Dawn French reflected on her father’s tragic suicide (Image: BBC)
Dawn French has spoken candidly about the enduring effect of her father’s death by suicide. The 68-year-old’s dad died in 1977 aged 45 when she was just 19 years old. In her new book Enough, the actress tackles ageing, mortality and the taboo topic of suicide, which she admittted has occasionally entered her thoughts.
Dawn French has opened up about the lasting impact of her father’s suicide. The actress, now 68, lost her father in 1977 when he was just 45 years old, and she herself was 19. Her latest book, “Enough,” delves into themes of aging, mortality, and the often-avoided subject of suicide, which she admits has occasionally crossed her mind.
In an interview with The Times, French shared, “I’ve confronted many of my thoughts and fears regarding it.” Reflecting on her father’s tragic death, she noted, “Suicide is ingrained in my mind in a way that it might not be for someone who hasn’t been so closely affected by it.”
She continued, “As I’ve grown older, I feel compelled to discuss significant issues. I intended to write about something I’m somewhat hesitant to acknowledge; that growing older is challenging, the end of life is challenging, and suicide is challenging.”
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Dawn French tackles ageing, mortality and the taboo topic of suicide in her new book (Image: GETTY)
The actress revealed that while thoughts of suicide have entered her mind as she has aged, she emphasises: “I don’t think I would ever make this choice,” though acknowledged she can understand why some people do.
The Vicar of Dibley star said her father “lived his whole life with this suicidal ideation and with depression”, noting that while she doesn’t know all the details, she knew he had previously attempted to take his own life while training at RAF Halton.
The ex-wife of Lenny Henry endured further tragedy in 2012 when her mother, Roma, died shortly after being diagnosed with lung cancer.
“My mum’s gone now, but my brother, Gary, and I always talk about it. Just to check in on each other and to make it OK,” she said.
The actress faced further heartache in 2012 when her mother died (Image: BBC)
Following her mother’s passing, Dawn acknowledged that contemplating mortality became increasingly difficult to avoid.
She previously told The Mirror: “But I would hope to be totally optimistic about my own death. That’s why I am grateful for the example shown to me by my mum.
“I remember one day coming back from a hospital test which was not good and mum said, ‘Well it’s a win-win situation’.
“I replied, ‘And how do you see that?’ and she said, ‘Well, either I stay here with you guys or I go and see your dad’. And that is what she 100 per cent believed.”
Despite experiencing profound loss, Dawn maintains she still has “too much love for” the people in her life and continues to discover joy in the everyday moments, supported by her professional work, close relationships and home life.
As part of her schedule this year, the actress will return to film a second series of Can You Keep a Secret?.
Launched in January, the BBC has since recommissioned the show after its debut episode attracted 5.3 million viewers over 28 days.
If you need to talk and don’t know where to turn to, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit the website to find your local branch.