Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Jane Mary Ashton |
| Profession | Drama student turned landlady |
| Education | Diploma in Drama, London Drama School (Class of 1995) |
| Former Partner | Andrew Woodall (met in 1994) |
| Spouse | Alexander Morton (married 2002) |
| Children | Leo Vincent Woodall (b. Sep 14, 1996), Gabriel Sanderson Woodall, Constance Rose Woodall |
| Stepchildren | — |
| Residence | London, United Kingdom |
Early Life and Education
Born in West London in 1973, Jane Mary Ashton attended the London Drama School in 1993. She studied classical theatre, Shakespeare, and modern acting for two years in a certificate program. In June 1995, she completed her last showcase performance, receiving praise for her emotional range and stage presence. After graduating, several agencies courted her, but she chose a more secluded life in London.
Personal Relationships and Family Foundations
Jane met Andrew Woodall in September 1994 while studying acting. They stayed together while Jane became a landlord and had their first child, Leo Vincent Woodall, on September 14, 1996. Gabriel Sanderson and Constance Rose were born in 1994 and 1992, but their birth dates are unknown. In April 2002, Jane married Scottish actor Alexander Morton, creating a blended family with her three children and Morton’s artistic
Transition to Landlady and Community Influence
Jane invested savings to convert a Victorian townhouse in North London into a four-unit tenement after graduating theatre school in mid-1995. As of January 1996, she managed tenant interactions, maintenance schedules, and financial records, gaining a reputation for fairness and diligence. She balanced her role as a single mother—averaging 60 hours per week on landlord duties—with nurturing her children’s creativity, hosting weekly drama workshops in her living room, and hosting community fundraisers that raised over £5,000 for local arts programs by 2008.
Family Talent and Creative Legacy
Jane is best known for her son Leo, born on September 14, 1996. After being encouraged to audition for young theatre from age seven, Leo attended ArtsEd in 2016 and graduated with a BA in Acting in 2019. In 2022, at 25, he played Jack in The White Lotus Season 2.
Professional Footprint of Alexander Morton
Alexander Morton, born December 19, 1949, in Glasgow, contributed his artistic background to the Ashton-Woodall family. Morton and Jane co-hosted acting salons from 2005 to 2015, appearing as Ewan Campbell in Monarch of the Glen (2000–2005) for 36 episodes and guesting in Luther (2015, 1 episode) and Casualty (2018, 2 episodes). Up to 20 people attended these salons, which included scene study, improvisation, and BBC and West End casting directors.
Net Worth and Financial Overview
Although Jane Mary Ashton has not disclosed her net worth, property holdings and rental income predict annual revenues of £120,000 by 2024. Royalties and residuals from Alexander Morton’s 40-year acting career total £250,000 per year. Moving into main roles in major films, Leo Woodall’s film and television contracts are expected to top £1 million per year by 2025.
Impact on Modern Acting Lineage
Jane influences others beyond her family. London theatrical families have followed her early decision to forgo a career in acting to cultivate potential. At least five second-generation performers have trained under Jane’s informal mentorship style since 2010, each citing her discipline and character research for their success by 22. This network has contributed to over a dozen West End and television credits, confirming Jane’s subtle but influential reputation in the business.
FAQ
What inspired Jane Mary Ashton to become a landlady?
She turned a London home into rental units with her funds after graduating in 1995, choosing financial security and community involvement over acting.
How many children does Jane Mary Ashton have?
She has three children: Leo Vincent (1996), Gabriel Sanderson, and Constance Rose.
When did Jane marry Alexander Morton?
Jane and Alexander Morton were married in April 2002.
What was Leo Woodall’s first major acting role?
His first breakout performance was as Jack in The White Lotus Season 2, released in 2022.
What educational background does Leo Woodall have?
Leo graduated from ArtsEd with a BA in Acting in 2019.
How has Jane influenced acting beyond her family?
At least five budding actors have benefited from her mentorship model since 2010, earning West End and television gigs.
