Felicity Kendal has spoken candidly about the 'all-consuming' grief she experienced following the death of her partner, theatre director Michael Rudman, just over three years ago. The 78-year-old actress, best known for her role as Barbara Good in the classic sitcom The Good Life, described how the loss affected every aspect of her life.
In an interview with Prima magazine, Kendal 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 credited her support network, including her children, for helping her through the difficult period.
Kendal reflected on the first year after Rudman's death, saying: 'The first year probably is “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.'
Despite her personal struggles, Kendal's career has continued to thrive. She started her acting career in the 1960s with Love Story and later starred in all four series of The Good Life. She described the show as a 'blessing' during her divorce from Rudman, adding: 'It used to be [people saying to me] “I was in love with you” and now it’s “My grandfather was in love with you”! I think [The Good Life] just made people smile.'
Kendal, who has a CBE for services to drama, also discussed ageing in the industry, saying she no longer feels pressure about her looks. She revealed she got her first tattoo at age 63 and is considering getting more. 'I thought maybe now is the time to almost cover myself in tattoos because it doesn’t matter does it?' she said.
