The one lesson I’ve learned from life

Susan George

ACTReSS Susan George, 68, found fame as a child, before going on to star alongside dustin Hoffman in the film Straw dogs in 1971. Married to actor Simon MacCorkindale for 26 years until his death from cancer in 2010, she now lives in Somerset, where she runs a stud farm.

ALWAYS STAND UP FOR YOURSELF

DURInG the making of straw Dogs, I vividly remember the moment I was asked — or, rather, told — by the director sam Peckinpah what was expected of me during the movie’s infamous rape scene.

It was to do with the nudity and what was asked of me, which I just didn’t think was necessary.

this was such an important film so, aged 21, I stuck to my guns and told him so.

I explained that I could tell the story a thousand times better if he were to allow me to do it through my eyes. Very fortunately, we came to a compromise.

Up to that point, I knew I was strongwilled, but I didn’t know I had that much power of will. the consequences of saying ‘no’ hadn’t even crossed my mind. this realisation that you have to be true to yourself made a huge impression on me and has pretty much coloured my entire life.

there were plenty of other movies where I was pushed to the limit, but I nearly always stood my ground, even if it got me into trouble.

You have to remember that, even if your feelings are different to someone else’s, they are your feelings and should be allowed to be vented. Holding back is never a good thing.

that said, you sometimes have to curb the truth for kindness.

aged 12, I played Brigitta in the sound of Music and she was the character who always told the truth.

I realised then that the truth can be hurtful. I now always try to find the kindest way of saying something.

the other thing to remember is that, while you might not always make the right decisions long-term, there is usually a reason for that decision that makes it right at the time.

so I don’t overthink things and don’t analyse.

and, because of the way I’ve lived my life, I have no regrets.

SUSAn who’s currently appearing in BBC1’s The Real Marigold Hotel at 9pm on Wednesdays, is the founder of Lasting Life: The Simon MacCorkindale Legacy charity, lastinglife.org.uk