Maryam d’Abo Embraces Natural Ageing and Returns to the London Stage
Maryam d’Abo, forever etched in cinematic history as the captivating Bond girl from The Living Daylights, has revealed her contentment with ageing gracefully, eschewing the cosmetic procedures increasingly prevalent amongst her contemporaries. At 65, the acclaimed actress is preparing for a significant return to the London stage, a move that marks a new chapter in her illustrious career.
“It’s not my thing,” d’Abo candidly stated, reflecting on the widespread trend of cosmetic enhancements. Her upbringing, she explained, was shaped by the natural elegance of iconic actresses like Jeanne Moreau and Simone Signoret, whose unadorned beauty served as her benchmark. “I grew up with a world of wonderful actresses like Jeanne Moreau and Simone Signoret who aged naturally. I wouldn’t dare go there!” she exclaimed, drawing a clear line between her personal philosophy and the prevailing beauty standards.
Despite her memorable portrayal of Kara Milovy opposite Timothy Dalton’s James Bond in the 1987 blockbuster, d’Abo admitted to a surprising detachment from her own perceived attractiveness during that period. “I never saw myself as beautiful in the times when that’s how people saw me,” she confessed. “You don’t go walking around thinking, ‘Oh I’m beautiful!'” This humble perspective underscores a deeper understanding of self-worth beyond external validation.
The realities of ageing, she acknowledges, are universal, marked by fluctuations in how one feels from day to day. “There are some mornings when you wake up and you feel great, and others when you don’t feel great,” she shared. “I feel like any normal human being, that ageing is not an easy process and you have your ups and downs, good days and bad days.” This relatable sentiment resonates with individuals navigating the natural progression of life.
D’Abo’s recent years have been punctuated by significant personal challenges, notably a severe brain haemorrhage in 2007 that necessitated surgery. This medical ordeal has had a lasting impact, affecting her memory and fostering a sense of anxiety, particularly concerning the memorisation of lines for her performances.
Her upcoming play, Spanish Oranges, penned by her close friend Alba Arikha, will be her first stage appearance in over a quarter of a century. The prospect of learning her lines, she revealed, is a source of considerable apprehension. “If there’s anything that’s affected me from the brain haemorrhage it’s been my memory,” she explained. “I think it’s a combination of age and that.” The physical intrusion of the surgery, which involved opening her skull and inserting a small metallic device, has, in her view, weakened her “memory muscle.”
“I was told that everything would be enhanced after the operation, and I had terrible memory after the operation but that’s also due to all the drugs I was put on,” she elaborated. “Learning lines is hell. But ask any actor of a certain age what it’s like learning lines when you’ve got a lot of them. I’m anxious about it because of that.” This candid admission highlights the unique pressures faced by actors, especially those confronting age-related challenges.
Adding to the recent difficulties, d’Abo also experienced the profound loss of her husband, the esteemed Oscar-winning director Hugh Hudson, in 2023. The couple, who shared 20 years of marriage, had a significant age difference, with Hudson being 24 years her senior. They had no children, and d’Abo expressed a sense of peace with this aspect of their lives, particularly given the current global climate. “I have ‘no regrets’ because the world is in a ‘dark place’,” she stated.
Of her husband’s passing, she conveyed a message of resilience: “You have to keep going. You can’t stop and have self-pity – that doesn’t get you anywhere. Many people out there are in a much worse situation than I am at this time.” Her focus has shifted towards finding solace and support within her existing social circle. “At the moment I just want to be in the familiar comfort zone of my friends. The friendships have been extraordinary through a grieving.”
In terms of new romantic relationships, d’Abo’s most cherished companionship is currently with Winston, a French Basset Hound she shared with Hudson. “If there is one man in my life he’s my dog,” she declared with affection. “He was our dog and we loved him dearly. He’s 13 now, and all my friends and I adore him. He goes everywhere with me, even to rehearsals.” This heartwarming devotion to her canine companion offers a glimpse into the enduring bonds that sustain her.
Spanish Oranges is scheduled to run at The Playground Theatre in London from February 11th to March 7th, promising a compelling performance from the veteran actress as she navigates both the professional and personal landscapes of her life with grace and fortitude.
