Daniel Laurie is a critically acclaimed British actor best known for his portrayal of Reginald “Reggie” Jackson in the long-running BBC period drama Call the Midwife. Born in 1995, Laurie has become a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, not only for his nuanced acting but also for his significant contributions to disability representation on screen. As of 2026, he remains one of the most beloved members of the Call the Midwife cast, having joined the series in 2017. His performance has earned him a nomination for Best Actor at the TV Choice Awards, highlighting his status as a formidable talent in contemporary television.
Early Life and Family Background
Daniel Laurie was born in London in 1995 to a family deeply rooted in the performing arts. He is the son of the late Leslie Grantham, the legendary actor famous for playing “Dirty Den” Watts in EastEnders, and Jane Laurie, an accomplished actress known for 1980s films like The Return of the Soldier.
Growing up in a household where acting was a primary profession provided Daniel with a unique perspective on the industry from a young age. Despite his father’s reputation as one of television’s greatest villains, Daniel’s mother has often spoken about the “special bond” Leslie shared with his three sons, including Daniel.
Overcoming Educational Challenges
Before finding success on television, Daniel faced significant hurdles within the mainstream education system. He has been candid in interviews about leaving school in his late teens due to severe bullying, an experience that led him to seek refuge in the creative arts.
At the age of 17, Daniel enrolled in a drama school in South West London, which he described as a “safe space” where he could flourish without the fear of harassment. This pivotal shift from traditional education to vocational performance training provided the foundation for his professional debut just a few years later.
Breakout Role in Call the Midwife
Daniel Laurie’s most famous role to date is that of Reggie Jackson, who first appeared in Call the Midwife during Series 6. The character was introduced following the sudden death of his mother, Ivy, which led to Reggie being taken in by his distant cousin Fred Buckle (played by Cliff Parisi).
The chemistry between Laurie and Parisi is particularly poignant, as Parisi was a former co-star of Daniel’s father, Leslie Grantham, on EastEnders. Over the years, Reggie has evolved from a guest character into a series regular, with storylines focusing on his independence, his relationship with his girlfriend Jane, and his work at Fred’s shop.
Filmography and Key Television Roles
While Reggie Jackson is his most recognizable role, Daniel has a diverse portfolio that spans radio, television, and film. In 2016, he landed his first major television credit as Jamie in the Sky One comedy-drama Stella, created by Ruth Jones.
He also voiced the lead character in the BBC Radio 4 adaptation of Charles Dickens’s Barnaby Rudge, starring alongside Game of Thrones actor Iain Glen. Other notable appearances include:
- Vera (2020): Playing Adam Beecher in the popular ITV detective series.
- Finding Alice (2021): Portraying the character Zack alongside Keeley Hawes.
- The Dark Tower: A role in the television movie adaptation.
Awards and Professional Recognition
Daniel’s talent has not gone unnoticed by the industry or the public, as evidenced by his 2022 TV Choice Awards nomination for Best Actor. Competing against established stars like Cillian Murphy, the nomination served as a major validation of his skill and the impact of his performance on Call the Midwife.
He has frequently expressed that such recognition makes him “feel alive” and validates his decision to pursue acting after the difficulties of his teenage years. This acclaim has helped pave the way for more substantial roles for actors with Down syndrome in the UK.
Representation and Advocacy Work
Daniel Laurie is a powerful advocate for the Down syndrome community, frequently using his platform to challenge stereotypes about what individuals with disabilities can achieve. He has worked closely with the Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA) and their “Our Voice” project to promote inclusive casting.
By portraying a character like Reggie—who is defined by his kindness, humor, and relationships rather than just his disability—Laurie has helped shift the narrative in British media. He famously stated in a BBC interview that “having Down’s syndrome is kinda cool,” a sentiment that has inspired countless fans and young performers.
Personal Life and Interests
Outside of acting, Daniel enjoys a relatively private life in London, often supported by his mother, Jane. He has expressed a deep love for the “family feel” of the Call the Midwife set, noting that the cast and crew have become like a second family to him.
His interests also extend to the history of the eras he portrays on screen, often engaging with the 1960s setting of Poplar with genuine curiosity. This dedication to his craft is seen in the physical comedy and emotional depth he brings to his scenes with the Buckle family.
The Legacy of the Grantham-Laurie Family
The transition of the “acting torch” from Leslie Grantham to Daniel Laurie is a unique story in British soap and drama history. While Leslie was known for “Dirty Den,” a character defined by conflict, Daniel has built a legacy based on heart, empathy, and social progress.
This contrast highlights the evolution of British television, moving from the gritty “tough guy” archetypes of the 80s to the more inclusive and diverse storytelling seen in the 2020s. Daniel’s success serves as a living tribute to his parents’ artistic background while establishing his own distinct identity.
Early Life and Family Background
Daniel Laurie was born in London in 1995 to a family deeply rooted in the performing arts. He is the son of the late Leslie Grantham, the legendary actor famous for playing “Dirty Den” Watts in EastEnders, and Jane Laurie, an Australian-born actress known for 1980s films like The Return of the Soldier.
Growing up in a household where acting was a primary profession provided Daniel with a unique perspective on the industry from a young age. Despite his father’s reputation as one of television’s greatest villains, Daniel’s mother has often spoken about the “special bond” Leslie shared with his three sons—Michael, Jake, and Daniel.
Overcoming Educational Challenges
Before finding success on television, Daniel faced significant hurdles within the mainstream education system. He has been candid in interviews about leaving school in his late teens due to severe bullying, an experience that led him to seek refuge in the creative arts.
