Robert Llewellyn, the iconic actor best known for his role as Kryten in the cult sci-fi comedy Red Dwarf, has bravely opened up about a terrifying health scare that left him fearing for his life.
The 67-year-old star revealed he suffered a sudden and severe medical emergency that required immediate hospitalisation. While he hasn't disclosed the exact nature of his condition, Llewellyn described the experience as "utterly terrifying" and a stark wake-up call about his mortality.
A Brush With Mortality
"When you're lying in that hospital bed, your whole perspective changes," Llewellyn confessed. The actor, who brought the beloved android Kryten to life for over three decades, admitted the health crisis forced him to confront his own vulnerability.
During his recovery, the comedian turned his characteristic wit toward the situation, joking that "even androids need maintenance checks." However, he grew serious when discussing the emotional impact of his illness.
The Road to Recovery
Llewellyn's rehabilitation process proved challenging but ultimately transformative. "You learn who your real friends are when you're ill," he reflected, praising the NHS staff who cared for him and the outpouring of support from fans.
The experience has inspired him to become more vocal about health awareness, particularly for men of his age. "We're terrible at looking after ourselves until it's almost too late," he admitted.
Gratitude and New Priorities
Now on the mend, Llewellyn says he's approaching life with renewed gratitude. "Every day feels like a gift now," he shared, revealing he's making significant changes to his lifestyle and work commitments.
While fans might be disappointed to hear he's scaling back some projects, Llewellyn promises he'll continue performing - just at a more sustainable pace. "Kryten's not done yet," he teased, hinting at potential future Red Dwarf appearances.
The actor's candid account serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspiring story of resilience, proving that even our favourite sci-fi icons face very human challenges.
