Joanna Lumley Reflects on Career as Survival Strategy

Joanna Lumley, the 79-year-old BAFTA-winning actress known for roles in The New Avengers and Absolutely Fabulous, has described her acting career as not driven by a desire for stardom but as a means to 'keep herself alive' financially. She emphasized that actors often work to pay the rent and improve their craft rather than seek fame, likening their work to that of painters and decorators in its precariousness. Initially typecast as the 'pretty girlfriend' and told she would be 'too old' by age 29, Lumley persevered and praised the increasing availability of diverse and interesting roles for older women in the industry. Lumley stated she never had a clear career plan or concern about how roles might impact her career trajectory, focusing instead on the love of acting. She also reflected on the changing standards for women in acting, noting that attractiveness used to be paramount but is now less so, allowing for more varied portrayals. Recently, she has been candid about facing mortality, as several close friends have passed away, adding a poignant layer to her reflections on her life and career.