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Original poster

Anyone else genuinely saddened by Barbara Windsor death?

62 replies

Mally2020 · 13/12/2020 03:37

I just feel a genuine sadness almost like actual grief for her death. I was old enough to see her carry ons at the time or her start on eastenders but having watched all of her stuff over the years it does feel like a loss, I also have a personal connection so I think that's why it affected me more.

OP posts:
Original poster
Mally2020 · 13/12/2020 03:38

Wasn't old enough to see her*

OP posts:
Frownette · 13/12/2020 03:42

Not really, because she'd had a colourful life, got a chance to do many things and had a happy last marriage, and she was in her 80s and very ill.

It's different for you though as you had a personal connection :)

DidoLamenting · 13/12/2020 03:45

A bit yes. She's been around all my life. I also think, having read obituaries, that she didn't get credit for being as intelligent and good an actress as she actually was.

NotYourReindeer · 13/12/2020 06:22

I don't often "mourn" a celebrity passing, other than a "ah, bless". The few that have hit me (not as hard as a personal loss, obviously?) have been Rik Mayall, David Bowie and Victoria Wood. I can now add Barbara Windsor to that list.

I was wondering why some more than others and I realised, these people were my entertainers growing up - I loved them. Barbara Windsor was just always there, never offensive (a bit cheesy at times!) and always a feature of a long Sunday afternoon watching TV while my mum did the ironing. When she became part of Eastenders this further engrained her into the heart of English (not sure about British?) entertainment and her landlady roar "get outta ma pub!" needed no explanation when impersonated in workplaces, family gatherings and the like.

She's just always been there, so her death is noticeable and it's normal to feel it, especially if like me you can identify with losing a once vibrant loved one to Dementia.

TheRubyRedshoes · 13/12/2020 08:32

She was unique and very warm and genuine, I was at a TV thing with several minor celebs and my friend whose dB had downs syndrome, other Pr types were pointing him out and the celeb shoved their arm around him and walked off without saying a word (needless to say he wouldn't have their pic up after!!) but Barbara came up of her own voilition, chatted... She was lovely and brought a smile to his face m

cariadlet · 13/12/2020 08:54

I felt sorry for her having Alzheimers, as I would for anyone suffering from that. Otherwise, I don't feel anything.

As a child, I was aware of her from the Carry On films but her characters just seemed a bit silly and irritating so I didn't warm to her from that. When I was older, I became aware of how she used to hang around with criminals and that put me off her.

The deaths that touched me this year were those of Tim Brooke Taylor, Chadwick Boseman, Geoffrey Palmer, James Randi, Ian Holm and the wonderful RBG. I felt far sadder when I heard about them than when I heard about Barbara Windsor.

MassDebate · 13/12/2020 09:00

I feel the same; I think it’s because I grew up watching Carry On films at my grandparents’ house and they have passed in the last couple of years too. It’s a reminder of the end of an era in a way.

Nicolastuffedone · 13/12/2020 09:04

No. But then I can’t get upset about people I don’t know. I couldn’t understand all the hysteria around Princess Diana at all. I’m sorry Barbara Windsor had Alzheimer’s, dementia is such a cruel disease, but I can’t say her death has affected me.
I’m sorry for you, having a personal connection, it will be worse for you.💐

SantasBritchesSpelleas · 13/12/2020 09:06

I think what saddened me was her Alzheimers diagnosis - instead of enjoying her last years, she had to live through the deterioration of her faculties, knowing she would continue to deteriorate.

nosswith · 13/12/2020 09:07

I was saddened by her having Alzheimer's for the last few years of her life, as I am with anyone who has the disease. And think how awful it is for their family.

GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER · 13/12/2020 09:11

TBH I can’t feel too sad about the death of anyone who’s had dementia for any length of time. Having seen far too much of that vile disease, IMO for anyone who’s had a reasonably good innings, it’s a fate rather worse than death.

WheresMyMask · 13/12/2020 09:14

No.
It would have been a welcomed relief. The poor woman had Alzheimer's.
A frigging abhorrent disease.

TreacleHart · 13/12/2020 09:15

I was surprised when I shed a tear on Friday watching the One Show which was dedicated to her.

CeibaTree · 13/12/2020 09:17

My mum died aged 66, so whenever I hear of someone BW's age dying, I think how lucky they were to have had a long life (Alzheimer's or not). I generally don't find the death of famous people any sadder than other people I don't know, but if you had a personal connection to her then of course you'll be more affected by it than other people.

SantasBritchesSpelleas · 13/12/2020 10:04

Yes, that's a good way of looking at it, CeibaTree. She had a long life and was working right up to when she became ill, so in that respect she was lucky. She had a life full of achievements, and had found happiness with Scott - and she was very fortunate to have Scott to look after her with such devotion when the terrible illness took hold.

Cherrysoup · 13/12/2020 10:57

Not sure she was the nicest person-a neighbour was on a night out with her and hurriedly came home (Krays era). Anyone who hung round with that lot makes me think she’s dodgy. (Neighbour included!)

I agree with pp re anyone with dementia dying is a blessed relief, frankly. Cruel and horrendous illness.

Ihavethesecret · 13/12/2020 11:01

No. She consisted with gangsters and conmen. Rather keep my admiration for people who don't hang around with people who tone, steal and torture as their day job.

Original poster
Mally2020 · 14/12/2020 03:50

@ihavethesecret one of those people you're calling a gangster and a conman was my family member, please be cautious of how callous you come across during times of grief. She was a fantastic lady with a difficult life and a tremendous talent.

OP posts:
Nicolastuffedone · 14/12/2020 05:56

In fairness, you asked the question.....🤷‍♀️

cariadlet · 14/12/2020 06:16

... and she did choose to hang around with criminals. I really don't understand how "gangsters" are supposed to be glamorous. I can't see anything glamorous about violence and intimidation.

Nicolastuffedone · 14/12/2020 06:20

Exactly......The Krays, Ronnie Knight etc. They WERE gangsters, what else could you call them?

TramaDollface · 14/12/2020 06:24

@cariadlet

The gangsters/ Eastenders cast thing seems be be a constant connection. I’ve lost count of the amount of EE actors known to have connections with that world. Or just been plain dodgy.

Frownette · 14/12/2020 06:26

Might be a hiring condition Grin

TheSilentStars · 14/12/2020 06:29

Rather strange all this.
You asked if people felt like you about BW. Mentioning you have a personal connection.
So of course no matter what people think, they aren't going to feel like you. Hmm
And fwiw, the (rubbish) films were part of all of our childhoods as was 'Enders.
She had a good career, a lot of fans, but was also more than proud to big up her East End gangster connections.

TheSilentStars · 14/12/2020 06:30

And your family member may or may not be/have been a criminal, but BW certainly cohorted with a lot who were.

Death doesn't turn a famous person into a nice person.