Felicity Kendal, 79, Confronts Phone Thief After Witnessing Three Attacks

Actress Felicity Kendal, 79, recently took a stand against phone theft in her Chelsea neighborhood. Known for her roles in shows like “The Good Life,” Kendal witnessed a surge of criminal activity, particularly phone snatching, prompting her to act. She has lived in Chelsea since the 1960s and expressed her dismay at the rising crime rates.

Felicity Kendal Responds to Phone Thefts

Kendal revealed her experiences to local news outlet The Chelsea Citizen, describing a startling series of events. Within the span of just three days, she witnessed three separate phone thefts. Her frustration reached a peak when she observed a gang targeting a woman in broad daylight.

Incidents of Theft

• First Incident: Kendal saw a woman’s phone snatched by thieves on bicycles.
• Second Incident: While driving on Draycott Avenue, she witnessed another theft.
• Third Incident: She reported a similar scenario where thieves overwhelmed a victim.

In a moment of instinct, she honked her car horn, startling the thieves and causing one to drop the stolen phone, allowing the victim to reclaim it. “Crime was never like this before. The phone-snatching is appalling,” Kendal stated.

Kendal’s Life in Chelsea

Kendal reminisced about her time in Chelsea and reflected on her late husband, Michael Rudman. The couple married in 1983 and endured a long relationship filled with highs and lows. Following his death in March 2023, she has contemplated future changes to her residence, saying, “I have always loved living in Chelsea, so I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”

Michael Rudman’s Battle with Health

While Kendal faced the challenges of crime, she also dealt with personal loss. Michael Rudman was hospitalized for COVID-19, significantly impacting her emotionally. She spoke candidly about the fear and uncertainty she felt during that time.

Reflections on Grief

Kendal has not shied away from discussing her grief publicly. She noted the common reluctance to address death, emphasizing the need for open dialogue about loss. “People say, are you OK? Of course, I’m not. He just died on me,” she shared, underlining the emotional complexities of such experiences.

As Felicity Kendal stands up against crime and navigates her personal journey, she remains a symbol of resilience in her community. Her actions serve as a reminder to others to remain vigilant and supportive in the face of adversity.