The Good Life became one of the best-loved British television shows after the first episode aired April 4, 1975.
Set in Surbiton, the 70s television show follows Tom and Barbara Good, a middle-class couple, who turn their home into a self-sufficient allotment.
Their way of life leaves their traditionalist neighbours, Margo and Jerry Leadbetter, horrified in the hilarious comedy series.
The programme ran for three years and was created by John Esmonde and Bob Larbey.
It ranked 18th in a Radio Times list of the 20 greatest British sitcoms in 2019.
Today (April 4) marks 46 years since the hit programme broadcasted for the first time in 1975.
Daily Star is exploring what happened to the main cast of the hit sitcom.
Felicity Kendal CBE – Barbara Good
(Image: PA)
Felicity Kendal, who played Barbara Good on the hit series, has worked extensively in both TV and theatre for more than 50 years.
After The Good Life came to an end, Felicity’s television work included 80s sitcom Solo and 2003 gardening mystery-thriller Rosemary & Thyme alongside Pam Ferris.
She’s also showcased her other talents over the years as she took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2010.
Felicity made it to the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom show alongside professional partner Vincent Simone.
Like what you see? Then fill your boots…
There’s MUCH more where that came from! Want all the jaw-dropping stories from the world of showbiz and up to the minute news from TV and soaps?
Well, we’ve got you covered with our showbiz, TV and soaps newsletters – they’ll drop straight into your inbox and you can unsubscribe whenever you like.
We’ll bring you the inside track from telly expert Ed Gleave and soap specialist Sasha Morris. Oh, and your daily fix of Piers, Katie Price, Demi Rose and all your other Daily Star favs.
You can sign up here – you won’t regret it…
Kendal was reunited with her former co-star Keith on stage at a gala performance of A Room with a View in 2015.
She starred in a West End revival of Lettice and Lovage at the Menier Chocolate Factory alongside Corrie star Maureen Lipman in 2017.
Felicity also made an appearance in one episode of US Crime series Pennyworth in 2019.
The actress has been through two divorces and has two sons from her first marriage to Drew Henley.
Richard Briers CBE – Tom Good
(Image: ExpressStar)
Richard played the role of Tom Good on the classic sitcom.
Raynes-Park born Briers enjoyed an incredible career in the media world as heworked for 50 years in television, film, stage and radio.
After being catapulted into stardom in the Good Life, he played Martin in BBC sitcom Ever Decreasing Circles.
He also had the leading role of Hector in Monarch of the Glen.
From the late 80s, Richard took to movie sets as he performed Shakespearean roles in films like Henry V and Much Ado About Nothing.
Later he also acted in Hamlet and As You Like It.
The actor passed away in 2013 after being diagnosed with lung disease, but he continued to work for five years previously after being diagnosed with the condition.
Dame Penelope Keith – Margo Leadbetter
(Image: Stratford Archive)
Penelope Keith played the iconic role of Margo Leadbetter in The Good Life, who couldn’t stand the lifestyle choice of her neighbours.
After the sitcom ended, Keith had an amazing television career.
She starred in the 80s show Executive Stress and was in To the Manor Born, which aired until 2007.
The television star has hosted her own programme, Penelope Keith’s Hidden Villages, since 2014.
She’s also enjoyed a fabulous theatre career with roles in productions of Blithe Spirit, The Chalk Garden and The Importance of Being Earnest.
Keith currently lives in Surrey with her husband Rodney. They married in 1978 and have two children.
Paul Eddington CBE – Jerry Leadbetter
(Image: Mirrorpix)
Eddington played Jerry Leadbetter, the husband of Margo, in The Good Life.
They were both intended to be small characters but ended up being huge parts of the iconic series.
Paul is not only well know for his part in The Good Life, but also for playing Jim Hacker in political satire Yes Minister and Yes, Prime Minister.
The star was shortlisted for the same BAFTA four times for the leading role, but each time he lost to co-star Nigel Hawthorne.
Eddington was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called mycosis fungoides when he was just 28, which was kept private up until a year before his death.
He died aged 68 in 1995.
Reginald Marsh – Sir Andrew
(Image: BBC)
Reginald played Jerry’s boss Sir Andrew in numerous episodes and was also Tom’s boss beforehand.
After his The Good Life role, Marsh acted in an array of supporting roles in British sitcoms from the 70s.
He featured in two other married couple comedies, Terry and June, followed by George and Mildred.
The actor was 74 when he passed away in February 2001.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
