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Don Warrington Wife | Who Is the Actor Married To?

Q: What Is Don Warrington’s Most Famous Role?

His most famous role is Commissioner Selwyn Patterson in Death in Paradise.

byTom

March 7, 2025

8 minute read

Table of Contents

Don Warrington is a well-known British actor, best recognised for his role in Death in Paradise. While his career has been in the spotlight for decades, there is curiosity surrounding his personal life, particularly regarding his wife.

Fans often wonder who Don Warrington is married to and what his life outside the screen looks like.

In this article, we explore Don Warrington’s life, his career achievements, and details about his wife. We will also discuss his net worth, personal life, and contributions to British television.

Who Is Don Warrington?

Who is Don Warrington?

Don Warrington was born on 23 May 1951 in Trinidad and Tobago. His full name is Donald Williams, and he moved to the United Kingdom as a child. He grew up in Newcastle upon Tyne, where he developed an interest in acting.

Early Life and Education

Don Warrington was raised by his mother after the passing of his father. Adjusting to life in the UK was a challenge, but he found comfort in the arts.

He pursued his education at Harris College before enrolling at the Drama Centre London to refine his acting skills.

Physical Attributes

Age: 72 years (as of 2024)
Height: Approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm)
Birthplace: Trinidad and Tobago
Nationality: British

Career Beginnings and Breakthrough

Don Warrington’s acting career took off in the 1970s. He gained widespread attention when he starred in the sitcom “Rising Damp”, where he played Philip Smith, a role that remains one of his most recognised performances. This success led to more opportunities in British television, theatre, and film.

Over the years, he has appeared in several notable productions, including:

Doctor Who
Death in Paradise
New Street Law
The Crouches
Various Shakespearean plays

His versatility as an actor has allowed him to perform across multiple genres, making him a respected figure in the industry.

Who Is Don Warrington’s Wife?

Don Warrington is married to Mary Maddocks, who has largely stayed out of the public eye. Unlike her husband, she does not frequently appear in the media, which has led to speculation and curiosity about her life.

Personal Details About Mary Maddocks

Full Name: Mary Maddocks
Date of Birth: Not publicly available
Birthplace: United Kingdom
Nationality: British
Height: Estimated around 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm)

Life Away from the Limelight

Mary Maddocks has preferred to keep her personal and professional life private. Unlike many celebrity spouses, she has not been frequently seen at red carpet events or media interviews. However, she has been a strong support system for Don Warrington throughout his acting career.

Marriage and Family Life

Don Warrington and Mary Maddocks have been together for many years. They share two children, one of whom, Jacob Warrington, has followed in his father’s footsteps in the acting industry.

The couple has maintained a low-profile life, focusing on family and career while keeping their personal details private.

Despite being married to a well-known actor, Mary Maddocks has chosen to live away from public attention, making her a mystery to many fans.

How Did Don Warrington Start His Acting Career?

Don Warrington’s journey in acting began at a young age, fuelled by his passion for performance. Born in Trinidad and Tobago in 1951, he moved to the United Kingdom as a child.

Adjusting to a new culture was not always easy, but his love for the arts gave him a strong sense of purpose.

Early Training and Career Beginnings

He trained at the Drama Centre London, one of the most prestigious institutions for actors in the UK.
After completing his training, he took on small television and stage roles, building his experience in the industry.

Breakthrough with ‘Rising Damp’

His career took a major leap forward when he landed the role of Philip Smith in the British sitcom Rising Damp (1974–1978). This role:

Gave him national recognition as a talented actor.
Showcased his ability to mix comedy with intelligent and refined performances.
Opened doors for more opportunities in television and theatre.

This initial success laid the foundation for his extensive career, allowing him to take on a variety of roles across multiple entertainment mediums.

What Are Don Warrington’s Most Famous Roles?

Over the years, Don Warrington has played many memorable characters across television, film, and theatre. Some of his most significant roles include:

Television and Film

Philip Smith in Rising Damp: His most iconic role, where he played a well-educated lodger navigating life in a boarding house.
Commissioner Selwyn Patterson in Death in Paradise: A beloved character who brings a mix of authority and humour to the show.
The President in Doctor Who (2006): Appeared in the episode “Rise of the Cybermen.”
Judge Ken Winyard in New Street Law: A compelling role that showcased his ability to play serious, dramatic characters.
Bailey in The Crouches: A lesser-known but well-received role in this British sitcom.

Stage Performances

Don Warrington has made significant contributions to the British theatre scene, especially with his performances in Shakespearean plays. He has taken on roles in:

King Lear: A standout performance that earned him critical acclaim.
Hamlet and Othello: Two other major Shakespearean productions where he displayed his classical acting skills.

