The acclaimed star, known for playing Peter Pettigrew in the Harry Potter film series and starring in the 2014 film Turner, said the idea of leaving his family behind was “extremely unbearable.”
Talked to Saga Magazine, the actor talked about his leukemia diagnosis he received in 1996 and the “fear” of what he would do to his dying family.
He told PA: “We have three children and are from a blue blue who was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease called acute myeloid leukemia.
February 27th: Happy birthday, Timothy Spole! He played Peter Pettigrew (aka Wormtail) in the Harry Potter film. pic.twitter.com/n8f4xxvopx
– Harry Potter Universe (@hobotteruniverse) February 28, 2025
“There was a time when they thought I might not make it. What I really couldn't stand was something my family would do if I went. I wasn't there to take care of them.
“The pain and fear of me dying was the only unbearable aspect of it to those I loved. The rest I could take.
“One day, during the treatment, the doctor was doing the test and I thought it had recurred. A huge mushroom-shaped mold had grown into my lungs.
Spall is married to author Shane Spall and has three children, Rafe, Pascale and Mercedes.
He added: “We've been married for 44 years and we can't separate. We joined our waists. We got married four months after we met. I think there's a lot to be told to marry someone you don't know.
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The British actor won the BAFTA for the lead in 2024, playing the role of Peter Farker in the Sixth Commandment, a true crime series, defeating successor star Brian Cox.
He also portrayed the Duke of Norfolk in the hit BBC two series Wolf Hall, following the life of Thomas Cromwell, a major adviser to King Henry VIII.
Spall said:
“It was my sixth BAFTA nomination and I got used to 'smiles' so I thought it would be another of them.
“When I won, I was really surprised.”
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