Born on 21 April 1979 in Glasgow, James McAvoy had a tumultuous family life. The oldest of three siblings, McAvoy could only watch as his parents separated when he was seven and divorced when he was eleven. McAvoy's mother also suffered from poor health, and a young James was sent to live with his maternal grandparents, Mary and James Johnstone, in the Drumchapel area of Glasgow.
As a result, McAvoy grew up estranged from his father, James McAvoy Sr., who he had previously idolized. After his father made some public comments about a possible reconciliation with his Hollywood star son, the younger McAvoy brushed the matter aside quite brusquely. "I can't really be bothered with it," he told The Guardian with regards to his father's attempts to get back in touch, further commenting on their troubled past, "I know what happened and I know what didn't happen."
But despite the absence of a father figure, McAvoy has insisted that he has not suffered emotionally as a child thanks to the love and support shown to him by his grandparents. This sense of security, according to the actor, is what allows him to be at peace with the absence of his father from his life. "If I was less secure in myself, I might be more interested [in reconnecting with the elder McAvoy]. But I know what made me, I know why I am the way I am. I don't need to go hunting for missing answers."
