Sue Holderness shares her journey through struggles and losses in life
London: Sue Holderness is a well-known British actress, famous for her role as Marlene in “Only Fools and Horses.” She’s had quite a journey, filled with ups and downs.
She’s been in many popular shows, like “Cold Feet” and “The Green Green Grass.” Acting has been her passion since she was young, inspired by a teacher who encouraged her to follow her dreams instead of going to university.
Even though she’s had a successful career, there were tough times. At one point, she had to step away from acting and take a secretarial job to support her family. It’s a reminder that the acting world can be unpredictable.
Her parents were initially worried about her choice to pursue acting, but they ended up being her biggest supporters. They attended all her performances, which meant a lot to her.
Sue met her husband Mark in 1981, and they’ve been together ever since. They had a funny moment early in their relationship when Mark forgot to send her a Valentine’s card. Thankfully, they laughed it off, and their bond grew stronger.
They have two kids, and their family expanded with the arrival of their first grandchild in 2018. Interestingly, their children chose different paths; their daughter is a yoga teacher, while their son is a history teacher.
In a past role, Sue played a character linked to a notorious serial killer, which took a toll on her. She lost weight and had nightmares, but it also opened doors for her career.
Financial struggles hit when Mark’s job was uncertain. Sue had to take on a secretarial role to help out. Luckily, they managed to keep the Theatre Royal Windsor open, thanks to some support from the community.
Sadly, she’s lost many friends from “Only Fools and Horses,” including John Challis, who played her on-screen husband. Their friendship lasted decades, and she often reflects on the good times they shared.
In a wild story, Sue once had a close call with an alligator while filming. What was supposed to be a fun scene turned into a terrifying moment when the alligator headed straight for her. Thankfully, a crew member saved her just in time!
Through all the challenges, Sue’s resilience shines. Her story is a testament to the ups and downs of life, and she continues to inspire many with her journey.