth Kearney, 38, an Irish actress with an estimated net worth of $2 million, and her husband Theo James, 39, have carved out a private yet fulfilling life together. The couple, who share two children—a daughter born in 2021 and a son born in 2023—have successfully maintained a balance between their careers and personal lives. Here’s a closer look at their history and life behind the scenes.
Ruth Kearney’s Background
Ruth Kearney grew up in Dublin, Ireland, and has always had a passion for acting. Despite her successful career, she has no interest in pursuing the same level of fame as her husband, Theo James. Kearney’s acting credits include roles in Primeval, The Following, and Netflix’s Flaked. However, she values interesting roles over fame, as she mentioned in an interview with the Irish Mirror in 2016.
Kearney has a grounded approach to her career. She doesn’t read official reviews of her work, preferring the reactions of everyday viewers. In a 2017 video interview with ISSUE Magazine, she described acting as both fun and challenging but couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
Meeting and Early Relationship
Kearney and James met while studying at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in the late 2000s. Their connection was immediate, forged through the whimsical and rigorous training that included pretending to be animals. James recalled his first impressions of Kearney as thoughtful and funny, which solidified their early bond.
Professional Collaboration
The couple has collaborated on several projects, most notably the Masterpiece PBS series Sanditon, where they played on-screen lovers Sidney Parker and Eliza Campion. Their professional chemistry translated seamlessly into their personal lives, strengthening their relationship.
Beyond acting, Kearney and James share a commitment to philanthropy. They both support the UN Refugee Agency, with James actively involved since 2016. Together, they attended an event for World Refugee Day in 2018, demonstrating their shared dedication to humanitarian causes.
Marriage and Family
Kearney and James married in 2018, first in a civil ceremony at Islington Town Hall, followed by a larger celebration at Villa Vistarenni in Tuscany, Italy. Their wedding was a blend of intimate moments and joyous celebrations with family and friends.
The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, in August 2021, followed by a son in 2023. They have kept their children’s names private, choosing to share their second child’s arrival only in passing during an interview at the KTLA5 Emmys red carpet show in January 2024. James spoke candidly about fatherhood in an InStyle interview, describing the initial discombobulation and the profound personal growth it brought him.
Balancing Fame and Privacy
Kearney’s approach to her career contrasts with James’s more high-profile roles in The White Lotus and the Divergent series. Despite the differences in their public profiles, they navigate their careers and private lives with mutual respect and understanding. James has spoken about the challenges and strengths of maintaining a long-term relationship while building their careers, highlighting the resilience they’ve developed together.
Shared Interests
Both Kearney and James have a keen interest in fashion, frequently attending various fashion weeks. Their appearances showcase not only their style but also their shared interests and support for each other’s endeavors.
Life Philosophies
James has shared insights into how becoming a parent has shifted his priorities. He noted that fatherhood has made him a more solid person, reducing his anxieties and helping him focus on what truly matters. This perspective on life and parenthood underscores the couple’s grounded approach to fame and family.
A Lasting Partnership
The couple’s relationship has evolved over the years, adapting to the changes brought by their growing careers and expanding family. James has spoken about the dynamic nature of their partnership, emphasizing how their long history together has fortified their bond.
Conclusion
Ruth Kearney and Theo James have built a life that balances professional success with personal fulfillment. Their journey together, from meeting at theatre school to raising a family, is marked by mutual respect, shared interests, and a commitment to privacy. Despite the demands of their careers, they have managed to keep their relationship strong and their family life grounded, providing a model of a supportive and resilient partnership in the public eye.