Sue Armstrong Wife Of Alun Armstrong

So, you’ve heard of Alun Armstrong, right? The phenomenal British actor with that gravelly voice and a face that can shift from kindly dad to intimidating gangster in a heartbeat. He’s been in everything from New Tricks to Gangs of New York. But let’s be honest—who’s the woman behind the man, the one who probably keeps his feet on the ground and his ego in check? That’s Sue Armstrong, his wife of over four decades. And trust me, she’s the real star of this story.

First off, let’s clear up a massive misconception: Sue isn’t an actress. Nope. While Alun was busy stealing scenes on Broadway and winning Olivier Awards, Sue was busy with something far more important—raising their family and keeping their home from turning into a chaotic theatre green room. She’s the unsung hero, the quiet force, the one who probably rolls her eyes when Alun practices accents at the breakfast table. “For the love of God, Alun, can you just ask for the marmalade in your normal voice?”

They met way back in the 1970s, which sounds like a lifetime ago, and honestly, it kind of is. Alun was a struggling actor, working in rep theatre, and Sue was—wait for it—a secretary at the very same theatre company. Talk about a backstage romance! He was probably trying to impress her with a dramatic monologue from Shakespeare, and she was like, “That’s nice, but can you file these contracts by five?” It’s the kind of meet-cute that makes you believe in destiny—or at least in the power of a good filing system.

They tied the knot in 1972, and if you think that’s a long time ago, just remember: that was the year The Godfather came out, and bell-bottoms were a thing. Sue and Alun have been together through thick and thin, through the lean years when he was playing a spear carrier in a provincial theatre and the fat years when he was starring opposite Daniel Day-Lewis. And through it all, Sue remained the rock. The steady hand. The person who probably says, “You were great, darling, but you left your socks on the radiator again.”

The Secret to Their Long Marriage

What’s their secret? I have a theory. It’s not about grand romantic gestures or exotic holidays. No, I suspect it’s about keeping things real. Alun has said in interviews that Sue is “the most sensible person” he knows, and that she keeps him grounded. When you’re an actor, your whole life is pretend. You play kings, villains, detectives, and mad scientists. But when you come home, you need someone who sees you for who you really are: the guy who forgets to take out the trash and hogs the remote.

And let’s talk about their kids. They have three children: Joe, Dan, and Lizzy. Guess what? Two of them—Joe and Dan—are actors too! The apple doesn’t fall far from the theatrical tree. But Sue? She didn’t push them into the spotlight. She just let them discover it on their own, while probably muttering, “Great, another actor in the family. Who’s going to do the washing up?” It’s a beautiful chaos, and she’s the calm eye of that storm.

What Does Sue Do Now?

Here’s the thing about Sue: she values her privacy like it’s a rare diamond. You won’t find her on red carpets, dishing gossip to reporters. She’s not on Instagram, posting #blessed photos of her and Alun sipping cocktails in the Maldives. She’s the kind of woman who reads a good book, tends her garden, and probably has a sharp, dry wit that surprises everyone at dinner parties. “Oh, you’re an actor too? How original.”

And Alun adores her for it. In a 2018 interview, he called her his “anchor.” He said, “Without Sue, I’d be a mess. I’d probably be living in a cardboard box, reciting Macbeth to pigeons.” It’s the kind of love that doesn’t need a spotlight. It’s steady, quiet, and utterly dependable—like a good cup of tea or a properly made bed.

So, the next time you watch Alun Armstrong in a show, spare a thought for Sue. She’s the one who ironed his costume, packed his lunch, and reminded him to be home for dinner. She’s the one who probably says, “You were brilliant, love, but you’ve got a bit of spinach in your teeth” after every major performance. Because that’s real love: it’s not just applause and accolades. It’s spinach in the teeth, and someone who loves you enough to tell you.

And here’s the uplifting bit: Sue Armstrong is proof that you don’t need a famous name or a glamorous job to be a star. You just need to be the person who makes someone else’s light shine brighter. She’s the quiet hero, the backstage boss, the one who deserves a standing ovation for keeping it all together—with love, laughter, and probably a lot of patience. So here’s to Sue: the woman who married an actor, raised a family, and never let the drama get out of hand. She’s a legend in her own right, even if she’d never admit it. And that’s the kind of love story worth celebrating.

Now go call your own “Sue” and tell them thanks. And maybe iron their socks while you’re at it.