In the latest episode of On the Marie Curie Couch, actor John Altman sits down with bereavement expert Jason Davidson.
This month, Jason is joined by actor John Altman. He's best known for playing 'Nasty' Nick Cotton in BBC soap EastEnders. John has also appeared in films, including Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, Quadrophenia and An American Werewolf in London. A lover of music, John starred as Chicago's Billy Flynn in more than 500 theatre performances. In this episode, John talks to Jason about his experiences of grief and bereavement, including the death of his mother and an art school friend who took their own life.
Ask for forgiveness
"If you need to make up [with someone], do that. My mother lived until 96, bless her. We were very close. I think we said everything we needed to. I told her I loved her, and I thanked her for everything she'd done for me. I asked her to forgive me for being such a naughty boy when I was little. I was a bit of a terror. It's probably where Nick Cotton came from."
What helps in grief
"I keep a journal, which I find quite therapeutic. Apart from the year I divorced, I've kept a journal every day since 1984. It will be something, maybe I don't want to talk to somebody about. So I'll write my feelings down, my emotions, my thoughts. I'll put it all on paper, and it's amazing."
Listen now
Tap the link near the top of this page to listen to John'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, suicide 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.
