**Dame Joanna Lumley Reflects on Age, Legacy, and Optimism for the Future**
Dame Joanna Lumley, the renowned British actress and television icon, has spoken candidly about her outlook on life as she approaches her 80th birthday, revealing her growing awareness of the passage of time. In a recent interview with BBC Radio 2, Dame Joanna shared her thoughts on ageing, legacy and the importance of cherishing every moment, stating openly, “There’s not all that much time left.”
Now 79, Lumley has become synonymous with wit, glamour, and unwavering optimism, thanks to her much-loved roles on screen—most notably as the eccentric Patsy Stone in the hit comedy ‘Absolutely Fabulous’. Yet, during her reflective conversation, she acknowledged feeling the weight of finite time more keenly than in her younger years, remarking: “As you nearly reach the top of the hill, you start to think about how precious time is. My time must be coming quite soon, and I don’t want to waste a minute being on this beautiful planet.”
Despite her frank admission, Lumley was quick to dispel any notion of regret or despair. Instead, she described a shift in mindset, explaining how she has adjusted her approach to life with age. “I used to panic when I was young,” she confessed. “But as I’ve got older, I’ve started to live day to day.” This adjustment, according to Lumley, has allowed her to embrace each day as it comes, prioritising present experiences over anxieties about the future.
Far from wallowing in concerns about getting older, Lumley is an advocate for embracing the process of ageing. She believes growing older comes with its own rewards and insights, noting, “With age, you work out what matters. I always knew that good stuff would come along when I was older.” She recalled how, during her early years, she actually looked forward to getting older, saying: “When I was 18, I longed to be 30. When I was 30, I longed to be 50. We mustn’t be led into thinking getting old is bad. Growing old is good.”
Her perspective is undoubtedly shaped by her illustrious and enduring career in showbusiness—a journey that saw her receive the BAFTA Fellowship in 2017, one of the industry’s highest honours. Despite having several decades in the spotlight, Lumley remains professionally active and has made it clear she has no intention of retiring. Speaking recently at the SANDS International Film Festival in Scotland, the actress dismissed any such plans, reiterating her passion for her work and enthusiasm for future projects.
Lumley’s reflections also touched upon the evolution of opportunities for women in entertainment. She recounted the advice she received at 16 from a careers adviser at her convent school, who suggested the only viable paths for her in film would be as a continuity supervisor or make-up artist. Fortunately, Lumley defied those limited expectations, carving out a place for herself as a leading actress and cultural figure.
Addressing shifts in the entertainment industry, Lumley observed significant improvements in the roles available to women as they age. “In the past, women like me would have been sidelined at 38 – but now there are lead parts for people in their 50s and big parts for those in their 70s,” she said. This change, she argued, enables older actresses to continue contributing meaningfully to film and television, serving as inspirations for both their peers and younger generations.
Throughout her public life, Dame Joanna Lumley has been known for her charm, compassion and candour. Her recent comments offer further testament to her character, as she urges others to value time, celebrate the ageing process, and reject outdated notions about growing older. In a culture too often focused on youth, her uplifting viewpoint is a welcome reminder that life’s latter years can be just as vibrant—and just as full of promise.
As Lumley continues to both reflect and forge ahead, fans and admirers can expect more from the legendary star, who shows no signs of stepping away from the spotlight anytime soon. Her philosophy is clear: time is precious, and living “day to day” is the best way to make every moment count.