Updated: January 19, 2026
British actor Adeel Akhtar has captured hearts with his powerful performances in shows like Murdered by My Father, Sherwood, and Fool Me Once. But while his on-screen roles often steal the spotlight, fans are equally curious about his off-screen life—especially his marriage. Who is Adeel Akhtar’s wife? Let’s dive into the details about Alexis Burke, the talented documentary maker who has been by his side through his rise to fame.
Table of Contents
Who is Adeel Akhtar? A Quick Background
Adeel Hamayun Akhtar, born on September 18, 1980, in London, comes from a diverse heritage—his father is Pakistani and his mother is Kenyan. Growing up, he faced expectations to pursue law, even earning a degree in the field. But his true passion pulled him toward acting, leading him to train at the Actors Studio in New York.
His breakthrough came with roles in Four Lions (2010) and Channel 4’s Utopia, earning a BAFTA nomination. He made history in 2017 as the first non-white actor to win the BAFTA for Best Actor for Murdered by My Father. More recently, he’s shone in Netflix hits like Sweet Tooth and BBC dramas such as Showtrial and Sherwood (which earned him another BAFTA in 2022).
Despite his success, Adeel keeps his personal life relatively private, focusing on meaningful work rather than the limelight.
Meet Alexis Burke: Adeel Akhtar’s Wife
Adeel Akhtar’s wife is Alexis Burke, a skilled documentary director, writer, and photographer. The couple shares a strong bond built on mutual respect and creativity. Alexis has worked on projects like 10,000 BC and other storytelling ventures, bringing her own artistic flair to the table.
They reportedly married around 2015–2017 (sources vary slightly on the exact year, but their partnership has been public since then). Adeel has spoken warmly about how meeting Alexis changed his outlook, describing her as a catalyst for self-understanding. In interviews, he’s mentioned her optimism balancing his own perspective, and she’s even joked about him being a “tired, older version of Riz Ahmed”—a lighthearted nod to their dynamic.
The pair lives in south London, enjoying a grounded family life away from Hollywood chaos.
Their Family Life and Children
Adeel and Alexis are proud parents to two children—a son and a daughter (some reports name them Arlo and Ezra, though the family keeps details low-key). Adeel often highlights how fatherhood grounds him amid busy filming schedules.
- Family privacy: They shield their kids from media attention, focusing on normalcy.
- Support system: Alexis’s creative career complements Adeel’s, allowing them to understand the demands of the industry.
- Shared values: Adeel credits Alexis with helping him navigate cultural expectations from his upbringing.
Their relationship seems rooted in partnership, humor, and shared experiences—Alexis is described as hopeful and inspiring.
Here’s a quick overview table of key details:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Wife’s Name | Alexis Burke |
| Profession | Documentary Director, Writer, Photographer |
| Marriage Year | Around 2015–2017 |
| Children | Two (a son and a daughter) |
| Residence | South London, UK |
| Notable Quote from Adeel | “When I met my wife, it catalysed something in me.” |
Why Their Story Resonates
In an industry full of glamour, Adeel and Alexis represent something refreshing—a quiet, supportive partnership that prioritizes family and personal growth. Adeel has spoken about breaking free from cultural pressures, and Alexis has been a key part of that journey. Their low-key approach reminds us that behind every award-winning performance is often a strong home foundation.
Conclusion
Adeel Akhtar’s wife, Alexis Burke, is more than just a supportive spouse—she’s a creative force in her own right. Together, they’ve built a loving family while navigating the ups and downs of show business. As Adeel continues to deliver standout roles, it’s clear that his real-life happiness comes from the quiet moments at home. Their story is a beautiful reminder that success feels even better when shared with someone who truly gets you.