In the latest episode of On the Marie Curie Couch, actor Jason Watkins sits down with bereavement expert Jason Davidson.
This month, Jason is joined by actor Jason Watkins. He's best known for his many and varied acting roles, including starring in Being Human, Trollied, W1A and The Lost Honour of Christopher Jeffries, a performance which won him the BAFTA TV award for Best Actor. In this episode of On the Marie Curie Couch, Jason talks about the death of his two-year-old daughter, Maude. She died suddenly of sepsis on New Year's Day 2011. Jason and his wife Clara have recently made a documentary about their experience, Jason & Clara: In Memory of Maudie.
A dialogue about death
"We know how difficult it is to talk about it. By sharing our story, we give comfort and context to others, show that they're not alone and to give an idea to people who have not lost children, to have an idea what it might be like and what we, as bereaved parents, appreciate."
Listening to yourself
"People do grieve in different ways, of course. I was going to say at different rates, but I don't think there is a rate, weirdly. But you only learn that as it happens to you. And I think the key, for me, is to listen to yourself and your feelings. As actors we do that a bit, you know? Monitoring and observing your own feelings, because we use them in our work."
Listen now
Tap the link near the top of this page to listen to Jason's chat with Jason. Alternatively, listen to or download it via Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you'd prefer, you can read a full transcript of the episode.
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Content note: discussion of death and grief with reference to themes/topics that might be triggering or upsetting.
If you need support with bereavement or grief, call the Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309 or visit mariecurie.org.uk/information.
