Helen Lederer, a prominent figure in British comedy, is not just another comedian; she is an embodiment of resilience and creativity. At the age of 70, she continues to challenge stereotypes associated with aging while maintaining a vibrant social life, reminiscent of her experiences in the world of entertainment—acting in famous sitcoms like Absolutely Fabulous, Bottom, and The Young Ones, as well as writing five books. Born in Carmarthen to a diverse family, her memoir, Not That I’m Bitter, recently released in paperback, captures the interesting journey of her life, highlighting both the ups and downs of being a creative in an unforgiving industry.
Lederer’s perspective on finances is both practical and reflective, shaped by years of fluctuating earnings as a freelancer. When posed with the question of whether she’s a saver or a spender, she describes herself as a "periodic spender." Much of her spending is directed towards gifts for friends, a trait that showcases her generous nature. However, there’s a hint of humor in her acknowledgment of her financial capabilities—or lack thereof. “I still can’t remember how to pay people through online banking,” she admits, emphasizing a disconnect many might feel in today’s increasingly digital world.
Helen’s financial landscape is complex. She owns a home in Southeast London, which she shares with her second husband, Chris Browne. Reflecting on property investments, she noted, “I can’t remember exactly how much we bought the house for, but it was most likely between £500,000 and £600,000.” The couple is currently contemplating moving and the prospect of going through years of accumulated paperwork—a task often associated with dread, especially when one has lived in a space for decades.
The context of money in her life is intertwined with her professional journey. Despite a successful career, Lederer admits to the skepticism that often accompanies freelance life. “Do I worry about not earning more? Absolutely,” she reveals. "It’s tough when there are so many talented individuals vying for the same opportunities.” Such reflections lend credence to the struggles an artist faces in a saturated market, underscoring a truth that remains universal: passion does not always equate to financial security.
Lederer candidly discusses wealth, noting that she does not consider herself financially affluent. “Probably not,” she states when asked if she’s better off than her parents. This self-awareness speaks volumes about the realm of freelancers; unpredictable income leaves one in a continual state of financial flux.
Reflecting on her own financial habits, she offers insight into her spending patterns. From her extravagant purchases, like a luxurious garden furniture set bought with proceeds from her time on Celebrity Big Brother, to the ongoing expenditure she manages through her various endeavors, Lederer’s approach to money is pragmatic and grounded. “I should be more driven by money,” she confesses, illustrating her ambivalence towards financial ambition.
One weakness she humorously admits to is her weekly blow-dry, a guilty pleasure she prioritizes, even if it’s not the most logical expenditure. Amidst talks of financial discipline, she recognizes that enjoying life is also a necessary facet. She quips, “I’m not going to scrimp on my gin and tonics when I go out,” speaking to a level of comfort and empowerment many seek in their golden years.
The reality of financial priorities becomes ever clearer as she elaborates on her most lucrative work—like her time on Celebrity Big Brother, which brought her substantial earnings, alongside an advert that netted an impressive fee decades ago. Yet, even with successes, she recognizes the disparity facing those in her industry. “You may do a similar job, but you’re not paid the same money,” she points out, bringing forth the harsh truth of inequality in entertainment.
As she navigates the world of potential investments, Lederer reveals her hesitance towards shares, stating, “I wouldn’t know where to start.” This sentiment many can relate to underscores that investment isn’t just a financial game; it’s an intricate dance of knowledge, strategy, and instinct.
Her reflections paint a picture of someone who values time over money, firmly believing in supporting causes like the Comedy Women in Print Prize, which she founded, or charities she champions, such as The King’s Trust. “I just think there’s an amazing number of organizations out there to support,” she elegantly expresses, further displaying the intersection of her comedic spirit and civic responsibility.
In contemplating her journey, Lederer admits to learning a valuable lesson about money: the necessity of valuing it more. She acknowledges her past inclinations to revert to a carefree attitude towards finances and the need to shift towards a more conscientious approach. “When you’re this age, you kind of just value the time you have a bit more,” she asserts.
Aside from her personal anecdotes, the essence of Not That I’m Bitter and her ongoing endeavors encapsulate the excitement of chasing dreams beyond monetary gain. In a world that often measures success in dollars, Helen Lederer’s narrative serves as a reinforcement of pursuing passion, community, and personal fulfillment, regardless of financial limitations. Her humor and perspective remind us all that although money may make the world go round, it certainly isn’t everything, especially when one is determined to take life as it comes.
As she continues to make appearances—such as her current role in the BBC Two programme Pilgrimage—one can only hope to see Helen Lederer inspiring narratives unfold, where laughter and authenticity merge, reminding us that life should be lived fully, with a generous splash of humor and the occasional indulgent gin and tonic.
