Jill Freud, the British actress, best known for her portrayal of the `barking dog` in the romantic comedy “Love Actually”, died at 98. She served as the muse for the character of Lucy in C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Born June Flewett in London in 1927, she led a life that was filled with personal and professional achievements. These accomplishments had a ripple effect on all who knew her.
Such events during Freud’s formative early years — like her evacuation from London to Oxford at the start of World War II — loomed large on a young psyche. This formative experience ignited a Turning Point that would begin one of the most vibrant chapters of her life. She took up the job of housekeeper at the Kilns, where writer C.S. Lewis, his brother, and their adoptive mother lived. It was amid all this that she found inspiration to inspire Lewis’s Lucy, a character that has become famous with children around the world.
In 1950, Jill Freud married Clement Freud, the British politician, author, chef and broadcaster sometimes described as the grandson of psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud. Together, they raised five children: Emma Freud, a successful scriptwriter; Matthew Freud, a PR executive and head of Freud Communications; and three other children whose names have not been disclosed to the public. Freud made many jokes about motherhood. He used to say that her children were fortunate to inherit a combination of her genetic material and Clement’s.
Freud’s artistic career reached its apex when she founded her own theatre company, Jill Freud and Company, in 1980. She had spent more than 30 years operating her own repertory theatre companies in Suffolk, which made invaluable contributions to the quality of life in her communities. At the same time, she had a long-running part on the series “Crown Court,” emphasizing her range as an actress.
Her last film role came in 2003’s romantic comedy “Love Actually.” In this popular masterpiece, she played the Downing Street housekeeper, and matched her talent perfectly to the wonderful, comic, and touching direction of Richard Curtis. This role, arguably her most famous, was iconic and added yet another layer to her already remarkable career.
She will be missed dearly.” Jill Freud’s family announced her death on social media with loving remembrances. Her daughter Emma Freud posted a heartwarming message on social media, recalling how her mother died with her family around her.
“My beautiful 98-year-old mum has taken her final bow. After a loving evening – where we knew she was on her way – surrounded by children, grandchildren and pizza, she told us all to fuck off so she could go to sleep. And then she never woke up. Her final words were ‘I love you’.” – Emma Freud
C.S. Lewis once remarked on her remarkable qualities, stating:
“She was 98, mother of five, grandmother of 17, great-grandmother of seven – she was feisty, outrageous, kind, loving and mischievous. Lucky old heaven getting such a dazzling newcomer.” – Emma Freud
Her son-in-law Douglas Gresham noted her influence on Lewis’s work by stating:
“I have never really met anything like her unselfishness and patience and kindness and shall feel deeply in her debt as long as I live.” – Lewis
Freud’s acute sense of humor, sometimes described as dark, came out frequently in her musings on life and family. She once commented on her under-recognized role within the Freud family dynasty:
“I suppose you know you are the prototype for Lucy.” – Douglas Gresham
It was her larger-than-life personality, though, that really made an imprint on those lucky enough to know her well.
“It used to irk me a bit, but I think it funny now that you quite often see a dynasty of the Freuds printed and you wouldn’t know any of them have a mother. I never get a mention.” – Jill Freud
Jill Freud will be forever missed, but always best celebrated for her astounding achievements – on film and stage. Her kindness and warm smile touched everyone she met. As a mother of five, family is obviously part of her pedigree. Her legacy lives on in her 17 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, who will always remember the magical moments they shared with her.
“They were all born without a mother. I think our children have been lucky though because they haven’t just got the highly sensitive, neurotic, hugely intelligent Freud genes, they’ve also got mine.” – Jill Freud
Jill Freud will be remembered not only for her contributions to film and theatre but also for her loving spirit and the joy she brought to those around her. As a mother of five, grandmother of 17, and great-grandmother of seven, her legacy will live on through her family and the memories they cherish.