Lesley-Anne Down, renowned for her performances in film and television, recently opened up about her complex relationship with the acting profession. Despite a career that garnered acclaim—including a Golden Globe nomination for her role in the 1985 miniseries **North and South**—the 72-year-old actress revealed that she has never truly enjoyed acting.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Lesley-Anne-Down-north-and-south-091826-0ddd0e2819294c8ebddfab582aff45b5.jpg)
In an interview with PEOPLE, Down reflected on her experiences, stating that as time progressed, she began to realise that acting was not a passion of hers. “I don’t think I ever liked it, not really,” she admitted. The actress, who has starred alongside icons like Patrick Swayze and appeared in popular series such as **Dallas** and **The Bold and the Beautiful**, nostalgically contemplated how her life might have been different had she pursued a career behind the camera.
Down expressed regret about not opting for roles that would have kept her out of the limelight. “I would have been much better off doing something else with my life,” she said. This sentiment placed focus on her desire to explore the creative aspects of filmmaking that often remain unnoticed by audiences. “I think I would’ve done rather much better on the other side of the camera—writing…I can do it reasonably well,” she noted.
Her time spent with writers has influenced her perspective on the industry. The actress recalled living with a writer for a decade and assisting her first husband with his scripts, saying, “I was always reading it and giving notes.” This hands-on experience has led Down to believe that she would have found greater satisfaction in a role as a script doctor or editor, where she could channel her creative insights into shaping narratives.
Despite her reservations about acting, Down has not entirely distanced herself from the industry. Her latest performance as British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in the upcoming film **Reagan** suggests that she remains engaged with the craft, albeit under certain conditions. With the director’s cut of the film set to be released in theatres on September 25, it seems her journey in front of the camera is not over just yet.
When asked about what it would take for her to consider more acting roles, Down quipped, “First thing I’d say to them is, ‘Do you have the money?’” This light-hearted response highlighted her current mindset and the pragmatic approach she now takes towards acting opportunities. She continued, “And then after that, it would be reading the script, wouldn’t it?” suggesting that her willingness to act is contingent on the quality of material presented to her.
Down further elaborated on the physical demands of acting, admitting that the upkeep associated with being in front of the camera can be exhausting. “As long as I didn’t have to wear any makeup, brush my hair, pluck my eyebrows, pedicure—that’s hard,” she remarked, underscoring the toll that the demands of the industry can take on performers.
Despite her mixed feelings about her career in acting, Lesley-Anne Down’s legacy is undeniable. From her early roles in **Upstairs, Downstairs** to her recent portrayal of a historical figure, she has contributed significantly to the landscape of television and film. However, her candid reflections invite a broader dialogue about the pressures of the entertainment industry and the paths not taken by those who grace our screens.
As the film industry continues to evolve, Down’s insights remind aspiring actors and filmmakers alike of the importance of finding personal fulfilment in their creative journeys. Whether behind the scenes or in front of the camera, the pursuit of what makes one happy is paramount—a lesson Down appears ready to share, regardless of her own uncertainties about acting.