Linda Bassett, the actress best known for her role as Phyllis Crane in the beloved series Call The Midwife, has captivated audiences with her portrayal of the stern but big-hearted nurse. While fans adore her character, many are unaware of the actress's own life journey, which has been marked by both professional success and personal tragedy. From her late start in acting to her recent role in Call The Midwife, and the heartbreaking loss of her nephew, Bassett's story is one of resilience and dedication.
From Stage Debut to Screen Success
Born in Kent in 1950, Linda Bassett's acting career began later in life. She made her stage debut at the age of 32 and has consistently appeared in TV shows and stage productions for the past four decades. Her early television appearances included roles in Heartbeat in 1992 and Midsomer Murders in 1997. She further showcased her versatility in Dinner Ladies in 1998 and the period drama Lark Rise to Candleford in 2008.
Bassett's film debut came in 1987 with American Playhouse, where she played Gertrude Stein. She also appeared as Janet Swanton in Paris by Night (1988). However, she is perhaps most recognized for her role as Ella Khan in East is East (1999), a comedy-drama that explores the cultural clashes within a Pakistani-British family. She also played Cora in the hit film Calendar Girls, alongside Helen Mirren and Julie Walters.
Call The Midwife: A Career-Defining Role
In recent years, Linda Bassett's portrayal of Phyllis Crane in Call The Midwife has solidified her status as a recognizable and beloved figure in British television. Since joining the series in its fourth season, Phyllis has become a fan favorite, appreciated for her tough yet fair demeanor. Bassett initially came to the show as temporary cover for Sister Evangelina (played by Pam Ferris) but quickly became a core member of the cast.
Despite the audience's adoration for Phyllis, Linda Bassett has expressed surprise at the character's popularity. She says she is baffled by viewers' appreciation for the tough but fair nurse. In an interview, she spoke about fans recognizing her and expressing their love for her character. "You can only react to that kind of thing with warmth," she smiled, appreciating the connection she has made with viewers.
Read also: Weight Loss Guide Andalusia, AL
Personal Life and Tragedy
Linda Bassett's private life has remained relatively private. She was married to journalist Julian Foster for a decade before their divorce. While the circumstances surrounding their breakup have not been publicly discussed, it is known that Foster lived with Bassett in London while she was filming Call The Midwife.
Five years ago, Bassett faced a devastating personal tragedy when her nephew, Dominic, was killed by a drug-driver at the age of 41. Dominic, a university lecturer and father-of-one, was on his motorbike when the incident occurred in 2018. He suffered severe traumatic brain injury with neck and spine injuries, leading his family to make the difficult decision to switch off his life support ten days later.
Linda shared the heartbreak of her nephew and his wife who "were full of plans for the future" when she attended court. She recounted how he was "full of anticipation for their first Christmas in their new house" and chose to ride his bike "because the train journey was longer and he wanted to be home each night in time for Harvey's bath." This tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact of loss.
The Enduring Appeal of Call The Midwife
Call The Midwife continues to resonate with audiences due to its exploration of important social and medical issues within a compelling narrative framework. One notable storyline involved the character of Mrs. Williams, who was suspected of having gestational diabetes. The episode highlighted the historical context of gestational diabetes (GDM), which was only formally recognized as a diagnosis in 1979.
The show accurately depicted early studies on GDM, which initially focused on the effects on the mother, overlooking the potential adverse outcomes for the baby. Later research revealed that babies of mothers with poorly controlled GDM were at higher risk of gaining excessive weight in their trunk, leading to difficult births and potential birth trauma.
Read also: Beef jerky: A high-protein option for shedding pounds?
The episode also touched on the outdated and unhelpful medical advice given to Mrs. Williams, who was simply told she "lacked self-control" and needed to "eat less." This contrasts sharply with modern approaches to GDM, which involve early testing for women with risk factors, diabetic diets, and, if necessary, medication to regulate blood glucose levels.
Another storyline featured Louise Wrigley, who feigned illness to gain attention. This was attributed to her loneliness and lack of community, touching on the concept of Munchausen's syndrome. The show underscores the importance of social connections and community support for overall well-being, highlighting how a lack of these elements can lead to psychological and physical problems.
The friendship between Miss Higgins and Phyllis Crane provides a heartwarming example of the importance of building connections and community. Furthermore, the crisis of faith experienced by Sister Monica Joan offers a poignant reflection on the challenges of maintaining belief in the face of uncertainty. Her words, "Where there was certainty there is emptiness; where once I heard His voice, be it a whisper or a shout, now there is nothing, nothing at all. The light by which I led my life is no more. Worst of all, I fear there never was," resonate with many who have experienced doubt and loss of faith.
Coping with Anxiety and Loss: Lessons from Lucinda Bassett
The struggles faced by characters in Call The Midwife, such as Louise Wrigley's loneliness and Sister Monica Joan's crisis of faith, highlight the importance of mental and emotional well-being. Similarly, Linda Bassett's personal experience with loss underscores the need for effective coping mechanisms. Lucinda Bassett's book, From Panic to Power, offers valuable insights and strategies for managing anxiety and panic attacks, which can be particularly relevant during times of stress and grief.
Lucinda Bassett shares her personal journey with anxiety and panic attacks, describing the overwhelming fear and physical symptoms she experienced. She explains that anxiety is a natural response to stress, but when it becomes excessive and uncontrollable, it can lead to debilitating conditions. The book emphasizes the role of negative thinking patterns and irrational beliefs in triggering and perpetuating anxiety.
Read also: Inspiring Health Transformation
From Panic to Power introduces a program for overcoming anxiety by developing a new mindset based on rational thinking and self-compassion. It encourages readers to replace negative beliefs with positive affirmations and to practice self-care and relaxation techniques. The concept of 'fearless thinking' is introduced, which involves facing fears head-on and reframing them in a more positive light.
Coping strategies for managing anxiety and panic attacks are also discussed, including 'thought stopping' and 'thought replacement'. The book emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep, in managing anxiety. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, are recommended for calming the mind and body.
The book provides a detailed plan for overcoming panic attacks, explaining the physical symptoms and offering strategies for managing them, such as controlled breathing and muscle relaxation techniques. It also addresses anticipatory anxiety and provides guidance on how to overcome it, encouraging readers to face their fears gradually and to build confidence in their ability to manage panic attacks.
From Panic to Power concludes by focusing on maintaining progress and living a life free from anxiety, emphasizing the importance of ongoing self-care and the need to continue practicing the coping strategies learned throughout the program. It also addresses the role of medication and therapy in treating anxiety, acknowledging that some individuals may require additional support.