Veteran actress Susan Hampshire, who is approaching her 90th birthday, has voiced a unique perspective on longevity, suggesting that older generations might be impeding the progress of younger ones.
Hampshire, known for her roles in classic dramas like "The Forsyte Saga" and "Monarch Of The Glen," stated that her generation is "taking the oxygen from the young" and that it is time for them to "move off."
"We’ve had our day in the sun, and we need to leave space for the young," Hampshire said. She elaborated that in an "overcrowded world," this situation makes things particularly difficult. The three-time Emmy Award-winning star, who did not drink alcohol until her 30s and has never used drugs, also questioned whether wisdom automatically accompanies age, suggesting that some older individuals may believe they are wise while actually speaking "a lot of rubbish."
Despite her views on longevity, Hampshire continues to work. She is set to reprise her role as Lady Carteret in the second season of Channel 5's remake of "The Forsytes." She noted that while she remains open to acting opportunities, many people may assume she is no longer active in the industry.
In the past decade, Hampshire provided care for her second husband, Sir Eddie Kulukundis, during his 14-year battle with Alzheimer's until his death in 2021. They were married for 40 years, and she has expressed no interest in remarrying, cherishing his memory.
Susan Hampshire will turn 90 next May.