Felicity Kendal, best known for her role as Barbara Good in the classic sitcom The Good Life, has spoken candidly about the grief she has experienced following the death of her partner, theatre director Michael Rudman, just over three years ago. The couple, who divorced in 1994 but remained partners, had a relationship that spanned decades.
In an interview with Prima magazine, the 78-year-old actress described grief as 'all-consuming' at times, but noted that she is gradually adjusting to her 'changing everyday'. She said: 'I think it is very, very important [to have a support network]. I mean 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.'
Kendal, who has a CBE for services to drama, reflected on the support of family and friends, saying: 'He was so loved by everybody and the kids and everything, so that has got us all through… 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.'
The actress also looked back on her seven-decade career, which began with a role in Love Story in the 1960s before she was cast in The Good Life. She described the show as a 'blessing', 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 shares two sons from her marriages, spoke about the preciousness of life, recalling the death of her sister Jennifer: 'One of the things that helped me was, “She's not here, so I better not waste this.” So I think that's what I'm now feeling. And it's just about remembering the wonderful times rather than the sad times and that does happen, it's a three-year journey.'
On ageing in the entertainment industry, Kendal said she no longer feels pressure about her appearance, and revealed she got her first tattoo at age 63—a star on her left foot—followed by a feather above her ankle. She joked: 'I thought maybe now is the time to almost cover myself in tattoos because it doesn't matter does it?'
