Gary Wilmot Announces Divorce at 72, Citing Personal Change

Veteran actor and musical theatre star Gary Wilmot, 72, has announced his separation from his third wife, Sara, stating that "people change" as individuals evolve throughout their lives.

Wilmot, who gained early fame presenting children's television shows in the 1970s and 80s, shared the news while discussing his current role in the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of "As You Like It." He noted the increasing trend of "grey divorce," where couples divorce later in life.

"I'm getting a divorce – at 72," Wilmot told The Mail on Sunday. "When I was a child, 60 was very old, but now it seems you can go on forever. People live longer, your life goes through more phases, there seems to be more of us older ones getting divorces."

He met Sara, a video producer and former actress, in 2000 during a production of "Pirates of Penzance." They married three years later. Wilmot, who has had a lengthy career in musical theatre, including roles in "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" and "Chicago," acknowledged that his lifestyle and priorities have shifted.

"As I've got older I don't do much of that any more," he said. "The thing is, people change. She understands that too. I'm in a different phase of life, I feel 50. I live in a flat and very happy living on my own."

Wilmot emphasized that no one else is involved in the separation and that while such transitions are rarely smooth, it is the right decision for both parties. His wife, Sara, declined to comment on the divorce.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics indicate a rise in divorce rates among those over 65, a phenomenon partially attributed to increased lifespans and people maintaining healthier, active lives well into old age.

Wilmot has been married three times previously and has two daughters, Katie and Georgia, from his first marriage.

Despite the personal changes, Wilmot remains professionally active. He recently performed in "Cats" and appeared in television dramas such as "Midsomer Murders" and "Death in Paradise." In addition to his role in "As You Like It," he is pursuing other creative endeavors, including writing a novel, a play, and a TV script.

"At my age I feel I can do anything, I've got the experience," he stated, indicating no plans to slow down his career.

"As You Like It" is scheduled to run at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon until November 7.