Felicity Kendal has spoken about the 'all-consuming' grief she has experienced following the death of her partner, theatre director Michael Rudman, just over three years ago. The actress, best known for her role as Barbara Good in the classic sitcom The Good Life, described how the loss initially took over every aspect of her life.
In an interview with Prima magazine, Kendal, 78, said: 'It has been three years now, so it’s moved [on] from being really all-consuming. Even though you try not to show it, it sort of takes over every aspect of your life, missing that person that was part of your every day. So the everyday changes.' She added that the support of family and friends was crucial, noting that Rudman was 'so loved by everybody'.
Kendal, who has a CBE for services to drama, reflected on the first year of grief: 'What do I put in place because I’m not the same person any more? You think, “I’m of less value because I’ve only got half of me” and then you realise you have a chance now at another life and you have to have a different routine.'
The actress also looked back on her seven-decade career, calling The Good Life a 'blessing' despite her personal struggles at the time. She shared a son each with her former husbands: Charley from her first marriage to actor Drewe Henley, and Jacob from her marriage to Rudman. Kendal, who grew up in India as the daughter of actor Geoffrey Kendal, said she is determined to enjoy life: 'I think life is so precious… I remember when my sister died years ago, one of the things that helped me was, “She’s not here, so I better not waste this.”'
On ageing in the entertainment industry, Kendal said she no longer feels pressure to look a certain way. She also revealed she got her first tattoo at 63 – a star on her left foot – and is considering getting more. 'I really wasn’t drawn to [tattoos] and then I thought, I better try this before it’s too late,' she said.
