Lesley-Anne Down Details 3 Times She ‘Should Have Been Killed,’ Including Jumping Out of a Moving Car to Escape Man Impersonating Taxi

Lesley-Anne Down, a prominent name in British television, has experienced a series of terrifying incidents throughout her life that have shaped her perspective on personal safety, particularly for women in the entertainment industry. Known for her roles in popular series such as *Upstairs, Downstairs*, *North and South*, and *The Bold and the Beautiful*, Down shared her unnerving encounters in a recent interview with Fox News Digital.

The actress rose to fame in the 1970s, but her journey has not been without its challenges. Reflecting on her upbringing, she recounted a particularly unsettling experience when she was just 10 years old. During this period, a series of murders involving a young girl whose name was remarkably similar to her own sent shockwaves through her family. This girl was Leslie Ann Downey, one of the victims of the notorious Moors murders committed by Ian Brady and Myra Hindley in the early 1960s. The chilling association to these tragic events understandably left her mother distressed, receiving phone calls from concerned relatives due to the name similarity.

Down’s experiences didn’t end there; her second encounter with danger occurred shortly after this scare, when she was returning home from a laundrette with her mother. While she ran ahead, she encountered a man who attempted to entice her into his car under the pretext of needing a babysitter. “I remember having one foot in the car,” she recounted. Fortunately, the arrival of her mother seemed to break the eerie hold of the moment, sending the would-be abductor fleeing and leaving Down with a lasting sense of fear.

The third alarming incident unfolded when Down was 18 years old, having entered what she thought was a taxi. As the vehicle moved away, she immediately sensed something was amiss; the customary features of a taxi were conspicuously absent. “I looked around and there were no radios or anything, like a taxi is supposed to have,” she explained. Feeling an overwhelming sense of dread, she urgently asked the driver to pull over. Instead of complying, the driver insisted that they would arrive soon, prompting Down to take drastic action.

In a split-second decision borne out of instinct, Down opened the door and leapt from the moving vehicle, which was travelling at around 25 miles per hour. The impact left her covered in blood as she landed awkwardly on a curb. The driver sped off, leaving her shaken but alive. “I didn’t freeze up because I couldn’t. That feeling was familiar to me. I’ve been through it,” she said, highlighting her resolve not to succumb to fear.

These harrowing experiences have profoundly influenced Down’s outlook on safety, particularly for women aspiring to work in Hollywood. With a career spanning several decades, she has seen the industry evolve, yet the need for vigilance remains constant. She now passionately advises young women entering the entertainment field to always ensure they have someone trustworthy by their side. “Always have your agent or your publicist with you at all times,” she advises. “Even if they have to be on the phone a lot and out in the lobby, just always have somebody with you as you chase your dreams.”

Lesley-Anne Down’s advice resonates in an industry where the pressures of fame can leave individuals vulnerable. By sharing her own stories, she underscores the importance of awareness and preparation in protecting oneself. The actress has established herself not only through her performances but also as a voice of caution and empowerment for the next generation of female talent.

With her recent portrayal of Nancy Reagan in a biographical film alongside Dennis Quaid, Down continues to add to her impressive portfolio while reminding others of the significance of personal safety. Her experiences serve as a stark reminder that even in the pursuit of dreams, one must remain vigilant and prepared for the unexpected.

As she urges aspiring actresses to remain connected to their support networks, Down’s message stands clear: instinct and vigilance can sometimes make the difference between safety and danger. In an industry that often brings its own set of challenges, her experiences are not just stories of survival, but also crucial lessons for anyone looking to navigate the complex world of show business.