Caroline Quentin, best known for her role as Dorothy in BBC’s Men Behaving Badly, has been gracing our TV screens for over 30 years. From starring in popular series like Jonathan Creek and Kiss Me Kate, Caroline has now embarked on a surprising new career – as an influencer.
At 63 years old, Caroline has launched her Instagram page and written a book called “Drawn To The Garden.” The book documents her experience in running a vegetable and flower garden at her home in Devon during the Covid lockdown. In a recent interview, Caroline expressed her astonishment at this new chapter in her life, saying, “It does feel a bit like that! And why not? It’s wonderful that, in my 60s, I’m suddenly doing something entirely different.”
Caroline’s interest in gardening has always been a source of comfort for her. She explained, “Ever since I was little, it’s been a sort of security blanket. My childhood was quite chaotic, and getting out in nature and watching things grow felt like time out from the ‘real’ world.” It provided solace in a life filled with challenges, including her mother’s struggle with bipolar disorder and her own experiences at boarding school.
Caroline also opened up about the regrets she has regarding her children’s upbringing. While working on her successful career, she missed the precious moments with her daughter Emily Rose and son William. She admitted, “God, I missed them. I mourned them terribly when I was away.” Caroline now reflects on the importance of cherishing those fleeting moments when children are young and urged others not to make the same mistake.
Caroline’s relationship with her husband, Sam Farmer, has been a critical aspect of her life. They met on the set of Men Behaving Badly, where Caroline played the outspoken nurse Dorothy and Sam worked as a runner. She emphasized the importance of open communication in their marriage, saying, “You have to speak, speak, speak. For him, it’s the other way round. He has to tell me to be quiet!”
Caroline Quentin’s full interview can be found in Good Housekeeping’s April 2024 issue, where she shares more insights into her career change, family life, and the lessons she has learned along the way.
