Susan George talks about Olivia
As a small child, Susan made her screen debut in TV commercials and, by the age of 12, she was appearing on the West End stage. A number of prominent roles followed in the late Sixties, but it was in 1971 that she made her international breakthrough, starring in box-office hit Straw Dogs opposite Dustin Hoffman.
She’s also famously remembered for dating Prince Charles, as he then was, but went on to marry fellow actor Simon MacCorkindale who she spent 28 happy years with until his death aged 58.
Helping others can help you
When I lost Simon to cancer in 2010, I was truly broken. I felt everything had gone. It hadn’t and I was able to rebuild. I thought, ‘What can I do?’ I started the Lasting Life charity in 2016 to support those living with or affected by this cruel disease.
True friendship is everything
I met Olivia Newton-John when I was 17 and she was 19. We were lifelong friends and did so much together. She helped me write my story. She was part of it all. (Susan’s working on a new autobiography.) It was a really true friendship. A best friendship. I think in life you only have one of those, a real best friend.</strong>
Discipline is important
I was in The Sound of Music in the theatre when I was 12 and I learned discipline quickly. After school, I took a train to London where I performed every night at the Palace Theatre for 18 months. I’d get home at 10.30pm and be on the school bus at 7am.
Life is for living
I appeared in 25 episodes of EastEnders and I was very happy to end it.
I loved the cast and the people. But it was too much of a fast pace for me. I admire the people who do it. Acting is an incredibly exciting profession. It gives you great energy and drive and I did love it and I still do, but I don’t miss it now. I do a lot of things outside the industry. I have my horses in Somerset and I live life.
Be grateful for luck When I look back at my diaries, I cannot believe how many films I made a year. I once made four in one year back to back. I was so lucky.