The Family Connection Between EastEnders and Hollywood Royalty
Certain families appear to have acting talent woven into their very DNA, producing multiple generations of performers who captivate audiences on stage and screen. From the musical dynasty of the Minogue sisters to the acting lineage of the McGregors, show business often runs in the blood. One particularly surprising family connection exists within the world of British television drama, linking a beloved soap opera character to an Oscar-winning Hollywood icon.
From New Cross to Walford and Hollywood
Laila Morse, the actress who has portrayed the memorable character Big Mo (Mo Harris) on the long-running BBC drama EastEnders, is actually the elder sister of the internationally renowned actor Gary Oldman. Both siblings were born in New Cross, London, to parents Kathleen and Leonard Oldman, sharing a common upbringing in the capital before their careers took dramatically different paths.
While Gary Oldman pursued classical training and eventually became one of Britain's most celebrated acting exports, his sister took a different route to the spotlight. What makes their relationship particularly fascinating is that despite their shared origins, they've maintained remarkably different public personas and professional identities.
A Name Change and Professional Identity
Born Maureen Oldman, the EastEnders star made the conscious decision to adopt a stage name rather than perform under the now-famous Oldman surname. Her professional moniker, Laila Morse, was reportedly suggested by Italian-American actress Isabella Rossellini and represents an anagram of 'mia sorella', which translates to 'my sister' in Italian.
This name change created a degree of separation between her own career and that of her increasingly famous brother, allowing her to establish her own identity within the entertainment industry. Meanwhile, Gary Oldman kept the family name as he built his reputation through stage performances before transitioning to Hollywood success.
Professional Collaboration and Family Bonds
The siblings have occasionally crossed paths professionally, most notably in the 1997 film Nil By Mouth, which earned Gary Oldman a BAFTA award. In this powerful drama, Laila Morse appeared alongside her brother, showcasing their shared talent for compelling performances. Gary further demonstrated his support for his sister's career by casting her in his directorial debut, where she portrayed the mother of a young person struggling with addiction.
Despite their different career trajectories and public profiles, the brother and sister have maintained a close relationship over the years. Photographs from family gatherings, including a 2018 Christmas celebration, show the pair enjoying each other's company, with Laila playfully interacting with her brother as he shared a moment with his partner, Gisele Schmidt.
Divergent Paths from Common Roots
Gary Oldman's educational journey took him through West Greenwich School in Deptford before he pursued drama studies at the Young People's Theatre in Greenwich. His classical training and stage experience eventually led to Hollywood recognition, culminating in an Academy Award for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour.
Meanwhile, Laila Morse found her own success through television, joining the cast of EastEnders and creating one of the soap's most enduring characters. As Big Mo, she has become a fixture of the Walford community, entertaining audiences with her distinctive personality and memorable storylines.
Their story represents an intriguing example of how siblings from the same background can pursue dramatically different creative paths while maintaining strong family connections. The Oldman siblings demonstrate that talent can manifest in various forms within a single family, with both achieving recognition in their respective spheres of the entertainment industry.
