Veteran actress Lesley‑Anne Down, who recently appeared opposite Dennis Quaid in the upcoming series “Reagan,” opened up about three frightening moments in her life when she narrowly escaped death. The 72‑year‑old, whose career spans classics such as “North and South,” “The Pink Panther Strikes Again,” and “Hanover Street,” says the experiences have shaped her outlook on safety and personal responsibility.
Childhood brush with the Moors murders
When Down was ten, a tragic case in England left an indelible mark on her family. She recalled hearing about a young girl named Leslie Ann Downey, a contemporary who was abducted and murdered by the infamous pair Ian Brady and Myra Hindley, known for the Moors murders of the 1960s. Down’s mother received frantic phone calls after the victim’s identity was announced, prompting the actress to reflect, “It wasn’t me, of course, but it certainly freaked her out.” The case, which claimed five children between 1963 and 1965, remains a stark reminder of how close danger can appear.
Teenage encounter on a footbridge
Years later, as a teenager, Down described a terrifying incident on a footbridge near her home. After leaving a launderette with her mother, she ran ahead and met a man standing in the middle of the bridge. He greeted her, then attempted to lure her into his car, claiming he needed a babysitter and would call her parents. Down says she felt a “horrible feeling” and, with her mother’s sudden appearance, the man fled. The memory, she says, still haunts her.
Near‑fatal taxi ride at age 18
When she was 18, Down ordered a taxi while traveling in the countryside. The driver’s vehicle lacked a radio and other typical taxi features. Sensing danger, she asked to be pulled over, but the driver refused, insisting they would arrive soon. Trusting her instincts, Down opened the door and leapt from the moving 25‑mile‑per‑hour car, landing in a puddle and covering herself in blood. The driver slammed the door and sped away, leaving her shaken but alive.
Advice for women in Hollywood
Reflecting on these experiences, Down offers a stark warning to women pursuing careers in entertainment: “Never go anywhere alone.” She emphasizes the importance of having an agent, publicist, or trusted companion nearby, even if that means a quick phone call from a lobby. “Always have somebody with you at all times as you chase your dreams,” she advises.
Career choices and recent work
Down’s career continues to thrive. After earning a Golden Globe nomination for her role opposite Patrick Swayze in “North and South,” she has taken on diverse parts, including a recent portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in “Reagan.” She explains that the role arrived “out of the blue,” and she was grateful for the opportunity to embody a leader who “loved and believed in England and the English people,” while her counterpart, Mr. Reagan, “believed and loved the American people.” Down believes leaders should embody the shared values of both nations, working for the longevity and success of the nation.
Personal reflections
Now residing in Georgia after years in California, Down says she has no regrets about turning down two offers to become a Bond girl, feeling the role would have limited her artistic growth. She describes her life as a series of unexpected turns, each shaping her resilience and faith in God’s providence. “My choice was to live the life I’m living now,” she says, content with where those turns have taken her.
“Reagan” is currently available for rent or purchase on digital platforms.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
