Dame Joanna Lumley has never been one to shy away from life’s big questions. Now, as she approaches her 80th birthday, the beloved British actress is opening up about why she refuses to plan her own funeral—and the unexpected reasons behind her decision are leaving fans both surprised and inspired.

In a candid conversation, Lumley revealed that while she’s “conscious of growing older,” she prefers to face difficult subjects like death head-on, rather than avoiding them. But when it comes to her own memorial, she’s adamant: it’s not for her to decide.

“I’ve spoken to my husband and he said, ‘Look, your own funeral has nothing to do with you. You’re not even going to be at the funeral, you’ll be gone, so you can say what you like about whatever,’” Lumley shared. “So I said, ‘But I don’t want a memorial service.’ And he said, ‘That’s going to be up to me and Jamie if we’re around. There’s no point in saying, I don’t want one, because you’d have gone, darling, you’d have gone.’”

Her husband, conductor Stephen Barlow, 71, whom she married in 1986, has made it clear that the decision will ultimately rest with him and Lumley’s son, Jamie. Joanna’s only child, Jamie Lumley, 57, lives in Scotland with his writer wife and their two daughters. Joanna shares Jamie with photographer Michael Claydon, with whom she remains friends. Her first marriage, to scriptwriter Jeremy Lloyd, ended after just a year in 1970.

Despite her reluctance to have a memorial, Lumley’s family is prepared to honor her in their own way when the time comes. For now, she’s focused on living fully and embracing each new chapter.

A New Chapter: Amandaland and Continued Success

As she nears her milestone birthday, Lumley’s career shows no signs of slowing down. She recently announced the return of the hit BBC comedy “Amandaland,” in which she plays Felicity Sanderson, the mother of protagonist Amanda Hughes (Lucy Punch). Filming for the new season kicked off last month, and Lumley confirmed that a Christmas special will air later this year.

“Amandaland” debuted on BBC One in February and quickly became one of the network’s most successful comedy launches, averaging 6.4 million viewers. The show, a spin-off of the popular sitcom “Motherland,” follows Amanda, a recently divorced mom juggling parenthood, a new relationship, and the challenges of school-gate friendships.

Lumley’s role as Felicity Sanderson has been widely praised, and the series has already been renewed for a second season. The cast includes Lucy Punch, Phillippa Dunne, Samuel Anderson, Siobhán McSweeney, Rochenda Sandall, and Ekow Quartey. The show is directed by Simon Bird and Alyssa McClelland, with writing credits going to Holly Walsh, Helen Serafinowicz, Barunka O’Shaughnessy, and Laurence Rickard.

While “Amandaland” has faced mixed reviews from some fans who miss the original “Motherland,” critics have lauded the show for its compelling acting and quirky storylines. The BBC’s decision to greenlight a second season speaks to the overwhelming response from viewers.

Family, Friendship, and Living Without Regret

For Lumley, family has always been at the heart of her life. Her marriage to Stephen Barlow remains strong after nearly four decades, and her relationship with Jamie is a source of pride and joy. She remains close friends with Michael Claydon, Jamie’s father, and delights in her role as grandmother to Jamie’s daughters.

Lumley’s approach to aging is rooted in honesty and openness. She acknowledges the realities of growing older but refuses to let fear or anxiety dictate her choices. Her decision not to plan her own funeral is a reflection of her belief in living for the present and trusting loved ones to handle the future.

“I don’t want a memorial service,” she insists, but she’s realistic about the fact that the final decision won’t be hers. For Lumley, it’s about letting go and allowing her family to honor her in the way that feels right to them.

A Legacy of Laughter and Grace

Joanna Lumley’s career spans more than half a century, from her breakout role in “Absolutely Fabulous” to her recent successes on stage and screen. She’s known for her wit, charm, and unwavering commitment to her craft. But perhaps her greatest legacy is her ability to face life’s challenges with grace and humor.

As she prepares to celebrate her 80th birthday, Lumley remains a beloved figure, admired not just for her talent, but for her wisdom and authenticity. Her refusal to plan her own funeral is a reminder that even in the face of mortality, we can choose to live boldly, love deeply, and trust those closest to us with our final farewell.

Looking Forward

With new episodes of “Amandaland” on the horizon and a family that continues to support and inspire her, Joanna Lumley shows no sign of slowing down. Her openness about aging and death encourages others to face these topics with courage and honesty.

As Lumley herself might say, the best way to honor a life is not through elaborate plans or ceremonies, but through the love and laughter we share along the way. And when the time comes, she trusts her family to carry her memory forward—just as she has carried theirs.

In a world that often fears aging and shies away from the subject of death, Joanna Lumley’s perspective is refreshing and empowering. She invites us all to embrace life, cherish our loved ones, and let go of the need to control every detail—even our own goodbye.