Michael Whitehall facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Michael Whitehall
Whitehall in 2016
Born	(1940-04-12) 12 April 1940 (age 85) Exeter, Devon, England
Education	Ampleforth College
Occupation	Author, producer, talent agent, television personality
Years active	1988–present
Spouse(s)	Jane McIntosh ​ ​ (m. 1969; div. 1973)​ Hilary Amanda Jane Isbister ​ (m. 1986)​
Children	3, including Jack Whitehall

Michael Whitehall, born on April 12, 1940, is a well-known English author, producer, and television personality. He used to be a talent agent, helping actors find work. He also started two companies that make TV shows and movies: Havahall Pictures in 1988 and Whitehall Films in 1998.

He has worked with many famous actors, including Judi Dench, Colin Firth, and Daniel Day-Lewis. Michael is also the father of the popular comedian and actor, Jack Whitehall.

Early Life and School Days

Michael Whitehall was born in Exeter, Devon, England. He went to Ampleforth College, which is a Catholic boarding school in Yorkshire. This school was run by Benedictine monks.

After finishing school, Michael worked as a film reporter. He wrote for The Universe, a weekly newspaper for Catholics. His grandfather helped pay for his education.

Michael Whitehall's Career Journey

Michael Whitehall has produced many TV programmes. Some of these include Bertie and Elizabeth, Noah's Ark, and The Good Guys. He also helped manage the careers of actors like Judi Dench and Colin Firth.

TV Appearances and Shows

Michael has appeared as a guest on several TV shows. These include Countdown and Alan Carr: Chatty Man. In 2013, he started presenting a TV chat show with his son, Jack. This show, called Backchat, first aired on BBC Three and later moved to BBC Two.

In 2017, Michael and Jack began a travel documentary series on Netflix. It was called Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father. They traveled through Southeast Asia in the first series. Later, they explored Eastern Europe, California, Arizona, Nevada, and Australia. The fifth series, which aired in 2021, saw them travel around the U.K. This was the final series of the show. In 2019, Michael and Jack also appeared on Who Do You Think You Are? to learn about their family history.

Books Written by Michael Whitehall

Michael Whitehall has written several books. His first book was Shark Infested Waters: Tales of an Actors' Agent. His son, Jack, drew the pictures for it. A newspaper called The Times Literary Supplement said it was a "most entertaining memoir" with "witty illustrations."

In October 2013, Michael released his second book, Him & Me. He wrote this book with his son, Jack. The book shows their different personalities through their unique writing styles.

Personal Life and Family

Michael Whitehall married Jane McIntosh in 1969. They did not have children together and divorced in 1973.

On April 12, 1986, Michael married Hilary Amanda Jane Isbister. This was also Michael's 46th birthday. They live in Putney, London, and have three children together. One of their children is the famous comedian, Jack Whitehall.

Books by Michael Whitehall

• Shark Infested Waters: Tales of an Actors' Agent (2007)
• Him & Me (co-written with Jack Whitehall, 2013)
• Backing into the Spotlight: A Memoir (2017)

Television Appearances