The world of theatre and film is mourning the loss of Lady Jill Freud, a celebrated actress and director who has died at the age of 98.
Her death was announced by her daughter, the broadcaster Emma Freud, who paid a moving tribute to her mother's vibrant character.
A Life on Stage and Screen
Lady Jill Freud's remarkable life was steeped in artistic achievement and unique personal history. During the Second World War, she was evacuated to Oxford, where she lived for three years with the renowned author C.S. Lewis.
This formative experience is believed to have been the direct inspiration for the beloved character of Lucy Pevensie in Lewis's classic series, The Chronicles of Narnia.
Recognising her talent, Lewis went on to fund her studies at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), setting her on the path to a distinguished career.
A Theatrical Force in Suffolk
Following her training, Jill Freud's passion for the stage led her to become a foundational figure in regional theatre. She dedicated three decades of her life to establishing and running two repertory theatre companies in Suffolk.
Her commitment to the arts in the region cemented her status as a local cultural icon and a driving force behind live performance.
Her personal life was equally prominent; she was married to the broadcaster and MP Clement Freud until his death in 2009.
A Lasting Legacy in Film and Family
Beyond the stage, Jill Freud also enjoyed a screen career. She appeared in various films and television programmes, with her final role being that of Pat in the hit 2003 film Love Actually.
Her daughter, Emma Freud, remembered her as a 'feisty, outrageous, kind, loving and mischievous' individual, a description that paints a picture of a woman with a formidable spirit.
Her legacy continues through her extensive family; she was a mother of five, a grandmother to 17, and a great-grandmother to seven.
The death of Lady Jill Freud marks the passing of a unique link to literary history and a cherished figure in British performing arts.
