The entertainment industry has been the home of many beloved fixtures on screens.

These talented artists have captivated audiences with their unique traits throughout their careers.

An industry veteran of the same calibre recently went public about her thoughts throughout her life and career that spanned five decades.

Dame Joanna Lumley has charmed fans and audiences with her wit and unmistakable style.

From her early days as a Bond girl to her iconic turn as Patsy Stone in Absolutely Fabulous, Joanna became a household name not just in the United Kingdom but also in Australia.

As she celebrated her 79th birthday last 1 May, the legendary actress made a candid admission that moved and inspired fans.

In a heartfelt interview with Vernon Kay on BBC Radio 2, Joanna opened up about the passage of time and what it means to live.

Dame Joanna Lumley (left) and Jennifer Saunders (right) on Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie (2016). Image Credit: IMdB

'As you near the top of the hill, you suddenly think, "Gosh, there's not all that much time left,"' Joanna shared.

'My time must be coming quite soon, and I don't want to have wasted a minute of being on this beautiful planet.'

'I used to panic when I was young, but as I've got older, I've started to live day to day,' she added.

'With age, you work out what matters. I always knew that good stuff would come along when I was older.'

Far from being fearful of growing older, Dame Joanna Lumley eventually embraced it with optimism.

'When I was 18, I longed to be 30. When I was 30, I longed to be 50. We must not be led into thinking getting old is bad,' Joanna shared.

'Growing old is good.'

Despite her seemingly boundless energy, Dame Joanna Lumley had her share of health challenges.

She revealed that she lives with Prosopagnosia, also known as face blindness.

'I've got this weird thing with faces, I've got a face blindness. It's called Prosopagnosia,' she shared.

'I have to know who people are, I have to know in advance. I always say, "Please tell me who's going to be there," then I can match the name to the thing.

Joanna also spoke about her 'love' of smoking.

'I am unbelievably fit. Despite, or probably because of smoking, I am never ill,' she jokingly shared.

Joanna's career was a testament to her making the most of every moment.

After being turned away from drama school as a teenager, she began her career as a model in London's Swinging Sixties.

She then landed her first major film role in the 1969 James Bond classic, On Her Majesty's Secret Service.

She went on to star as Purdey in The New Avengers in the 1970s.

In the 1990s, she then cemented her legacy as she played Patsy Stone in Absolutely Fabulous.

Fast forward to the present, Dame Joanna Lumley is set to appear in the highly anticipated second season of the Netflix series Wednesday.

During her appearance at the SANDS International Film Festival, she stated that she'll keep working 'as long as she can speak'.

'In the past, women like me would have been sidelined at 38, but now there are lead parts for people in their 50s and big parts for those in their 70s,' Joanna emphasised as she observed changes in the entertainment industry.

Dame Joanna Lumley's honesty about her future should be a reminder to live life to the fullest—no matter the age.

Key Takeaways

• Dame Joanna Lumley reflected on her life as she recently turned 79 and was determined not to waste a minute.
• The actress openly spoke about living with Prosopagnosia, a condition that causes face blindness.
• Despite her age and health challenges, she has no plans to retire and intends to keep working for as long as she is able.
• Dame Joanna Lumley enjoyed a celebrated career spanning over five decades which started in the late 1960s.

Has your perspective on life changed as you got older? What advice would you give to others about making the most of every day? What do you think of Dame Joanna Lumley's story? We would love to hear your thoughts and stories in the comments section below!

 

[Suzanne rose]

Loved Joanna is Absolutely Fabulous

When I was young I wanted to be older and when I was older I wanted to be younger.

I member my grandmother saying never wish away your years because once you reach 21 the years fly pass.

This is something I have also told my children.
As well as enjoy each day and never take life for granted.

Now at 63 I try to live life to the best I can. I try to make memories for my family eg my 8 year old granddaughter is sleeping over tomorrow night. She asked to sleep with me so there will be a movie watched and a story told then we will get up early and make pancakes for breakfast before having a baking morning of making cakes and biscuits.
I will add recipes we make and photos

 

[Jest]

loved watching her adventures going to different countries. i wish her well.