At the age of 17, Daniel found his calling in a drama school in South West London, which he described as a “safe space” where he could flourish without the fear of harassment. This pivotal shift from traditional education to vocational performance training provided the foundation for his professional debut just a few years later, proving that his departure from school was the catalyst for his success.
Breakout Role in Call the Midwife
Daniel Laurie’s most famous role to date is that of Reggie Jackson, who first appeared in Call the Midwife during Series 6. The character was introduced following the sudden death of his mother, Ivy, which led to Reggie being taken in by his distant cousin Fred Buckle (played by Cliff Parisi).
The chemistry between Laurie and Parisi is particularly poignant, as Parisi was a former co-star of Daniel’s father, Leslie Grantham, on EastEnders. Over the years, Reggie has evolved from a guest character into a series regular, with storylines focusing on his independence at the Glasshouse Trust, his relationship with his girlfriend Jane, and his role as Cyril Robinson’s best man.
Filmography and Key Television Roles
While Reggie Jackson is his most recognizable role, Daniel has a diverse portfolio that spans radio, television, and film. In 2016, he landed his first major television credit as Jamie in the Sky One comedy-drama Stella, created by Ruth Jones, where he showcased his natural comedic timing.
He also voiced the lead character in the BBC Radio 4 adaptation of Charles Dickens’s Barnaby Rudge, starring alongside Game of Thrones actor Iain Glen. Other notable appearances include:
- Vera (2020): Playing Adam Beecher in the popular ITV detective series.
- Finding Alice (2021): Portraying the character Zack alongside Keeley Hawes.
- The Dark Tower: Portraying the character Sheemie in the television pilot.
The Legacy of the Grantham-Laurie Family
The transition of the “acting torch” from Leslie Grantham to Daniel Laurie is a unique story in British soap and drama history. While Leslie was known for “Dirty Den,” a character defined by conflict, Daniel has built a legacy based on heart, empathy, and social progress.
This contrast highlights the evolution of British television, moving from the gritty “tough guy” archetypes of the 80s to the more inclusive and diverse storytelling seen in the 2020s. Daniel’s success serves as a living tribute to his parents’ artistic background while establishing his own distinct identity as one of the most respected actors of his generation.
FAQs
Is Daniel Laurie related to Leslie Grantham?
Yes, Daniel is the son of the late Leslie Grantham, who played Den Watts in EastEnders. They shared a very close bond until Leslie’s death in 2018.
How old is Daniel Laurie in 2026?
Born in 1995, Daniel Laurie is 31 years old as of 2026.
Does Daniel Laurie really have Down syndrome?
Yes, Daniel has Down syndrome and has been a vocal advocate for authentic representation, often speaking about his pride in his identity.
When did Reggie join Call the Midwife?
Reggie Jackson first appeared in Series 6, Episode 6, which originally aired in 2017.
Who is Daniel Laurie’s mother?
His mother is Jane Laurie, an actress who appeared in several films and television shows throughout the 1980s.
What other shows has Daniel Laurie been in?
Aside from Call the Midwife, he has appeared in Stella, Vera, Finding Alice, and the radio play Barnaby Rudge.
Has Daniel Laurie won any awards?
While he has not won a major individual trophy yet, he was nominated for Best Actor at the 2022 TV Choice Awards.
Is Reggie leaving Call the Midwife?
As of the current 2026 season, Daniel Laurie remains a core cast member with no plans to depart the series.
Where does Daniel Laurie live?
He lives in London, near the area where he grew up and trained as an actor.
Who plays Reggie’s girlfriend in the show?
Reggie’s girlfriend, Jane, is played by actress Daisy May Wood.
Is Daniel Laurie related to Hugh Laurie?
No, despite the shared surname and profession, Daniel Laurie and Hugh Laurie are not related.
What is Reggie Jackson’s job in Call the Midwife?
Reggie works as an assistant to Fred Buckle in his shop and also resides at the Glasshouse Trust community.
Is Daniel Laurie related to Leslie Grantham?
Yes, Daniel is the son of the late Leslie Grantham, who played Den Watts in EastEnders. They shared a very close bond until Leslie’s death in 2018.
How old is Daniel Laurie in 2026?
Born in 1995, Daniel Laurie is 31 years old as of 2026.
Does Daniel Laurie really have Down syndrome?
Yes, Daniel has Down syndrome and has been a vocal advocate for authentic representation, often speaking about how “cool” he finds his identity.
When did Reggie join Call the Midwife?
Reggie Jackson first appeared in Series 6, Episode 6, which aired in 2017.
Who is Daniel Laurie’s mother?
His mother is Jane Laurie, an actress who appeared in several films and television shows throughout the 1980s.
What other shows has Daniel Laurie been in?
Aside from Call the Midwife, he has appeared in Stella, Vera, and Finding Alice.
Has Daniel Laurie won any awards?
While he has not won a major individual trophy yet, he was nominated for Best Actor at the 2022 TV Choice Awards.
Is Reggie leaving Call the Midwife?
As of the current 2026 season, there have been no official announcements regarding Daniel Laurie leaving the show; he remains a core cast member.
Where does Daniel Laurie live?
He lives in London, close to where he grew up and where he attended drama school.
Who plays Reggie’s girlfriend in the show?
Reggie’s girlfriend, Jane, is played by actress Daisy May Wood.
Can Daniel Laurie play musical instruments?
While there is a musician named Daniel Laurie, the actor is primarily focused on his screen and voice acting career.
What is Daniel Laurie’s height?
Official sources do not list a specific height, but he is often seen as a similar height to his co-star Cliff Parisi.
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