BBC newsreader Clive Myrie, aged 59, recently opened up about a significant personal decision he and his wife of 25 years, Catherine, made. The esteemed presenter of Mastermind, who boasts a career that spans over 80 countries, shared why they chose not to have children. As Clive prepares for the release of his 2023 memoir, Everything Is Everything: A Memoir Of Love, Hate And Hope, he reflects on their choice and the reasons behind it. With an estimated net worth of $1 million, Clive’s life and career have been filled with remarkable experiences and challenges.
How Did Clive and Catherine’s Careers Influence Their Decision?
Clive Myrie’s illustrious career as a journalist has taken him to numerous global hotspots, often placing him in dangerous and unpredictable situations. Reporting from war zones and holding significant posts in Tokyo, Los Angeles, and Washington meant that Clive’s job required extensive travel. In an interview with The Mirror, Clive explained that the constant movement would be unfair to children. “We felt it would be selfish on children to drag them around the world,” he said.
Both Clive and Catherine come from large families, with Clive being one of seven children and Catherine having four siblings. Despite their deep connection and love for family, they did not feel a desperate need for the “familial glue” that children often provide.
Did Clive and Catherine Ever Attempt to Have Children?
Yes, Clive and Catherine did try to have children when they were younger. However, as Clive shared with The Times, “We were trying for a child, nothing seemed to be happening. Then we ended up moving and realized that it would be quite unfair because we just love travelling so much.” Over time, they came to the conclusion that parenthood was not meant for them. Their passion for travel and the demands of Clive’s career solidified their decision to remain childless.
How Do Clive and Catherine Feel About Their Decision?
Clive and Catherine do not regret their decision to remain childless. They have led a fulfilling and happy life, enjoying their time with each other and doting on their numerous nephews and nieces. Clive mentioned, “We come from such big families, our get-togethers are always huge. We’ve led a fully and happy life.” Their decision reflects a thoughtful choice, prioritizing their unique lifestyle and careers over the traditional path of parenthood.
What Challenges Has Clive Faced in His Career?
Throughout his distinguished career, Clive Myrie has faced significant challenges, including considerable racism. He has received racist letters, emails, and messages, and even had faeces sent to him. In 2017, he received a death threat that investigators deemed serious. Clive shared with the Press Association, “I think things have improved, things are easier now, you will be judged on your capabilities and your abilities now, much more fairly than when I started in journalism.”
Despite the progress, Clive still encounters intolerance from individuals who believe there is too much emphasis on racial discussions. He noted, “(They think) This guy’s done ok, he should be grateful that Britain gave him and his family an opportunity. No suggestion at all that I might have worked my a*** off for this.”
How Does Clive Cope with Racism?
Initially, the abuse Clive faced was deeply upsetting and angering. “We all want to be liked, to be appreciated. To be attacked for something like the colour of your skin, that it results in bile, death threats and in extreme cases real murder (threats), is discombobulating because it’s so ridiculous,” he said.
As Clive has grown older, his perspective on the abuse has evolved. He now views it with a sense of sadness for the perpetrators. “As I’ve got older and perhaps wiser, it’s just sad. It’s just pathetic. These people who reach for racist taunts are very sad, pathetic human beings and may be inadequate in some way themselves.”
What Does Clive’s Memoir Reveal?
Clive’s memoir, Everything Is Everything: A Memoir Of Love, Hate And Hope, delves into his personal and professional life, including the racism his family endured and that he continues to face. His parents, Lynne and Norris, are part of the Windrush generation, having migrated to England from Jamaica in the early 1960s. The memoir sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of navigating a high-profile career while dealing with personal and societal issues.
Conclusion
Clive Myrie’s journey and the decision he made with his wife Catherine reflect a life of thoughtful choices and resilience. Despite the significant challenges he has faced, including racism and the demands of his career, Clive has navigated his path with grace and determination. As he continues to share his story, his experiences provide valuable insights into the complexities of life and career in the public eye.