The entertainment world is mourning the loss of beloved actress Jill Freud, who has died at the remarkable age of 98.
Her family confirmed the sad news, revealing she passed away peacefully while surrounded by her closest relatives.
A Life Well Lived
In a moving tribute, her daughter Emma shared the poignant details of her mother's final hours. "My beautiful 98 year old mum has taken her final bow," she announced.
Emma described how the family gathered for a loving evening, aware that Jill was nearing the end of her life. "After a loving evening – where we knew she was on her way – surrounded by children, grandchildren and pizza, she told us all to f*** off so she could go to sleep," she revealed with characteristic honesty about her mother's feisty spirit.
The actress never woke from that sleep, but her final words to her family were the simple yet powerful: "I love you."
From Wartime Evacuee to Cultural Icon
Jill Freud's extraordinary life began with a childhood evacuation that would change literary history. As a child she was evacuated to Oxford and ended up living with CS Lewis for three years, an experience that led the author to base the iconic character of Lucy in 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe' on her.
She forged an impressive career in the arts, becoming both an actress and producer. For three decades she ran two repertory theatre companies in Suffolk, where she became known for employing hundreds of actors and earning their devotion through her passion, care, and legendary shepherd's pie.
Her commitment to regional theatre and actor's rights defined her professional life, though modern audiences will best remember her final film role as the housekeeper at Downing Street in the Christmas classic 'Love Actually'.
A Character Until the End
Jill Freud maintained her unique personality throughout her long life. She enjoyed the same lunch every day – a glass of red wine and a packet of crisps – and even during the Covid lockdown, at age 93, she participated in daily tap classes while confined with three other women from her family.
Her family legacy is substantial – she was mother of 5, grandmother of 17, and great grandmother of 7. They remember her as "feisty, outrageous, kind, loving and mischievous."
In her daughter's touching words: "Lucky old heaven getting such a dazzling newcomer. Jill Freud." Her remarkable journey from inspiring one of literature's most beloved characters to charming cinema audiences has left an indelible mark on British culture.
