James McAvoy and Wife Lisa Liberati Make Rare Public Appearance

The couple stepped out together for the premiere of McAvoy's new film California Schemin'.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:26am

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An extreme close-up of shimmering silver sequins and sparkling gemstones, capturing the luxurious textures of high-fashion celebrity style in dramatic studio lighting.The glittering textures of a Hollywood red carpet event evoke the private, glamorous world of celebrity couples like James McAvoy and Lisa Liberati.London Today

Actor James McAvoy and his wife Lisa Liberati made a rare public appearance together at the London premiere of McAvoy's new film California Schemin'. McAvoy, 46, looked dapper in a black suit, while Liberati stunned in a sparkling silver top and black trousers. The couple, who married in secret several years ago, welcomed their second child together around 2022, which McAvoy revealed in a recent interview.

Why it matters

McAvoy is known for being incredibly private about his personal life, so any public appearance with his wife is a notable event. The couple's decision to keep their family life out of the spotlight contrasts with the actor's own estranged relationship with his father, which he has been open about in the past.

The details

McAvoy and Liberati, who met on the set of 2016's Split when she was working as a personal assistant, have been married for several years but only revealed the news in 2022. The couple now have two sons together, with McAvoy's eldest child being 15-year-old Brendan from his previous marriage to actress Anne-Marie Duff.

  • McAvoy revealed he had become a father for the second time in an interview with The Guardian in March 2026.
  • The couple made their rare public appearance at the London premiere of California Schemin' on April 9, 2026.

The players

James McAvoy

A 46-year-old Scottish actor known for his roles in films such as Atonement, Split, and X-Men: First Class. He was previously married to actress Anne-Marie Duff, with whom he has a 15-year-old son.

Lisa Liberati

McAvoy's wife, whom he met on the set of the 2016 film Split when she was working as a personal assistant. The couple married in secret several years ago and welcomed their second child together around 2022.

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What they’re saying

“Having a kid at 42 is definitely easier in some ways. I worry less. I'm a bit more philosophical. But it's also harder, because you're just older and tireder.”

— James McAvoy

“I think that sometimes we try and protect our kids from way too much, and we end up not preparing them for the world that they're going to have to step into. Which is why they're all staying with their parents until they're 35 at the moment. I want mine out the door when he's 18.”

— James McAvoy

What’s next

McAvoy is expected to continue promoting California Schemin' in the coming weeks, though he and Liberati are likely to maintain their typically private approach to their family life.

The takeaway

McAvoy's rare public appearance with his wife Lisa Liberati underscores the actor's commitment to keeping his personal life out of the spotlight, despite his own fraught relationship with his father. The couple's decision to shield their family from public scrutiny stands in contrast to the more open approach taken by many celebrities today.