All Creatures Great and Small Samuel West's life from famous dad to rebel years

Since 2020, Channel 5 viewers have been charmed by actor Samuel West's portrayal of Siegfried Farnon in the much-loved period dramaAll Creatures Great and Small.

The quirky owner of Skeldale House veterinary practice swiftly became a hit with fans on the show, which recently saw one star detail a special moment while filming the new series.

Despite becoming a staple figure on the popular programme, the 59-year-old is no stranger to the glitz and glamour of showbiz, having starred in notable productions like Notting Hill, Mr Selfridge and Slow Horses.

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As fans prepare for the launch of the sixth series this month, let's delve into the actor's life off-screen, including his famous lineage and rebellious years.

Rebel years

The actor confessed that during his teenage years, he was incredibly shy, self-conscious and serious. However, in a chat with the Big Issue, he revealed his rebellious streak emerged later in life.

He admitted: "I was a rebellious 33-year-old. Probably my biggest note to my younger self is, get the rebellion out of the way earlier.

"Do it when you're young, when you can do it with some style, because you've got to do it some time. And if you wait till you're in your thirties to do the sex and the drugs and the rock and roll, that can really f**k you up."

Discussing his personal life, Samuel confessed that he spent a long time not wanting children and lacking the 'guts to settle down'.

Eventually, he became a father for the first time at 48 alongside partner Laura Wade, a playwright, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The couple welcomed their first daughter in 2014, before having their second child three years later in 2017.

Heartbreaking death

It appears that performing runs in Samuel's family, with both his parents having carved out successful careers in the acting world.

His father Timothy West appeared in major productions including Coronation Street, EastEnders, Gentleman Jack and The Day of the Jackal.

Meanwhile, his mother, Prunella Scales, became a household name through her portrayal of Sybil Fawlty in the classic comedy series Fawlty Towers.

Last year brought devastating news when Samuel's father Timothy died at 90-years-old.

Reports suggest he died peacefully whilst surrounded by loved ones at a care facility, where he had been receiving support after suffering a fall.

In an interview with The Times after the bereavement, Samuel revealed his father's final conversation centred around their mutual passion for acting.

Timothy had asked his son: "Where are you going to rehearsals?"

Samuel disclosed that his father died at 6:55pm - precisely when theatre performers receive their half-hour backstage warning before evening performances begin.

"I thought that was rather beautiful," the actor shared with the publication.

Samuel added: "No more visitors backstage. He took a deep breath in the wings and went on. And so it was a good death, surrounded by his three children. He was in his sleep, he was pain-free. I mean, we should all hope for something so good."

Family revelation

In the past, the 59-year-old admitted that he's had a 'turbulent' relationship with his mother throughout the years.

Tragically, his mother was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2014, though her husband had noticed symptoms of the condition years earlier.

Acknowledging that their relationship hasn't been straightforward, Samuel revealed there are matters he needs to discuss with her, but recognises this might not be feasible given her condition.

He previously told The Big Issue: "The things I want to ask about, I'm never going to get answers to now. But that's OK, I've made my peace with that.

"In fact, leaving the desire to answer those questions behind has been an important thing for me to do."

All Creatures Great and Small season 6 will launch on Thursday, September 25 at 9pm.