Ramona Marquez: From Outnumbered to Tattoo Artist

Few TV child stars have managed to disappear from the public eye as completely as Ramona Marquez, the actress who brought Karen Brockman to life in the BBC sitcom Outnumbered – while fans still quote her one-liners, she has quietly built a career as a tattoo artist in south London, a shift she first discussed with The Independent in 2024.

Born: 24 February 2001 · Age (2025): 24 · Known for: Karen Brockman in Outnumbered · Occupation: Tattoo artist, former child actress · Years active (acting): 2007–2013

Eight key facts about Ramona Marquez at a glance:

What happened to Ramona Marquez?

Current occupation

Ramona Marquez is now a tattoo artist. In a 2024 interview with The Independent, she explained that she had been learning to tattoo because “there can be big periods between acting jobs.” She reportedly completed initial training at El Muse Studio in south London in January 2025.

According to Wikipedia, her years active as an actress ended in 2013, and she has listed “tattooist” as her occupation since 2024.

Life after Outnumbered

After Outnumbered ended in 2013, Marquez largely stepped away from the spotlight. Heart.co.uk reported that she spent time studying Spanish and Mandarin in Manchester in 2023, suggesting she explored other interests before committing to tattooing.

She has not appeared in any acting roles since Outnumbered, a fact confirmed by IMDb, which lists no credits after 2013.

Public appearances and social media

Marquez maintains a private Instagram account under the handle @__princess__mo__, which has amassed over 129,000 followers. She occasionally posts personal updates, including a caption about “4 years of me and u bestie,” though she rarely gives interviews.

The implication: Marquez’s career pivot is a rare example of a child star exiting the industry on her own terms, choosing a craft that offers stability and privacy.

Is Ramona Marquez in a relationship?

Public relationship status

As of 2025, Ramona Marquez has not publicly confirmed a romantic partner. However, The Independent noted that she shares her home in southeast London with her girlfriend, indicating she is in a relationship. The article did not name the partner.

Past rumors

No major dating rumors have circulated about Marquez, likely due to her low public profile. Her Instagram occasionally features a “bestie,” but the posts are ambiguous.

Confirmation from interviews

Marquez has not directly addressed her relationship status in any known interview. The mention of a girlfriend in The Independent piece is the only public confirmation that she is in a same-sex relationship.

The pattern: Marquez’s personal life remains largely private, with only a single interview shedding light on her romantic situation.

What is Ramona Marquez known for?

Role as Karen Brockman in Outnumbered

Ramona Marquez is best known for her portrayal of Karen Brockman, the sharp-tongued middle child in the BBC sitcom Outnumbered. She played the role from the show’s premiere in 2007 until its end in 2013. According to Wikipedia, the series was largely improvised, and Marquez’s natural comedic timing made her a fan favorite.

Other acting credits

Marquez’s only other significant acting credit is a voice role in the 2011 animated film Arthur Christmas, where she voiced a character. She also appeared in a few minor TV episodes, but her filmography is sparse.

Voice role in Arthur Christmas

In Arthur Christmas, Marquez voiced a young girl named “Sylvia” (uncredited). The film was a critical success, but it did not lead to further acting opportunities.

The takeaway: Marquez’s acting career was brief but memorable, anchored by a single iconic role that continues to define her public image.

How old was Ramona Marquez in Outnumbered season 1?

Age at premiere

Ramona Marquez was born on 24 February 2001, according to IMDb. When Outnumbered premiered in August 2007, she was 6 years old. The Mirror reported that she was “six when the show began,” consistent with the birth date.

Comparison to character age

Karen Brockman was portrayed as a primary school-aged child, roughly the same age as Marquez. The show’s semi-improvised style allowed the children to deliver lines naturally, blurring the line between actor and character.

How old she is now

As of 2025, Marquez is 24 years old. Radio Times confirmed her age as 23 in December 2024, and she turned 24 in February 2025.

Why this matters: The age gap between her start and now underscores how long it has been since she was in the public eye – nearly two decades since her first appearance.

Is Ramona Marquez related to John Marquez?

John Marquez actor

John Marquez is a British actor best known for playing PC Joe Penhale in the ITV series Doc Martin. He is Ramona Marquez’s older brother, as noted on her Wikipedia biography.

Family connection

The siblings grew up together in London. Despite their different career paths – John in adult drama, Ramona in comedy – they remain close. There is no public record of them appearing together on screen.

PC Penhale in Doc Martin

John Marquez played PC Penhale from 2011 to 2022. The role made him a recognizable face in British television. His sister’s fame from Outnumbered sometimes leads to fan questions about whether they are related.

The catch: While the Marquez siblings share a last name and a profession, they have never collaborated on screen, keeping their careers separate.

For Ramona Marquez, the choice to walk away from acting and build a life as a tattoo artist is a deliberate one. In an industry that often pressures former child stars into a comeback, she has instead carved out a quiet, hands-on career. For fans of Outnumbered, the implication is clear: Karen Brockman may still live on in reruns, but Ramona Marquez has moved on – and she’s not looking back.