Dame Joanna Lumley shares transformative life moments that eased her fear of death

Dame Joanna Lumley, a beloved figure in British entertainment, recently discussed her past fears surrounding death during a talk at the Cheltenham Literature Festival. At 79, she shared transformative experiences that helped her embrace mortality and reflect on the essence of life.

Dame Joanna Lumley’s Journey to Acceptance of Death

During her talk, Lumley recounted significant moments that shaped her views. One pivotal experience occurred in 1994 while filming the BBC documentary “Girl Friday.” Spent on an uninhabited desert island near Madagascar, Lumley faced the wilderness with only a basic survival kit for nine days.

• Living with minimal comforts challenged her.
• She felt connected to nature, observing small creatures and the vast night sky.
• This solitude helped her realize life and death are parts of the same continuum.

Reflecting on this experience, Lumley stated, “If this is what it is, I belong to the earth.” Her time on the island profoundly altered her perspective, leading her to view death with less fear.

A Spooky Yet Revelatory Encounter

Another transformative moment occurred when Lumley humorously recalled an incident with her character, Patsy, who fell into an open grave during a visit to Highgate Cemetery. This experience also encouraged her to reconsider her fears regarding death.

She described lying in the grave, absorbing her surroundings and feeling a sense of home. Lumley emphasized that regardless of human desires, everyone shares the inevitable reality of life and death. “We can’t stop being alive and being dead,” she said, reinforcing the importance of coming to terms with mortality.

Insights on Marriage and Respect

During the event, Lumley also touched upon her long-lasting marriage to composer Stephen Barlow, whom she wed in 1986. She highlighted the significance of respecting each other’s individual pursuits as a cornerstone of their relationship.

• Both Lumley and Barlow lead busy, separate careers.
• The couple finds strength in their differences and independence.

Lumley noted, “You’ve got to think the world of them,” advising that respect is essential for any successful partnership. Their shared understanding and appreciation for each other have fostered a healthy bond, allowing them to thrive both individually and together.

Promoting “My Book of Treasures”

While at the festival, Lumley promoted her new publication, “My Book of Treasures.” This collection features her favorite quotes, wisdom, and trivia from various authors, showcasing her love for literature.

She described the book as an assembly of cherished thoughts and pieces of advice, reflecting her journey and the magic of storytelling.

All in all, Dame Joanna Lumley’s recent insights into life, death, and enduring love resonate deeply and remind us of the beauty in all experiences.