Do you want to know a secret? Mia McKenna-Bruce reveals she couldn’t even name all four Beatles before being cast as Ringo Starr’s late wife in new Fab Four biopics

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I always assumed their fame was a given when they were chosen for the roles – after all, they’re four of the biggest stars around!

The actress portraying Sir Ringo Starr’s first wife in the new Beatles movies recently confessed she didn’t recognize the band members and couldn’t name many of their popular songs.

Mia McKenna-Bruce, age 28, will play Maureen Starkey in a series of four films, each focusing on a different member of the band. The films are scheduled to come out in 2028.

The BAFTA-winning actor told Tatler magazine in its February issue that while they sang ‘Eleanor Rigby’ and ‘Yellow Submarine’ in school, they weren’t a fan of The Beatles.

The news of her role came while she was working on a movie based on Agatha Christie’s ‘The Seven Dials Mystery,’ alongside Martin Freeman, 54. He playfully joked about her not knowing much about The Beatles.

She explained that he quizzed her on music, asking her to list all the Beatles. She couldn’t answer, and then he asked what band Mick Jagger played in. She admitted she didn’t know.

I’ve actually started to realize how amazing The Beatles were – it’s the kind of music I enjoy listening to while commuting. The upcoming film features Paul Mescal playing Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr.

I’ve always been fascinated by Maureen Cox, who married Ringo Starr back in 1965. They built a lovely family together, having three children. Though their marriage ended after ten years, it was incredibly touching to hear about Ringo being there for her during her battle with leukaemia. Sadly, she passed away in 1994, but their connection clearly remained strong even after the divorce.

McKenna-Bruce, a mother herself, shared that she hasn’t met Ringo Starr, but people say he still lights up whenever he speaks about his first wife, Maureen.

This year, the actress appears with Matt Damon in the movie The Fence, which is adapted from a 1979 play by Bernard Marie-Koltès.

The story takes place in West Africa, where she stars as Leonie, the young wife of Horn, an American construction foreman played by Damon.

The movie explores the themes of masculinity, race, culture and social divides.

Despite playing spouses of a similar age on screen, there is a 33-year age gap between both actors.

She was surprised by how popular her co-star, Matt, was. She recalled being in Toronto for the film’s premiere and seeing women screaming for him. She jokingly told him she hadn’t realized he was so attractive and in demand, adding that he’s a very down-to-earth and kind person.

The actress admitted she initially hesitated to take on the role of his wife because he’s around the same age as her parents.

She said it was a daring decision, but they both felt the same way about it. She compared Matt to Helena, noting he has a very youthful energy.

‘He said, “Tell me if you ever feel an age gap,” but I never felt that shift.’

You can find the complete article in the February issue of Tatler, which will be available online and in stores starting Thursday, January 8th.

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2025-12-31 02:07