Felicity Kendal: Iconic Actress Reflects on a Life in Theatre and Television
London, 11 January 2026 – Felicity Kendal, the acclaimed English actress known for her roles in *The Good Life* and numerous stage productions, continues to captivate audiences with her enduring career spanning over 70 years. Born in 1946, Kendal has balanced television success with a prolific theatre career, earning accolades for her performances in plays by Tom Stoppard and Shakespeare.
Early Life and Background
Felicity Ann Kendal was born on 25 September 1946 in Olton, Warwickshire, England. She grew up in India, where her parents, Geoffrey Kendal and Laura Liddell, ran a travelling theatre company called Shakespeareana. This nomadic lifestyle profoundly influenced her, as she appeared on stage from a young age, including as an infant in *A Midsummer Night’s Dream*. Kendal returned to England at 17 and pursued acting, making her London stage debut in *Minor Murder* in 1967.
Career Highlights
Kendal’s breakthrough came with the BBC sitcom *The Good Life* (1975–1978), where she played Barbara Good, a suburban housewife embracing self-sufficiency. The show became a cultural phenomenon, highlighting themes of independence and sustainability. She followed this with roles in *Solo* (1981–1982) and *The Mistress* (1985–1987), both written by Carla Lane.
On stage, Kendal collaborated extensively with Tom Stoppard, starring in premieres of *The Real Thing* (1982), *Hapgood* (1988), and *Arcadia* (1993). She also worked with directors like Peter Hall, appearing in *Amadeus* (1979) and *Amy’s View* (2006). In 2021, she took on her first musical role in *Anything Goes*, and in 2023, she shone in *Noises Off*. Her recent revival of *Indian Ink* in 2025 at Hampstead Theatre was praised for its emotional depth.
Television work included *Rosemary & Thyme* (2003–2006), where she co-starred with Pam Ferris as amateur detectives. Kendal also appeared in *Doctor Who* (2008) and films like *Shakespeare-Wallah* (1965).
Key Facts and Roles
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth | 25 September 1946, Olton, Warwickshire, England |
| Height | 1.52 metres (4 feet 11¾ inches) |
| Notable Theatre Roles | Constanze Mozart in *Amadeus* (1979), Annie in *The Real Thing* (1982), Hannah Jarvis in *Arcadia* (1993), Evangeline Harcourt in *Anything Goes* (2021), Dotty Otley in *Noises Off* (2023), Flora Crewe in *Indian Ink* (2025) |
| Notable TV Roles | Barbara Good in *The Good Life* (1975–1978), Rosemary Boxer in *Rosemary & Thyme* (2003–2006), Carole Miroy in *Rivals* (2024) |
| Awards | CBE (1995), Evening Standard Theatre Award (1989), Variety Club awards |
| Personal | Two sons: Charley Henley and Jacob Rudman; Partnered with Michael Rudman until his death in 2023; 12 grandchildren |
Personal Life
Kendal was first married to actor Drewe Henley (1968–1979), with whom she had a son, Charley. Her second marriage to director Michael Rudman (1983–1990) ended in divorce, but they reunited in 1998 and remained partners until his death on 30 March 2023. She has another son, Jacob, from that relationship. Kendal converted to Judaism and speaks Hindi from her Indian upbringing. She published her memoirs, *White Cargo*, in 1999.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Felicity Kendal?
Felicity Kendal is 79 years old, born on 25 September 1946.
What is Felicity Kendal’s birth name?
Her birth name is Felicity Ann Bragg.
How tall is Felicity Kendal?
She is 1.52 metres tall, or 4 feet 11¾ inches.
Where was Felicity Kendal born?
She was born in Olton, Warwickshire, England, UK.
What was Felicity Kendal’s first West End show?
Her first West End show was *Relatively Speaking* in 2013.