Full Breakdown
Lesley-Anne Down Recounts Three Near-Death Experiences
By Drooid · · How we work
Early Childhood Threat
When Down was 10 years old, she recalled hearing about the Moors murders—five children killed by Ian Brady and Myra Hindley in England during the 1960s. The case haunted her family, and a year later, while returning from a launderette with her mother, a man approached her on a footbridge, stopped, and said “Hello.” He then attempted to place her in his car, claiming he needed a babysitter and would call her parents. Down’s mother’s arrival broke the encounter, and the man fled.
Young Adult Danger
At age 18, Down ordered a taxi in the countryside. After getting into the vehicle, she noticed the absence of a radio and other typical taxi features. When she asked the driver to stop, he refused. Feeling the same “horrible feeling” she described from the earlier incident, Down opened the door and jumped from the moving car traveling about 25 mph, landing in a puddle and covering herself in blood. The driver shut the door and drove off at top speed.
Reflections and Advice
Down, now 72, said the experiences have shaped her outlook on personal safety. She advises women in Hollywood to “never go anywhere alone” and to keep an agent or publicist nearby at all times. In 2012 she decided to step back from the industry, noting she was in a position where she “didn’t have to” continue. She also explained turning down two Bond-girl offers because the role did not align with her values.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A year later, my mother and I were coming back from the launderette with the washing,” — Anne Down
- “ "He told me he needed a babysitter, and he would call my parents when we got to his house," Down said.” — Anne Down
- “As soon as he's driving away, I'm already feeling that horrible feeling," Down said.” — Anne Down
- “I made a decision many, many years ago, actually about 2012, that I wanted out,” — Anne Down
These recollections illustrate the actress’s repeated brushes with danger and her resulting emphasis on vigilance.