John Simm, famous for his roles in “Life on Mars” and “Doctor Who,” has recently made a life-altering discovery about his biological father, leaving him in a state of profound questioning. This revelation came to light during his appearance on ITV’s DNA Journey, a TV show focused on genetic genealogy.
Simm, who starred as The Master in “Doctor Who” and DI Sam Tyler in “Life on Mars,” participated in the show alongside Philip Glenister, his co-star from “Life on Mars,” to support him. Little did he know that this decision would lead to a significant revelation about his own identity. The actor discovered that his believed father, Ronald Simm, was not his biological parent, but rather Terry Smith.
Upon realising the truth, Simm expressed, “Everything I thought I knew wasn’t real.” He confessed that the discovery had profoundly impacted his life, prompting him to question his entire understanding of his family history and upbringing. Despite considering leaving the show after this unforeseen disclosure, he decided to explore more about his biological father with the help of the show’s experts.
During the episode, Simm learned that his biological father, Terry Smith, had passed away. However, he was astonished to find out that Smith used to frequent the same working men’s clubs as Ronald, his presumed father, who was a musician and passed away in 2015. Reflecting on this new information, Simm shared, “The thing that blows my mind is me and my dad played [gigs] around here loads of times. We definitely played here a lot and he might have been in the same pub one night and watched me play.”
The actor also disclosed a conversation he had with his mother before filming the show, in which she revealed a previously unknown chapter of their family history. This revelation took on a new significance following Simm’s DNA discovery, painting a complex picture of his parents’ relationship before his birth.
The episode featuring John Simm and Philip Glenister on DNA Journey is scheduled to air on 9th October, offering viewers a deep dive into the emotional journey of self-discovery and familial connections. This poignant moment of revelation has left Simm and audiences reflecting on the intricate tapestry of human relationships and the profound impact of uncovering one’s true origins.