Susan Hampshire, Lady Kulukundis, CBE, is an acclaimed English actress and author who, as of March 2026, remains a beloved figure in British culture at the age of 88. Best known for her Emmy-winning roles in landmark BBC dramas such as The Forsyte Saga (1967), The First Churchills (1969), and Vanity Fair (1967), Hampshire has transitioned from the “It Girl” of 1960s television to a distinguished stateswoman of the arts. In early 2026, she made headlines by returning to the world of John Galsworthy’s novels in a new adaptation of The Forsytes, playing the specially created role of Lady Carteret. Beyond her acting career, she is widely respected for her tireless advocacy for dyslexia awareness—a condition she has lived with since childhood—and her extensive charitable work following the passing of her husband, Sir Eddie Kulukundis, in 2021.
Early Life and Professional Breakthrough
Susan Hampshire’s path to stardom was defined by a quiet determination to overcome early educational challenges.
Overcoming Dyslexia
Born on May 12, 1937, in Kensington, London, Hampshire struggled significantly in school due to undiagnosed dyslexia. She was unable to spell her own name until the age of nine and did not learn to read fluently until she was twelve. These early struggles ultimately fueled her resolve to succeed in a profession that required heavy script-reading, leading her to develop unique memorization techniques that she still utilizes in 2026.
First Major Roles
Hampshire’s professional debut came in 1947 in The Woman in the Hall, but her adult career took off in the late 1950s. She gained early notice in the film Expresso Bongo (1959) alongside Cliff Richard and took the lead in the BBC’s 1962 adaptation of What Katy Did. These performances established her as a versatile ingenue, capable of blending charm with a sharp, intelligent screen presence.
The Emmy-Winning “Golden Era”
The late 1960s and early 1970s saw Hampshire become the first British actress to achieve unprecedented success at the Primetime Emmy Awards.
The Forsyte Saga (1967)
As Fleur Mont in the BBC’s 26-part adaptation of The Forsyte Saga, Hampshire became a national phenomenon. The series was so popular that church services in the UK were reportedly rescheduled to allow congregations to watch. Her portrayal of the vibrant, often antagonistic Fleur earned her the first of three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role.
The First Churchills and Vanity Fair
Hampshire continued her dominance of the “frock flick” genre with The First Churchills (1969), playing Sarah Churchill, and Vanity Fair (1967) as the social-climbing Becky Sharp. By 1973, she had secured three Emmy Awards in just four years, a record for a British actress at the time, cementing her status as the face of prestige television drama on both sides of the Atlantic.
Later Career: Monarch of the Glen and Beyond
In the 21st century, Hampshire found a new generation of fans through her role in a long-running Scottish drama.
Matriarch of Glenbogle
From 2000 to 2005, Hampshire starred as Molly MacDonald in the BBC’s Monarch of the Glen. Playing the spirited matriarch of a Highland estate, she displayed a natural chemistry with co-star Richard Briers. The role allowed her to showcase a more mature, comedic side of her acting range while highlighting the stunning scenery of the Scottish Highlands.
Recent Work (2017–2026)
Hampshire has remained active well into her 80s, appearing in films like Another Mother’s Son (2017) and the Greek historical drama Smyrna, my Beloved (2021). In March 2026, she appeared in a special interview for Masterpiece Studio to discuss her return to the Forsyte universe in a modern reimagining, proving that her connection to the classics remains as strong as ever.
Advocacy and Literary Contributions
Susan Hampshire’s legacy extends far beyond the screen through her work as a writer and campaigner.
Dyslexia Campaigning
Having gone public with her dyslexia in the 1980s with her book Susan’s Story, Hampshire became a pioneer for neurodiversity. She has spent decades working with the British Dyslexia Association and the International Dyslexia Association, providing inspiration for children who struggle with traditional learning. Her honesty regarding her “unique way of thinking” helped shift public perception of the condition from a disability to a different learning style.
Author of Children’s Books
Hampshire is also a prolific author, particularly known for her Lucy Jane series of ballet books for children. Titles such as Lucy Jane at the Ballet and Rosie’s Ballet Slippers have been praised for their charm and technical accuracy. Additionally, her passion for the outdoors led her to write several successful gardening books, sharing her lifelong hobby with a broad audience.
Practical Information and Legacy
For those looking to engage with Susan Hampshire’s work in 2026, here is the essential data.
Honors and Awards
- CBE: Commander of the Order of the British Empire (2018) for services to drama and charity.
- OBE: Officer of the Order of the British Empire (1995) for services to training for people with disabilities.
- Emmy Awards: 1970, 1971, and 1973 (Lead Actress in a Drama/Limited Series).
Where to Watch Her Work
| Series/Film | Platform (2026) | Role |
| The Forsyte Saga | BBC iPlayer / YouTube | Fleur Mont |
| Monarch of the Glen | BritBox / BBC iPlayer | Molly MacDonald |
| The First Churchills | DVD / Digital Archive | Sarah Churchill |
| Smyrna, my Beloved | Amazon Prime | Lady Whittall |
Seasonal/Timely Section: March 2026 Update
In February and March 2026, Susan Hampshire has been at the center of a nostalgic revival. On February 10, 2026, she was a guest of honor at “The Oldie of the Year” awards in London, where she was celebrated for her continued vitality and contribution to the arts. Fans are also anticipating her appearance in the new prequel/reimagining of the Forsyte family story, scheduled to air on Channel 5 and PBS later this spring, where she will play Lady Carteret, a role specifically created to honor her history with the franchise.
FAQs
How old is Susan Hampshire in 2026?
As of March 2026, Susan Hampshire is 88 years old. She was born on May 12, 1937.
Is Susan Hampshire still acting?
Yes, she remains active. Her most recent project is the 2026 reimagining of The Forsytes, and she frequently participates in documentaries and television specials.
What is Susan Hampshire’s most famous role?
She is most widely recognized for playing Fleur Mont in the 1967 BBC production of The Forsyte Saga, a role that earned her an Emmy Award and international stardom.
Does Susan Hampshire have dyslexia?
Yes, she has been a vocal advocate for dyslexia awareness since the 1980s, having struggled to read and write during her own childhood.
How many Emmy Awards has Susan Hampshire won?
She has won three Primetime Emmy Awards (1970, 1971, and 1973), making her one of the most successful British actresses in the history of the awards.
Was Susan Hampshire married to Sir Eddie Kulukundis?
Yes, she was married to the businessman and philanthropist Sir Eddie Kulukundis from 1981 until his death in 2021. She was his devoted carer during his battle with Alzheimer’s.
What children’s books did Susan Hampshire write?
She wrote the popular Lucy Jane ballet series, as well as titles like Rosie’s Ballet Slippers and Bear’s Christmas.
What is Susan Hampshire’s connection to Monarch of the Glen?
She played the main character Molly MacDonald, the matriarch of the Glenbogle estate, for the majority of the show’s run from 2000 to 2005.
Is Susan Hampshire a CBE?
Yes, she was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2018 New Year Honours for her services to drama and charity.
Did Susan Hampshire ever work with Walt Disney?
Yes, she starred in the 1963 Disney film The Three Lives of Thomasina, which was one of the last features Walt Disney personally oversaw.
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