Felicity Kendal, 79, has attributed her youthful vigor to a thrice-weekly exercise regimen, a commitment to never retiring, and a relaxed attitude towards her appearance. Her comments come as she becomes the last remaining principal cast member of the beloved British sitcom "The Good Life" following the recent death of Penelope Keith.
Kendal, who rose to fame as Barbara Good in the 1970s series, is now the sole surviving star after the passing of Keith, who was 86. The show, which ran for four seasons, depicted Kendal and Richard Briers as a couple striving for self-sufficiency, contrasting with the more conventional lifestyle of their neighbors played by Keith and Paul Eddington.
Despite her iconic role portraying a character who sought a simpler life, Kendal's personal approach to aging and career diverges significantly. In a 2021 interview with The Lady Magazine, she expressed a strong aversion to the idea of retirement, stating that her dedication to acting is what keeps her invigorated. "There’s a kind of relaxation in doing the work you like doing simply for the work itself," Kendal explained. She noted that as she has aged, the competition has lessened, reducing career-related stress.
IMAGE3: Felicity Kendal, 79, has credited thrice-weekly workouts, refusing to retire and 'not caring' what she looks like with her youthful vigour (pictured last month)
Kendal remains active in the performing arts, currently appearing on stage in a new adaptation of "High Society." To maintain her physical capacity, she engages in a mix of stretching, yoga, and weightlifting three times a week, even mastering press-ups. She previously admitted to using Botox every six months but has since shifted her focus to exercise.
In 2023, Kendal addressed public commentary on her appearance, asserting that her priority is to look "presentable" rather than to appear younger. She suggested that societal pressures regarding women's looks have evolved, comparing modern standards to the more elaborate fashions of past decades. "Humans have been preening themselves for thousands of years: tattoos, corsets, the dandies with their powdered wigs," she remarked.
IMAGE5: In 2023, Felicity hit back at critics of her look, insisting she cares more about looking 'presentable' than appearing younger than her years (pictured in 2021)
Kendal paid tribute to Penelope Keith, describing her former co-star as a friend with "comic genius" and recalling their time working together on "The Good Life" as "special times." She extended condolences to Keith's husband, Rodney.
"The Good Life" achieved significant popularity, with viewership numbers growing substantially after its initial season. The show even garnered the attention of Queen Elizabeth II, who was a notable fan. Despite its enduring popularity, the character of Tom Good has faced modern criticism, with some labeling him an example of "toxic masculinity." Kendal, however, defended the show and her character, arguing that Tom did not force his wife into his lifestyle and that Barbara was a willing and enthusiastic participant in their shared vision.