'Love Actually' Actress Who Inspired 'Narnia' Character Dies

She lit up the stage, inspired a literary legend, and stole scenes even in her final role — now, at 98, the fearless force behind the "Narnia" character Lucy has taken her last curtain call.

She was the spirited child, a trailblazing actress, and the beloved matriarch of a famous British family. Now, Jill Freud — the "Love Actually" star and theatre icon — has passed away at the age of 98, leaving behind a legacy as magical as the fantasy world she once helped shape.

A Life That Inspired Fiction — And Touched Hundreds More

Jill, a renowned actress and theatre director, died peacefully on Monday morning, 24 November 2025, surrounded by her large and loving family. Her daughter, broadcaster Emma Freud, shared the heartbreaking news on social media with an emotional tribute.

"My beautiful 98 year old mum has taken her final bow," she wrote. "After a loving evening — where we knew she was on her way — surrounded by children, grandchildren and pizza, she told us all to [expletive] off so she could go to sleep. And then she never woke up."

A War Child Who Became a Literary Legend

As a young girl, Jill was evacuated to Oxford during World War II. She lived with none other than C. S. Lewis for three years — and the famed author would later model the character Lucy Pevensie on her in his beloved 1950 novel "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe."

But Jill didn't just stay in the pages of fiction. She went on to build a formidable career in theatre, both on and off the stage.

'Love Actually' and a Legacy of Laughter and Loyalty

For over 30 years, Jill ran two influential theatre companies in Suffolk, employing hundreds of actors and becoming a fiercely devoted advocate for performers' rights and regional theatre.

She was adored for her shepherd's pie, her care, and her unapologetic spirit. She made her final on-screen appearance as the Downing Street housekeeper in the 2003 romantic comedy "Love Actually."

Her daughter revealed that Jill, ever the creature of habit, had the same lunch every day: a glass of red wine and a packet of crisps. And even during the Covid-19 lockdown, aged 93, Jill kept up her tap dancing — joining daily classes with three generations of Freud women.

'Lucky Old Heaven…'

"She was 98, mother of 5, grandmother of 17, great grandmother of 7 — she was feisty, outrageous, kind, loving and mischievous," Emma wrote. "Lucky old heaven getting such a dazzling newcomer."

Jill's final words?

"I love you."

She Inspired the 'Narnia' Character Lucy — But Few Knew Her Real Name

Though adored as Jill Freud, the woman who inspired Lucy Pevensie was not born with that name. She entered the world as June Flewett, later adopting the stage name Jill Raymond when she became an actress. In 1950, she married Sir Clement Freud, grandson of none other than Sigmund Freud, and took his surname.

As a child evacuee, Jill was sent to The Kilns, the Oxford home of Lewis — known affectionately as Jack — and his companion Jane Moore, or Minto.

Though Lewis was famously not fond of children, something about Jill struck a chord. He was so enchanted by the bright young girl that he immortalized her as Lucy, the brave, kind heroine of his "Narnia" series.

A Secret She Wouldn't Learn for Decades

Strangely, Jill had no idea she'd inspired Lucy — until the early 2000s. That's when Douglas Gresham, Lewis's stepson, reached out with a letter.

"He needed answers to something or other and ended with, 'I suppose you realize that you were the inspiration for Lucy?'" she told The Hollywood Reporter in 2014. She was stunned. She exclaimed:

"It's like being told you were the real Lady Macbeth!"

In 2014, Jill was cast in "Tolkien and Lewis," a film exploring the friendship between the two literary legends. She had read some of J. R. R. Tolkien's work and even met the late author.

She had also read all the Narnia books and seen stage adaptations and the first film adaptation, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Asked if she saw herself in Lucy, she replied, "It's years since I read it, but in the stage version I saw a few years ago, Lucy was very likable — it was quite flattering."

The Girl Who Stayed — and Changed Their Lives

Jill had only been meant to stay at The Kilns for two weeks. But when she arrived, Jane was ill, and the only help they had had just quit. They were in over their heads. Quietly, Jill wrote to RADA(Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) asking if they could defer her studies for a term.

They agreed. Without telling Lewis or Jane, she extended her stay — again and again — for two full years. Eventually, her father intervened, insisting she return to London and finish her training.

But by then, a lifelong bond had formed. "He was generosity itself," Jill said of Lewis. "He would let me buy any book I wanted... talk to me about things... never make me feel small."

If she said something foolish? "He just wouldn't answer. He was kind, generous, good-humored, helpful," she said.

Our deepest condolences go out to Jill’s family, friends, and all who loved her.