A neighbour of Dame Joanna Lumley has revealed what the Absolutely Fabulous star is like when greeted in south London. Writing to Vernon Kay's BBC Radio 2 programme, gardener Heather explained that Lumley, who celebrates her 80th birthday today, is remarkably courteous.
Heather told the presenter: 'She lives round the corner from me in London. When she walks along our street, I always give her a wave and say “hello”. She always responds with a wave and a dazzling smile. Tremendous human being.'
In response, Vernon said: 'She has that hazy aura around her, you know what I mean? She was extremely courteous when she came in and did Tracks Of My Years. Very nice and always interested in you as opposed to “I’m Joanna Lumley”. Fabulous.'
As Lumley approaches her 80th birthday, she has reflected on her career, which has spanned decades and included roles in Wednesday, The Wolf of Wall Street, and James Bond's On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Speaking to The Telegraph, she said: 'People are making a big hoo-ha about this 80, as if I’m somehow going to be different. I’ll be working on my birthday.'
Discussing what keeps her going, Lumley told The i that 'having no certainty keeps you vibrant and engaged'. She also shared the secret to her 40-year marriage to Stephen Barlow, telling Yours magazine: 'One of the first things you’ve got to have is respect. You’ve got to think the world of them.'
