Renowned actor Richard E Grant has opened up about the profound heartbreak he experienced following the death of his beloved wife, Joan Washington, in September 2021. Washington passed away just eight months after being diagnosed with lung cancer, leaving Grant devastated. The star, who is set to appear in the BBC's new series The Other Bennet Sister, described his late wife as a "lioness" and shared intimate details of their final conversations.
A Poignant and Humorous Final Request
In a deeply personal revelation on Lulu's podcast Turning Points in 2025, the 68-year-old actor disclosed that he and Joan had discussed the possibility of him dating after her death. Grant recounted a particularly memorable exchange where Joan, even while gravely ill, displayed her characteristic wit and protective nature. "They say you should never meet your idols," Grant began, referring to a conversation about Barbra Streisand. "After I had this conversation with her and came back to London, Joan said – even though [Streisand] was then 79 years old – 'If she wasn't married to James Brolin, would you still jump her bones?'"
Grant responded, "Darling, you know the answer to that." To which Joan firmly declared, "Well, I've got you, you're never getting away." This poignant moment highlighted the enduring bond between the couple, who shared a daughter named Olivia.
The Forbidden Dating List
Perhaps the most striking revelation was Joan's creation of a specific list of women Grant was instructed not to pursue after her passing. "A month before she died," Grant explained, "she went through all the women, the women who were either single, divorced or available or widowed, that we knew, and she basically went through all of them like a lioness and gave me a reason why I shouldn't pursue any of them."
Grant interpreted this act as a testament to Joan's deep love for him, stating it showed "how much she loved me." He emphasised that he is currently "not there on a dating app," focusing instead on his career and personal healing. Further detailing his grief, he told the podcast host, "I feel fulfilled and sustained without feeling like I've lost my better half, which I have."
New Role in The Other Bennet Sister
Amidst his personal loss, Grant has found solace in his work, particularly his upcoming role as Mr Bennet in the BBC's Pride and Prejudice spin-off, The Other Bennet Sister. He expressed that this is a role he has "always wanted to play." The series focuses on Mary Bennet, the often-overlooked middle sister, described as a wallflower within her family.
Reflecting on the filming experience, Grant said, "As a father of one daughter, having five on screen was a delight. The energy is infectious." He also praised his co-star, noting, "Ryan Sampson’s Mr Collins is innately funny - he’s absolutely brilliant."
Why Jane Austen's Stories Endure
Grant elaborated on the timeless appeal of Jane Austen's narratives, which form the basis of the new series. "It’s about families - and everyone is born into one. Jealousy, favouritism, neglect, indulgence, money, insecurity - all timeless. Jane Austen captured all of it," he remarked. He expressed hope that audiences would find "enormous enjoyment in following Mary’s story," adding, "She’s the least known of the Bennet sisters - it’s time for her to shine."
The Other Bennet Sister is scheduled to air tonight on BBC One at 8pm, offering viewers a fresh perspective on a classic literary family while Grant continues to navigate life after the loss of his cherished wife, Joan Washington.
