Is Theo James Jewish Or Christian? Religion & Ethnicity Explored

Theo James is a British actor who has starred in several films and TV shows, such as the Divergent series, Underworld: Awakening, The White Lotus, and The Time Traveler’s Wife.
He is also a brand ambassador for Hugo Boss fragrances for men. But what do we know about his personal life, especially his religion and ethnicity? Is Theo James Jewish or Christian? What is his ethnic background? Let’s explore these questions in this article.
Theo James’ Religion
Theo James practices the Christian religion. His full name is Theodore Peter James Kinnaird Taptiklis, and he was born on 16 December 1984 in High Wycombe, England. He is the son of Philip Taptiklis, a business consultant, and Jane Martin, who worked for the National Health Service.

Theo James was raised in Askett, Buckinghamshire, and attended Aylesbury Grammar School. He later earned his undergraduate degree in philosophy from the University of Nottingham. He trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
Theo James has not spoken much about his religious beliefs or practices in public. However, he has mentioned that he is a Christian in some interviews. For example, in 2014, he said that he believes in God and that he prays every day. He also said that he respects other people’s faiths and that he is interested in learning about different religions.

In 2016, he revealed that he had a religious tattoo on his arm. He said that it was a Greek Orthodox cross with the letters IC XC, which stands for Jesus Christ. He explained that he got the tattoo because of his Greek heritage and his Christian faith. He also said that he liked the symbolism of the cross and that it reminded him of his grandfather.
Theo James’ Religion Beliefs
Category | Details |
---|---|
Religion | Christian |
Religious tattoo | Greek Orthodox cross with IC XC (Jesus Christ) |
Ethnicity | Greek (one quarter), English, Scottish, and 1/16th German |
Paternal grandfather | Nicholas Theodore Taptiklis, Greek from the Peloponnese |
Paternal grandmother | Barbara Jean Dorothy Keech, English with Prussian ancestry |
Maternal grandfather | Martin, likely English or Scottish |
Maternal grandmother | Jean Dreghorn Kinnaird, Scottish from Glasgow |
Ethnic Background
Theo James has a mixed-ethnic background. He is of Greek and Scottish descent on his father’s side, and of English and German descent on his mother’s side.
Theo James’ paternal grandfather was Nicholas Theodore Taptiklis, who was Greek, and originally from the Peloponnese. He moved to New Zealand, where Theo’s father was raised. Theo James’ paternal grandmother was Barbara Jean Dorothy Keech, who was English, and born in West Derby, Lancashire. Her mother, Supheme Louisa Florentina Hedwig, was from Prussia, Germany.

Theo James’ maternal grandfather has surnamed Martin and was likely of English or Scottish ancestry. Theo James’ maternal grandmother was Jean Dreghorn Kinnaird, who was born in Glasgow, Scotland.
Theo James has said that he is proud of his diverse heritage and that he feels connected to his Greek roots. He has visited Greece several times and he can speak some Greek. He has also said that he likes Scottish culture and music and that he enjoys wearing kilts.
Theo James is a talented and versatile actor who has a rich and varied ethnic background. He is a Christian who respects other faiths and who has a religious tattoo on his arm. He is also a handsome and charming man who has a loyal fan base around the world. He is married to Irish actress Ruth Kearney, with whom he has a daughter.