 

[BellaB18]

Just adore Joanna, as Patsy she was fantastic. She is just a beautiful soul. Let's home she is around for many years to come. Getting is older has it's pros and cons.
Love the fact we are wiser and won't put up with the rubbish l did when younger l don't suffer fools now.
Just enjoying life each day doesn't have to be anything exciting, just being happy not every day due to outside influences. But most days are good.
Don't like the slowing down of the body and the pain and lack of mobility. But that is life and l believe life is what you make it. I think Joanna has lived a great life. With her career and personal life.
Kind regards to all Vicki

 

[HelenB55]

She is just gorgeous….and very funny.
Someone I have admired for many years.
A true legend in my books

 

[PeakA]

A wonderful woman! Great actress (and comedian) who is not afraid to be self-deprecating occasionally. She was fantastic in 'Absolutely Fabulous' and also very good with her various travel documentaries.

 

[Jennylolo]

I love her on the travel docos.

 

[Miss Chris]

For anyone who knows the old Coronation Street, she was Ken Barlow’s girl after his first wife died……She was brilliant in AbFab though and I thought all the cast were good too…..Can’t believe she’s almost 80 now…

 

[Macarj]

Loved Joanna is Absolutely Fabulous

When I was young I wanted to be older and when I was older I wanted to be younger.

I member my grandmother saying never wish away your years because once you reach 21 the years fly pass.

This is something I have also told my children.
As well as enjoy each day and never take life for granted.

Now at 63 I try to live life to the best I can. I try to make memories for my family eg my 8 year old granddaughter is sleeping over tomorrow night. She asked to sleep with me so there will be a movie watched and a story told then we will get up early and make pancakes for breakfast before having a baking morning of making cakes and biscuits.
I will add recipes we make and photos

I live one day at a time I am aiming for 95 or more luckelly I haven't had medical issues until the last year so all is going well

 

[RobbyNotTheRobot]

Loved Joanna is Absolutely Fabulous

When I was young I wanted to be older and when I was older I wanted to be younger.

I member my grandmother saying never wish away your years because once you reach 21 the years fly pass.

This is something I have also told my children.
As well as enjoy each day and never take life for granted.

Now at 63 I try to live life to the best I can. I try to make memories for my family eg my 8 year old granddaughter is sleeping over tomorrow night. She asked to sleep with me so there will be a movie watched and a story told then we will get up early and make pancakes for breakfast before having a baking morning of making cakes and biscuits.
I will add recipes we make and photos

This sounds great what you are going to do with your granddaughter. You may not be needing this to be told. Be her age and not try for her to be your age. In other words never grow up and kill off your inner child. That is my fountain of youth. Grow old disgracefully. Make Popcorn without the lid on with her, your granddaughter will have a wonderful memory of that till the day she dies.

 

[Radiant]

I am a heat fan of Joanna and like the way she comes across as being really friendly and kind. So far as aging goes , I’ve never bothered about how old I am until these last few years. And now I think my life seems to be finite and won’t go on for ever. But my bones tell me I’m getting older and slower. But chronological age really doesn’t mean anything it’s your mental age and attitude that matters most. Let’s face it it’s a good job we don’t know when we are going to drop off the perch and some do Lo g before their time. I guess I’m very lucky for the years I’ve had and enjoyed and those I am still enjoying

 

[Suzanne rose]

This sounds great what you are going to do with your granddaughter. You may not be needing this to be told. Be her age and not try for her to be your age. In other words never grow up and kill off your inner child. That is my fountain of youth. Grow old disgracefully. Make Popcorn without the lid on with her, your granddaughter will have a wonderful memory of that till the day she dies.

We often do things like this. I have music on while we cook and we will start dancing around the kitchen or singing. She now knows most Fleetwood mac songs and loves it.

I have 20 grandchildren and have loads of time with all of them but there are 5 of them who absolutely love baking with me