Steve Coogan's life off-screen from rock star fling to 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 (Steve Coogan) in 1989 led to the downfall of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher ( Harriet Walter).

Coogan is widely recognised for his comedic radio and television character Alan Partridge, which has inspired multiple series and a film, Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa, earning him several awards including a Bafta.

His acting credits also include Philomena, Stan and Ollie, The Reckoning Around the World in 80 Days, Tropic Thunder, The Trip and Saxondale.

Outside of his professional life, Coogan has made headlines due to his relationships with models, renowned actresses and singers.

Early life and career of Steve Coogan

Born on October 14, 1965, Coogan was raised in Alkrington in Rochdale where he achieved 4 A-levels in English Literature, British Government and Politics, Art, and General Studies.

With a passion for acting and comedy, the Mirror reports he began his career as a voice artist for TV adverts and the satirical puppet show Spitting Image.

He further developed his comedy career through performances in sketch shows and at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. While working on the Radio 4 comedy On the Hour, Coogan created the character Alan Partridge, a parody of British sports presenters.

Arguably, his most iconic character, 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 made it to the big screen in the film 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 a miniature Roman general figure named Octavius in the Night at the Museum trilogy. Coogan also collaborated with Rob Brydon on the partially improvised BBC2 sitcom The Trip and its subsequent series and films.

He achieved success as a writer and producer with projects like Philomena and Stan and Ollie. Recent roles include portraying Jimmy Savile in the BBC One series The Reckoning, Paddy Meyers in Joker: Folie à Deux, and The Lost King.

Rock star fling

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

In 2021, Love referred to the encounter as "one of my life's great shames" on social media. In the post, the musician criticized her solo record America's Sweetheart, writing: "Like Steve Coogan, or crack, it's one of my life's great shames."

When quizzed about speculation concerning his romantic life, Steve Coogan once famously remarked: "Some of it was true, most of it was b*****ks. To borrow the title of the film, it was 20 per cent c***, and 80 per cent bull."

Apart from his storied connection with Courtney Love, Coogan has been linked with several high-profile women, including actress and heiress China Chow whom he dated from 2008 to 2011, model Elle Basey from 2011 to 2014, and television presenter Melanie Sykes between 2018 and 2019.

Does Steve Coogan have any children?

Steve Coogan has one daughter, namely Clare Coogan Cole, born from his past relationship with Anna Cole.

The 26-year-old previously worked in administration and later campaigned for former deputy leader of the Labour Party Lord Tom Watson for three years.

She has also played minor roles in her father's projects, including Saxondale, Mid Morning Matters with Alan Partridge, and The Alan Partridge podcast.

Additionally, Clare once held a Production Assistant role at Rag Doll TV Ltd, known for creating children's content.

Steve Coogan's quiet life away from the cameras

Coogan is understood to live in the quiet village of Barcombe within the Lewes District of East Sussex. The picturesque East Sussex village sits cosily upon the South Downs, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The actor-comedian boasts a collection that includes several Ferraris, and he appreciates the expansive garage space of his lavish estate, complete with a swimming pool and tennis court.

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

The country mansion is not only known as Steve Coogan's previous home but also for its appearance in a popular novel. The book, titled 'Ovingdean Grange: A Tale Of The South Downs', was penned by William Ainsworth, a contemporary and friend of Charles Dickens, in 1857.

Coogan purchased the Grade II* listed house in 2011 for £2.45 million and lived there for approximately six years before putting it up for sale at £3.5 million. The three-storey, six-bedroom house boasts a courtyard garden, a cinema room, and a billiard room.