MY LESSONS FROM life
Neighbours’ star and Anglophile Alan Fletcher, 60, known to millions as Dr Karl Kennedy, chats about life on set, family and his dream job…
■ Team work is key
Playing Dr Karl Kennedy in Neighbours is something I’m very proud of. Although I’ve been in the soap for 24 years, we are very much an ensemble cast and there is no hierarchy on Neighbours. People ask if I give new members advice but I find you often learn from the new people coming in.
■ Family comes first
My wife Jennifer (they’ve been married 28 years and have two children) and my family are my number one priority. When you’re younger you work hard to be successful. Later, you look at the happiness value. There’s a great quote from Albert Einstein who wrote: “Strive not to be a success but rather a value.”
For me, the happiness of my children means a lot.
■ Value your health
Now I’m 60,
I’m definitely more health conscious. I don’t normally make New Year resolutions, but this year I want Alan with wife Jennifer and below, as Dr Karl Kennedy – the role he’s played for 24 years to make sure I exercise more and keep myself moving.
■ My secret to a career with longevity
I’ve been so lucky to have such a long career. What do I put it down to? I’m not a huge star but I figure if I do my job reasonably well and I’m a good person to have on the team, that’s the reason why.
■ My life-changing decision…
When I reflect on life, a big decision for me was the day I dropped out of university to go into theatre. I was 20 at the time and that was 40 years ago! My marriage to my beautiful wife was a massive moment but it wasn’t a change in direction, we were madly in love anyway.
■ I love Britain
I get recognised all over the world but I really don’t mind at all! What I paticularly love about the UK is the warm reception I always get. I love Britain, all the lovely villages and the history of the country. When I saw Stonehenge for the first time, it really was incredible.
■ My dream job
I would love to be in a British drama – they really do celebrate older performers. I call it the Judi Dench moment! They have so much respect for performers. I love Cracker and Broadchurch and the fact that British dramas don’t rely on shock value.
■ Have a hobby
Outside of family and work, I really like playing golf. My wife and I are also real foodies. We don’t gravitate to posh restaurants though! I particularly love Asian food.