Who Are Claudia Karvan’s Kids? Meet Audrey Sparks and Albee Sparks

Claudia Karvan, a celebrated Australian actress and producer, has captured audiences for decades with standout performances in acclaimed television series such as The Secret Life of Us, Love My Way, and Bump—which she also co-created.

While her professional accomplishments are widely recognized, Karvan has also cultivated a fulfilling personal life, raising two children—Audrey and Albee Sparks—with her former partner, Jeremy Sparks.

She is also a stepmother to Holiday Sidewinder, Sparks’ daughter from a previous relationship. Despite her high-profile career, Karvan has kept her family life largely out of the public eye, offering only glimpses into her role as a mother.

Born on May 19, 1972, in Sydney, New South Wales, Karvan grew up in a colorful, unconventional household. Her mother, Gabrielle Goddard, and stepfather, Arthur Karvan, ran the iconic Arthur’s nightclub in Kings Cross, while her biological father, Peter Karvan, played a more distant role in her upbringing.

Through her maternal grandfather, George Thomas Goddard, Karvan has Greek heritage. Though her religious beliefs are not publicly known, her early life was shaped by a bohemian lifestyle and a creative environment. She attended Glenmore Road Public School but left formal education at 15 to pursue acting—a decision that laid the groundwork for her prolific career.

Karvan made her acting debut at the age of 10 in the film Molly (1983). Over the years, she became one of Australia’s most respected screen talents, known for choosing family and local projects over the lure of Hollywood. Her grounded approach to fame and commitment to Australian storytelling have made her a standout figure in the industry.

In 1995, Karvan began a long-term relationship with Jeremy Sparks, a former film set constructor who later became an environmental engineer. Though the couple never married, they shared a committed partnership for 21 years, raising their two children together. They amicably separated in 2017 and have since maintained a strong co-parenting relationship.

Karvan and Sparks share two children: Audrey, born in 2001, who has shown interest in the entertainment industry with acting credits in Spirited; and Albee, born on May 18, 2006, named after the playwright Edward Albee.

Karvan also embraced the role of stepmother to Holiday Sidewinder, born in 1990, who went on to become a pop singer and the lead vocalist of the indie band Bridezilla. Holiday has spoken warmly of Karvan, recalling a household filled with strong women and describing Karvan as a powerful influence during her upbringing.

Even after their separation, Karvan and Sparks have prioritized their children’s well-being. In a 2021 interview, Karvan described their breakup as a “natural ending,” marked by mutual respect and enduring commitment to their family. Their closeness remains evident, with the family still celebrating holidays together. As Audrey once shared, “We’ve had family Christmases all together since the year they split.”

Audrey Sparks

Born in 2001, Audrey Sparks is the eldest child of Claudia Karvan and has already begun forging her own path in the creative arts. Now 24, Audrey is an emerging producer with aspirations that extend beyond the screen—she has expressed a strong desire to travel and explore the world, with plans set in motion as of 2024.

Audrey’s introduction to the entertainment industry came early, with a memorable role as young Suzy Darling in the television series Spirited (2010–2011). Acting alongside her mother—who portrayed the adult Suzy and served as a co-producer—Audrey appeared in key episodes such as “I Remember Nothing” (September 2010) and “Time After Time” (July 2011). Her performance hinted at a natural talent and a promising future in storytelling.

While acting was her starting point, Audrey’s passion has since expanded into production—an area where her mother has long excelled, particularly through her work on the critically acclaimed series Bump. In a 2023 episode of Australian Story, Audrey spoke candidly and admiringly about Karvan’s journey, saying:

“The place that she is in right now, it makes me want to be her age. Like, I’m 21 – aren’t we all supposed to want to be 21? I’m like looking at my mum and I want to be 50.”

This heartfelt remark reflects their close bond and Audrey’s deep respect for her mother’s ability to blend creativity, personal growth, and family life with authenticity.

Audrey has also opened up about her family’s dynamics following her parents’ separation. Rather than viewing it through the lens of a typical divorce, she emphasized how intact and united the family remained.

Her continued involvement in family traditions, including shared holidays, and her pride in her mother’s accomplishments point to a stable, nurturing upbringing that embraced both the realities of fame and the importance of connection.

Albee Sparks

Albee Sparks, born on May 18, 2006, is Karvan’s youngest child and, at 19, is navigating the transition to adulthood. His name holds a special connection to his mother’s career: Karvan named him after the renowned playwright Edward Albee, whose provocative play The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia? inspired her return to the stage in 2023 after a 25-year hiatus.

Karvan first saw the play 17 years earlier while pregnant with Albee, and its impact was so profound that she chose the name for her son.

Karvan describes Albee as a spirited and inquisitive child who shares traits with his father, Jeremy Sparks, including a rebellious streak and a “can-do, optimistic attitude.” In a 2011 interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, Karvan noted that Albee, then nearly five, was physically adventurous and prone to deconstructing toys to understand how they worked, contrasting with Audrey’s more cautious nature. She admired his “doggedness” and sense of purpose, qualities she attributed to Sparks’ influence.

As a teenager, Albee has split his time between his parents’ homes, living with Karvan half the time and working with his father, who is involved in environmental engineering. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Karvan gained insight into Albee’s school life while homeschooling him, marveling at the ingenuity of his peers in navigating remote learning (including sneaking out of Zoom classes with clever tricks). These anecdotes paint a picture of Albee as a lively, independent young man with a knack for problem-solving.