Mark Strong has become a household name for his chilling portrayals of villains on screen. He’s set to bring his villainous charm to the iconic role of Carmine Falcone, one of Batman’s most notorious foes, in the upcoming series The Penguin (2024). But becoming one of Hollywood’s go-to bad guys wasn’t a straightforward path for the actor, who had been playing minor roles in British TV shows and films.
It took the keen eye of his wife, Liza Marshall, 54, to unlock his hidden potential for playing the bad guy. Back in the early 2000s, Liza, a rising TV producer at the time, was casting for the BBC drama The Long Firm (2004). She saw something in Mark that others had missed – a capacity for “pure evil.” As he recalled in an interview with The Times,
She saw my brooding hostility when no one else did. Everyone thought I could just do nice guys, but Liza saw the untapped, unmitigated bastard in me.
That role changed everything for Mark, sparking not only his career but also a romance with Liza that led to their marriage.
While Mark has been busy playing the bad guy, Liza has made a name for herself behind the scenes. She’s racked up three BAFTA Award nominations, including one for The Long Firm, and won a Royal Television Society award for The Sins (2001).
The Playful, Yet Supportive Relationship of the Pair
Mark and Liza have found a sweet spot in their marriage – teaming up on projects while playfully ribbing each other.
When they spotted a cool Norwegian show one night, Liza’s producer instincts kicked in. “I wonder if someone’s got the rights to this,” she mused. Before Mark knew it, they were in Oslo, snagging the rights to adapt Valkyrien. And that’s how we got the show, Temple.
Their different backgrounds add spice to their relationship. The actor’s boarding school days left him with a love for things that are systemic – like religiously making the bed each morning. His partner lovingly teases that this regimented upbringing is “the root of all evil.”
Similarly, on a Rome trip, she couldn’t help noticing how he fit right in with the locals. “My God, you look just like everyone!” she exclaimed. It’s this kind of gentle ribbing that keeps them together.
Despite their differences, they’ve hit their stride working together. He beams about her producing chops, telling The Times, “She’s pulled off something exceptional.”
He Strives To Free His Children From The Generational Trauma
Mark was raised by a single mom who did everything to give him a good life. You might think that’d make the whole fatherhood thing daunting, but for him, it’s quite the opposite. He’s turned those early challenges into lessons on how to be the dad he never had. This mindset shapes how he’s raising his kids, Gabriel, 21, and Roman, 18, aiming to provide the best for them just as his mom did for him. He told The Guardian,
I was always asking: ‘What’s the best way to be a good dad?’ I had to learn patience because things could make me fly off the handle.
Despite the demands of his acting career, he prioritizes his role as a father above all else. His life in London is surprisingly ordinary, and he relishes the opportunity to step back from the spotlight to focus on his family.
Their Kids Have Also Dabbled In The Industry
The acting bug seems to run in the Strong family! Mark and Liza’s oldest son, Gabriel, had his moment in the spotlight when played a boy on a bike in the thriller Before I Go to Sleep (2014).
As for the youngest, Roman made his screen debut in the festive film Get Santa (2014). He appeared as a child on Santa’s lap. His next venture came in the TV series Temple (2019-2021), where he played Rhys Ifans’ character, Gubby’s son in two episodes.
What’s more, these projects weren’t just any gigs—they were family affairs with Liza producing and Mark often on set. Clearly, their kids are getting a taste of the industry, learning the ropes alongside their talented parents.
Currently, the family resides in London.