His ability to seamlessly transition between television, film, and theatre has made him one of Britain’s most versatile actors.

How Did Don Warrington Become Famous in ‘Death in Paradise’?

Don Warrington became a household name in modern television through his role in Death in Paradise, which he joined in 2011.

Character and Role in the Show

He plays Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, a senior police official on the fictional island of Saint Marie.
His character is known for being strict but humorous, often guiding the younger officers with wisdom and experience.
His presence brings a sense of authority and tradition to the series, making him an integral part of the storyline.

Why Fans Love His Character?

His wit and sarcasm add humour to the show.
He brings stability to the police force in the storyline.
His long-term presence on the show makes him one of its most recognisable faces.

Warrington’s portrayal of Commissioner Patterson has been widely praised, making him a fan favourite and one of the longest-serving cast members on the series.

Does Don Warrington Have Children?

Yes, Don Warrington has children. He and his wife, Mary Maddocks, have two sons. One of their sons, Archie Maddocks, has gained recognition as a playwright and stand-up comedian.

Archie has contributed to various creative projects, including the 2023 thriller Gassed Up and the TV series Intergalactic.

Despite being in the entertainment industry, Don Warrington has maintained a private family life, rarely discussing personal matters in interviews.

His son Archie, however, has built his own career in writing and comedy, making a name for himself separate from his father’s legacy in acting.

What We Know About His Family?

Jacob Warrington has worked on a few television and theatre projects.
Don Warrington rarely speaks about his children publicly, preferring to keep his personal and professional life separate.
His children have occasionally been mentioned in interviews, but they largely stay away from the media spotlight.

Despite being a public figure, Don Warrington has successfully kept his family life low-profile.

Where Does Don Warrington Live?

Don Warrington has lived in the United Kingdom for most of his life. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, he moved to the UK as a child and has since made it his home.

Current Residence and Lifestyle

He is known to live in a quiet location, away from the public eye.
His home is believed to be somewhere in England, though he has never publicly disclosed his exact address.
Unlike some actors, he prefers a private and modest lifestyle, focusing more on his work rather than public appearances.

Warrington has spent decades contributing to British entertainment, and he continues to live and work within the country.

What Awards and Honours Has Don Warrington Received?

Throughout his career, Don Warrington has received several prestigious awards and recognitions for his contributions to British television and theatre.

Major Achievements

MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire): Awarded for his services to drama.
National Theatre and Shakespearean Theatre Awards: Recognised for his excellence in classical theatre.
Honorary Doctorates: Several universities have honoured him for his contributions to the arts.

These accolades highlight his impact on the British entertainment industry and his long-standing legacy.

What Are Don Warrington’s Upcoming Projects?

Don Warrington remains active in acting, taking on new roles in television and theatre.

Future Appearances

He is expected to continue his role in Death in Paradise, as his character remains a core part of the show.
He frequently works in theatre, particularly in Shakespearean productions.
He may explore voice work and narrations, as he has done in the past.

While specific projects have not been announced, his fans can expect to see him in more television and stage productions in the coming years.

What Is Don Warrington’s Net Worth?

Don Warrington has built a remarkable career in the entertainment industry, spanning over five decades. His extensive work in television, theatre, and film has contributed significantly to his earnings.

As of recent estimates, his net worth is believed to be around £1.5 million to £3 million. This financial success is a result of his dedication to acting and his consistent presence in British television and theatre.

Sources of Income

Television and Film: His roles in hit shows like Rising Damp and Death in Paradise have earned him substantial income. Long-running series provide actors with steady pay, and his recurring role as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson continues to contribute to his earnings.
Theatre Performances: Warrington has been deeply involved in stage productions, particularly Shakespearean plays. Theatre performances not only bring in revenue but also maintain his reputation as a seasoned actor.
Voice Work: His contributions to audiobooks, radio dramas, and narration work have added to his income over the years. Many British actors earn a significant portion of their wealth from voice-over projects.
Endorsements and Appearances: While Don Warrington is not heavily involved in brand endorsements, he does make appearances at theatre events, TV discussions, and industry functions, which further add to his financial portfolio.

Conclusion

Don Warrington has had a remarkable career spanning decades. While he remains a public figure, his wife, Mary Maddocks, has chosen a private life.

Despite his fame, Don Warrington keeps his family and personal life out of the limelight, focusing on his career and artistic contributions.

His journey from a young actor in Rising Damp to a respected figure in British television is an inspiration. His legacy continues through his performances, making him a celebrated actor in the industry.