Inside the life of Steve Coogan - rock star fling, multiple model girlfriends and famous daughter

Steve Coogan takes on the role of former Labour MP and interviewer Brian Walden in the new Channel 4 drama, Brian and Walden. The series explores how a single television interview conducted by ex-Labour MP Brian Walden (played by Steve Coogan) in 1989 led to the downfall of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (portrayed by Harriet Walter).

Coogan is perhaps best known for his comedic radio and television character Alan Partridge, which has given rise to multiple series and a film, Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa, earning him several awards including a Bafta. His acting credits also include roles in Philomena, Stan and Ollie, The Reckoning Around the World in 80 Days, Tropic Thunder, The Trip and Saxondale.

Aside from his acting and writing career, Coogan has made headlines due to his relationships with models, renowned actresses and singers. Born on October 14, 1965, the star was raised in Alkrington in Rochdale where he achieved 4 A-levels in English Literature, British Government and Politics, Art, and General Studies.

Coogan's passion for acting and comedy saw him working as a voice artist for TV adverts and the satirical puppet show Spitting Image. He further expanded his comedy career by performing in sketch shows and at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

It was while working on the Radio 4 comedy On the Hour that Coogan created Alan Partridge, a parody of British sports presenters, reports the Mirror.

Notably, one of his most iconic characters, Alan Partridge, has been featured in numerous shows, including Knowing Me, Knowing You with Alan Partridge, I'm Alan Partridge, Mid Morning Matters with Alan Partridge, Alan Partridge's Scissored Isle, and This Time with Alan Partridge. The character even had a film dedicated to him, Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa, and is set to return in a new BBC series, And Did Those Feet... With Alan Partridge, later this year.

In the 2000s, Coogan expanded his repertoire to include film roles and more dramatic performances, such as in 24 Hour Party People, where he played Octavius, a miniature Roman general figure, in the Night at the Museum trilogy. He collaborated with Rob Brydon on the partially improvised BBC2 sitcom The Trip and its subsequent series and films.

Coogan also achieved success as a writer and producer with projects like Philomena and Stan and Ollie.

Recent notable roles include his portrayal of Jimmy Savile in the BBC One series The Reckoning, Paddy Meyers in Joker: Folie à Deux, and The Lost King.

In his personal life, Coogan married British socialite Caroline Hickman in 2002, but the couple divorced in 2005, citing that the marriage had irretrievably broken down. The same year his divorce was finalized, Coogan had a brief two-week fling with Hole singer Courtney Love, who was married to Nirvana rocker Kurt Cobain.

In 2021, Love expressed regret over the encounter on social media, calling it "one of my life's great shames" and criticizing her solo record America's Sweetheart, stating: "Like Steve Coogan, or crack, it's one of my life's great shames."

Aside from his past involvement with Courtney Love, Coogan has been linked with several high-profile figures. Among his noted relationships, Coogan spent time with actress and restaurant heiress China Chow from 2008 to 2011, dated model Elle Basey from 2011 to 2014 and was connected with Melanie Sykes between 2018 and 2019.

Is Steve Coogan a father?

Indeed, Steve Coogan is a parent to one daughter through his relationship with Anna Cole—Clare Coogan Cole is her name. At 26 years old, Clare formerly occupied an administrative role before dedicating three years to campaign for the ex-deputy leader of the Labour Party, Lord Tom Watson.

Additionally, she's dabbled in acting, appearing in minor roles within some of her father's productions such as Saxondale and Mid Morning Matters with Alan Partridge, not to mention The Alan Partridge podcast. Clare even held a position as a Production Assistant at Rag Doll TV Ltd, renowned for producing children’s shows.

Away from the spotlight, Steve Coogan resides in the tranquil setting of Barcombe, situated in East Sussex's Lewes District. Nestled within the scenic South Downs, Barcombe offers a serene retreat from the energetic pace of urban living.

Coogan, a confessed automotive aficionado, enjoys the pleasures of car ownership alongside the amenities of his estate, which boasts both a swimming pool and tennis court. Rumour has it that his home provides ample space for an impressive collection of vehicles, including a choice selection of Ferraris.

Before settling in Barcombe, Coogan resided in a stunning property in Ovingdean, on the fringes of Brighton. His former abode, Ovingdean Grange, is a house with its own share of fame.

The country mansion boasts two main claims to fame: not only was it Steve Coogan's residence, but it also featured prominently in a renowned novel. Penned by William Ainsworth, a contemporary of Charles Dickens, the novel 'Ovingdean Grange: A Tale Of The South Downs' was published in 1857.

Coogan purchased the Grade II* listed house in 2011 for £2.45 million and called it home for approximately six years before putting it on the market for £3.5 million. The three-storey, six-bedroom property includes a courtyard garden, a cinema room, and a billiard room.