Felicity Kendal, 79, attributes her enduring vitality to a consistent exercise regimen, a commitment to her acting career, and a relaxed attitude towards her appearance. Kendal recently became the last surviving principal cast member of the beloved 1970s British sitcom "The Good Life" following the death of her co-star Penelope Keith.
Kendal, who portrayed Barbara Good in the series alongside Richard Briers, said that her passion for acting keeps her young. "There’s a kind of relaxation in doing the work you like doing simply for the work itself," she stated in a 2021 interview. "You're judged only on how you do it." She added that the pressure to secure roles lessens with age as the number of competitors dwindles.
"You've passed from ingenue to leading lady and beyond. If you can be working at 17 and still working at 70-something, you've made it through," Kendal remarked.
She currently stars in a new stage adaptation of "High Society." To maintain her physical ability, Kendal engages in thrice-weekly workouts that include stretching, yoga, and weightlifting. She also mentioned mastering the press-up. "Now, if I could only stand on my head," she quipped.
In the past, Kendal has been open about her use of cosmetic procedures, including Botox, to maintain a smooth appearance. However, she has more recently shifted her focus to her fitness routine. In 2023, she addressed critiques of her look, emphasizing her priority is to appear "presentable" rather than artificially young. "Do I care about what I look like at 76? Not really. I like to look presentable, as my mother used to say, but that’s good manners not vanity," she told The Times.
Kendal paid tribute to Penelope Keith, who died at 86 after a battle with cancer. "I am deeply saddened to hear of my friend Penelope's death," Kendal said. "The shows I worked on with her were such special times in our lives and demonstrated her comic genius. My heart goes out to her beloved Rodney at this time, theirs was a great love story and partnership. She was a joy to know and work with, and she will be much missed."
"The Good Life" aired from 1975 to 1978. While initially drawing a modest audience, the show's popularity surged, with millions tuning in by its second season. The series even captured the attention of Queen Elizabeth II, who was a fan and had requested to attend a taping.
Despite its enduring popularity, "The Good Life" has faced recent criticism, with the character of Tom Good being labeled an example of "toxic masculinity." Richard Briers, who played Tom, had previously acknowledged the character's flaws, calling him "a bully" and "obsessive." However, Kendal defended the show, arguing that Barbara Good was a willing participant in her husband's self-sufficiency project. "It wasn't a documentary, it was a comedy, and Tom did not drag Barbara along unwillingly. Barbara was positive, and practical, and totally in love with her partner. I loved Tom," she told the i paper last year.
