Jane Seymour, known for her roles in "Live and Let Die" and "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman," has revealed details about several near-death experiences that have profoundly shaped her perspective on life. The 75-year-old actress shared that she has faced three such incidents, including one where she was medically declared dead and subsequently resuscitated.
A Brush with Mortality
The most critical of these events occurred in 1988 while filming "Onassis: The Richest Man In The World" in Spain. Seymour contracted bronchitis and suffered anaphylactic shock after being administered antibiotics intravenously instead of intramuscularly. She recounted seeing a "white light" during the experience and witnessing the resuscitation efforts. Despite this, she went on to win an Emmy for her role as Maria Callas in the same production.
Another life-threatening episode happened a decade later during the filming of "The New Swiss Family Robinson" in Puerto Rico. Seymour developed an infection, which at the time was uncertain if it was dengue fever. It was eventually diagnosed as leptospirosis, a bacterial infection treatable with antibiotics and rest. A third significant health scare involved her pregnancy with twins John and Kristopher at age 44. She developed pre-eclampsia, requiring an emergency C-section, an event she noted was similar to the cause of death for the historical Queen Jane Seymour.
Seymour stated that these experiences "changed my outlook on life 100 per cent." She attributes her current self to these pivotal moments and maintains a "glass-half-full" approach to life.
Career and Personal Life
Seymour's career, spanning over five decades, continues to thrive with her role as Harriet ‘Harry’ Wild in the series "Harry Wild." The retired literature professor turned amateur sleuth solves crimes in Dublin, a character Seymour finds empowering. "Harry has found a whole new chapter of her life that includes a new skillset in being a detective," Seymour said, adding that the character offers "the freedom to choose whoever she wants to be involved with."
She has also discussed her approach to aging, rejecting typical Hollywood regimens of cosmetic procedures. "I tried it a long time ago, but I need all the muscles to be working so there’s no point," she explained. "I’m not against anybody doing it, but I personally have chosen to try to age as gracefully as I can."
In her personal life, Seymour recently announced her engagement to musician and doctor John Zambetti, whom she has been dating for nearly three years. The proposal at her Malibu home was marked by a moment of humor when the ring box slipped, and Zambetti's knee became temporarily stuck under a bed, all while they were unclothed. Their children had initially introduced them, though they did not connect until decades later. Seymour described their relationship as a significant source of happiness, noting, "Now, this is our time."
Seymour's marital history includes four previous marriages. Her first marriage was to Michael Attenborough, followed by Geoffrey Planer, businessman David Flynn (with whom she has two children, Katherine and Sean), and filmmaker James Keach (father of her twins, John and Kristopher). She has expressed that she remains friendly with all her ex-husbands.
Overcoming Adversity
Seymour's career has not been without its challenges. Early in her career in the United States, she faced a producer's sexual advances, which led her to step away from acting for a year. She later returned to acting, partly encouraged by her then-boyfriend Geoffrey Planer, taking on a role in Ibsen's "A Doll's House."
A significant financial setback occurred after her third marriage ended in 1992 when her then-husband and business manager, David Flynn, lost her money in failed investments, leaving her in considerable debt. At her lowest point, she accepted any role offered to help clear her debts, which led to the successful series "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman." The show, which networks were initially hesitant about, became a global hit.
Seymour has recently completed writing her memoir, which is scheduled for release next year. She has discussed the book with her ex-husbands, finding humor in past events.
"Harry Wild" is available on Acorn TV.