The BBC sitcom "My Family," which ran for 11 series and frequently drew 9.5 million viewers per episode, has seen one of its stars, Robert Lindsay, reflect on its unexpected success. Lindsay, who portrayed the sarcastic patriarch Ben Harper, confessed he initially believed the show would be a flop and that his decision to join was primarily driven by financial necessity during a personal hardship.

The series, which premiered in 2000, became a Friday night staple despite critical reception. Lindsay, 76, explained his motivation for joining the cast: "Oh, I did it for the money. I was going through a break-up, and so I could hardly afford to do theatre, could I? I needed a regular job. I just didn't expect it to get nine and a half million viewers every Friday…"

"My Family" centered on the Harper family, with Robert Lindsay and Zoe Wanamaker as the parents, Ben and Susan Harper, and Kris Marshall, Daniela Denby-Ashe, and Gabriel Thomson as their children, Nick, Janey, and Michael. The BBC concluded the series in 2011, citing a desire to make room for new comedies after the children characters had largely left the family home.

Since the show's conclusion, the cast members have pursued diverse career paths.

Zoe Wanamaker (Susan Harper)

Zoe Wanamaker, 77, who played Susan Harper, a tour guide and later an art gallery employee, has maintained an active career in television and film. Her notable roles include Rolanda Hooch in "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" (2001), Queen Antedia in the historical drama "Britannia" (2017-2021), and appearances in "Criminal Record," "The Man Who Fell To Earth," and "Killing Eve." More recently, she appeared in "Black Ops" and "The Cleaner" in 2023, followed by "Inside No.9" and "Criminal Record" in 2024. Her role as Charlie Hungerford in a remake of a crime drama aired in spring 2026. Wanamaker has commented that recreating the show's family dynamics today would be complex, given societal changes.

Robert Lindsay (Ben Harper)

Robert Lindsay, who played the unsociable dentist Ben Harper, has continued his acting career and garnered awards, including a BAFTA, a Tony Award, and two Laurence Olivier Awards. He is currently starring as U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt in a historical play at London's Hampstead Theatre, exploring the 1939 meeting between Roosevelt and King George VI. In 2025, he joined the second series of BBC's "Sherwood." Last year, he appeared in Channel 4's "Generation Z." Prior to "My Family," Lindsay was known for his role as Wolfie Smith in the sitcom "Citizen Smith," a role he found challenging due to the intense fame it brought.

Kris Marshall (Nick Harper)

Kris Marshall, who portrayed the laid-back eldest son Nick Harper from 2000 to 2005, later gained significant recognition for his role as DI Humphrey Goodman in the BBC crime drama "Death In Paradise" from 2014 to 2017. He reprised this role in the spin-off "Beyond Paradise" in 2023, with further series commissioned. Marshall also appeared in the romantic comedy "Love Actually" (2003) and the comedy "A Few Best Men."

Daniela Denby-Ashe (Janey Harper)

Daniela Denby-Ashe played Janey Harper, the shop-loving daughter who had a baby at 18. Before "My Family," she was known for her role as Sarah Hills in "EastEnders" (1995-1999). Her post-"My Family" credits include "Waterloo Road" (2012-2013), "Silent Witness" (2016), and two episodes of "Mum" in 2019. She also narrated "Colin and Justin's Hotel Hell" in 2022.

Gabriel Thomson (Michael Harper)

Gabriel Thomson, who played the more intellectual youngest child Michael Harper, largely stepped away from mainstream acting to pursue a degree in Philosophy at King's College London. He has since appeared in short films and the film "A Little More Flesh" (2020). Thomson has also become involved in endurance running and charity fundraising.

Siobhan Hayes (Abi Harper)

Siobhan Hayes portrayed Abi Harper, a distant relative who moved in with the family in the third series. Hayes continues to work in television, radio, and film. Her post-"My Family" work includes "Horrid Henry: The Movie" (2011), "Crime Stories" (2012), and various episodes of "Holby City."