Tony Cowell
Discovered by Walt Disney at the age of 11, Jenny Agutter, 64, has been on our screens for 50 years. Now best known for Call The Midwife, she reveals that she’d still love to be in a Bond movie…
You’re now in the sixth series of the hugely successful show Call The Midwife. What attracted you to the role?
The offer of a job, first of all! They told me I was the first person they considered for the role of Sister Julienne – whether I believe that, I don’t know. But it’s a great cast and good writing. At the time, I was a little nervous about committing to a series, but I didn’t realise how popular it would become.
What do you think is the secret to the series’ success?
I think the period helps – this series we are in the 60s – as does the fact that it’s set within a community. It’s about family and the problems they have to face in some difficult situations. But at its centre is the babies being born, and when babies are born, it’s about hope and families. I think the audience relates to that. It’s quite emotional.
Do you prefer doing television rather than film?
I’m enjoying doing TV at the moment, and it allows me some free time. I’m working with people I love, which is important when you’re an actor. So I’m content at the moment – but I’m always looking for the next idea.
You’ve done low-budget films as well as big movies like Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Is it all about the script – and the character?
Yes, but it’s also about the people who are making it. I’ve been very lucky in my career – working with Julie Andrews in Star!, and directors like Robert Wise and Sidney Lumet. I always look at the whole package. Walkabout was an amazing film to work on, and so was Logan’s Run. But I enjoyed working with the people behind those movies just as much.
You started acting in the early 60s. How would you feel if you were starting out as an actor now?
I would never want to change my life, although today is a good time for women in both TV and films – especially for women of my age, who are suddenly allowed to be ourselves. When I started out as a young girl, it was good, but not as good as it is now. Unfortunately, though, women are still behind men when it comes to equal pay.
How do you look back on that special moment when you were discovered by Walt Disney, aged 11?
I met the man who created Mickey Mouse – how amazing is that? I was just a little girl out of ballet school, which is why I got the part as a dancer in the movie Ballerina. After that, of course, I never stopped working. That was my big break.
The Railway Children is still so fondly remembered. Was that an important role for you?
Of course. Working with [co-star] Bernard Cribbins was amazing, because he was lovely – forever singing songs and playing games. And [director] Lionel Jeffries was like an Edwardian grandfather to us, and would give us half a crown each if we did the scene well!
Beyond Call The Midwife, what do you make of British TV at the moment?
I think at long last we have
some great television. I think it was the rise of American TV drama that gave us all a shot in the arm. The only thing I miss are the more theatrical pieces – they were plays for television. I think we did that really well.
You have been quite vocal recently, urging the PM to save the NHS from being privatised. Can you tell us a bit about that?
I think there is room for more funding which, of course, was promised. I just wonder if we need to look at just how the NHS is run, because I’m sure there are some changes to the system that would help. I’m not a politician, but my son is a junior doctor, so it’s something I feel very strongly about.
Is there a master plan? Are you happy working in television, or will you still do movies?
I’ve never had a master plan, because I always found that the offers that came out of the blue turned out to be the best ones. I loved doing the movie The Avengers, so I hope there may be another one. Someone asked me if I wanted to be in a Bond movie. Well, I couldn’t be a Bond girl now, but I suppose I could play M… who knows? I would love to do some directing, too.
Call The Midwife is on Sundays, BBC One, 8pm
‘Women of my age are suddenly allowed to be ourselves’