Felicity Kendal, best known for her role in The Good Life, has spoken about the 'all-consuming' grief she has experienced following the death of her partner, Michael Rudman, just over three years ago. The actress, who separated from Rudman in 1991 and divorced three years later, rekindled their relationship and remained partners until his death.
Reflecting on her loss, 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.' She added that having a support network was crucial, and that the love others had for Rudman helped her through.
Kendal, who has a CBE for services to drama, began her career in the 1960s and starred in all four series of The Good Life as Barbara Good. She described the programme as a 'blessing' despite going through a divorce at the time. '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,' she said.
The actress, who has two sons from her marriages, also discussed ageing in the industry, saying she no longer feels pressure about her looks. 'I really don't think [the pressure to look a certain way] bothers me. I think I'm so old now, it's okay,' she said. Kendal also revealed she got her first tattoo at age 63 and is considering getting more.
