Although Larry Lamb admitted proudly in front of son George that he has “broken the cycle,” he has admitted to having a difficult upbringing as a result of a father who “bullied him.”
Larry Lamb may be best known as level-headed dad Mick in Gavin & Stacey, but the actor says his own path to fatherhood hasn’t been so simple. Born in Middlesex, the 77-year-old had a turbulent childhood, raised by a verbally abusive father – previously admitting that he “lived in fear” growing up.
Sitting down with OK! for an exclusive chat alongside his son George, 45, with whom he has been an armchair critic on Gogglebox, Larry says he was worried about his abilities to raise children before he finally “broke the cycle”.
READ MORE: Amanda Holden is a vision in on-sale Karen Millen dress that plays into Wimbledon whites trend
“If you are not fathered well, you’re not going to be a good father yourself. You’re just not. So, of course that was a worry,” says Larry. As well as George he also has three daughters – Vanessa, 56, who he isn’t in contact with, and Eloise, 26, and Eva, 22, whose mother is Clare Burt, who he split up with in 2014.
Crediting George’s mum Linda Martin, who he split up with in 1996, for his ability to become a great father to his three youngest children, Larry says, “She cut the cycle because my poor old dad was bullied by his dad and was passing it on to me. So, she realised that was not going to allow George and me to flourish – and she stepped in. So, big points to Linda. She broke the cycle and made sure it didn’t happen again.”
When I was younger, my mother did a lot of the heavy lifting, George continues. The disciplinarian was she. So, you see, that meant my dad and I became friends. The good news is that, despite everything, we and Dad managed to become mates, which was quite beautiful.
Larry and George claim to have learned a lot from one another, and they are clearly enjoying a close relationship. “My dad and I have a really nice feeling, says George,” and that’s how I feel. It feels very safe and grounding. “Larry adds”, That’s it. Love is transactional all too frequently, but neither George nor any of our families have one.
The pair chatter away incessantly and make jokes about one another like they would be expected. However, Larry acknowledges that he hasn’t always been so content. He claims that he only let go of some significant emotional baggage when he reaches the age of 60.
He says, “You don’t take things for granted any more as you get older,” That’s what happened in my life; if positive things did happen, I would take them for granted. I now realize that if things go well for me, I’m actually very fortunate.
However, he doesn’t regret his past. There is no point in having regrets, asserts Larry because it’s a big enough deal to realize that you’ve done things the way you might have. You just need to get on with it, improve yourself, and learn the skills you need.
His father has changed, according to George, who claims that he has gotten softer as he gets older. My dad and my dad are both 20 years my junior, and they both have little sisters. He claims that his siblings received a “lighter” version of Larry, but that he was a very different father, despite the fact that he was the same person.
But in many ways, the pair seem alike and with such similar personalities, it’s no surprise that George ended up following his father into showbiz. Fronting shows such as The Bank Job and Big Brother’s Little Brother, George was one of TV ’s rising stars. But the former TV and radio presenter – who, laughing, admits people approach him in the street to ask how ‘Mick’ is doing – did quite the 360 in recent years, turning his sights towards regenerative farming.
He has since admitted to not regrets leaving the limelight by co-owning the food and farming business Wildfarmed. I had a lot of amazing experiences in the show business industry, but “he says” that often I was unsure of why I was doing what I was doing. I now understand why I wake up each day. We’re working with Wildfarmed to cultivate food in a way that is both harmonious with and respectful of nature. Therefore, every day I feel good. I consider myself blessed.
“George has changed,” says Larry proudly. Knowing what he’s doing and why gives him a strong sense of value. In comparison to when he was working in showbiz, it’s exciting to see him in his mid-forties and as a young man. He hits something that is clearly causing him.
George and Larry are reportedly enjoying each other’s company and are collaborating with National Rail on its 36 Questions To Connect campaign to get to know the people they’re traveling with more. They claim that during a recent journey, they learned even more from the questions, despite the possibility that they may have already known one another well.
You’re aware of my father’s perplexing qualities, don’t you? “George asks”. Even though you think you’ve heard all of his stories a thousand times, every time we hang out, I think, “Wow, this is a new bit,” because he’s been on Earth for a long time and has lived a very full life. “
On their train ride, Larry explained to George that one of the questions asked about one quality that he valued in the most in him. He does some harsh truths for me! “says Larry”. You’ll get truth from George, whether or not you like it. However, I’m fortunate to have someone who does that for you.
George adds, “I’m always honest – I don’t want surface- level relationships. There’s enough of that in the world and I certainly don’t want that with my loved ones – and someone has to keep my dad in check!”
National Rail’s 36 Questions To Connect, which Larry and George are supporting, is available at nationalrail.co.uk/questionstoconnect
