Susan Hampshire is an English actress who became a household name through classic television adaptations of literary works. Best known for her roles in The Forsyte Saga, The First Churchills, and Vanity Fair, she earned three Primetime Emmy Awards for those performances. Beyond her acting career, she is widely recognised for her advocacy work on dyslexia, a condition she has lived with and campaigned about for decades.
Born in Kensington, London on 12 May 1937, Hampshire began acting as a child and trained in theatre before rising to fame in the 1960s and 1970s. Her career has spanned more than seven decades, though she has taken fewer roles in recent years. She also holds the title of Lady Kulukundis through her second marriage.
What is Susan Hampshire’s Net Worth?
No reliable source has disclosed Susan Hampshire’s net worth. Any figure found online is speculative, as she has kept her financial affairs private. Estimates that circulate – typically ranging between $1 and $5 million – are not backed by official records or verified statements.
Key Insights About Susan Hampshire
- She is a three-time Emmy Award-winning English actress, best known for classic novel adaptations on television.
- Hampshire was diagnosed with dyslexia at around age 30 and later wrote about it in her autobiography Susan’s Story.
- She served as president of the Dyslexia Institute from 1995 to 1998 and received an OBE in 1995 for her advocacy work.
- Her first marriage was to French director Pierre Granier-Deferre (1967–1974); they had one son, Christopher, and a daughter, Victoria, who died shortly after birth.
- In 1981 she married Sir Eddie Kulukundis, a Greek shipping magnate; he died in 2021.
- Hampshire has not publicly disclosed her net worth, and no verified financial data exists.
Snapshot Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Susan Hampshire, Lady Kulukundis |
| Date of Birth | 12 May 1937 |
| Age (2025) | 88 years |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Actress |
| First Husband | Pierre Granier-Deferre (m. 1967–1974) |
| Second Husband | Sir Eddie Kulukundis (m. 1981–2021) |
| Children | One surviving son, Christopher; a daughter, Victoria, died in infancy |
| Years Active | 1950s–present |
| Notable Works | The Forsyte Saga, Vanity Fair, The Pallisers, The First Churchills |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | Not publicly disclosed; unverified estimates vary |
How Old is Susan Hampshire and What Does She Look Like Now?
Her Age
Susan Hampshire was born on 12 May 1937 in Kensington, London. As of 2025, she is 88 years old. Her birth date is confirmed by multiple authoritative sources, including Wikipedia and TV Insider.
Her Appearance Then and Now
Public photographs of Susan Hampshire from her younger years are widely available – she was known for her fair hair, delicate features, and elegant style. Recent images of her are less common. The most recent publicly available photos appear to be from several years ago. As she has lived a quiet, private life in her later years, current candid photographs are not easily found.
While many stock photo agencies such as Getty Images hold historic images, no single source provides a clear, up-to-date portrait of Susan Hampshire as of 2025.
Who is Susan Hampshire Married To?
First Marriage: Pierre Granier-Deferre
Hampshire married French film director Pierre Granier-Deferre in 1967. The marriage ended in divorce in 1974. During their union, they had two children: a son, Christopher Granier-Deferre, and a daughter, Victoria, who died shortly after birth.
Second Marriage: Sir Eddie Kulukundis
In 1981, she married Sir Eddie Kulukundis, a Greek shipping magnate and philanthropist. The marriage lasted until his death in 2021. Sources such as Screenonline and Beyond the Title document this period of her life.
Does Susan Hampshire Have Children?
Yes, Susan Hampshire has one surviving child: a son named Christopher Granier-Deferre, from her marriage to Pierre Granier-Deferre. Some sources also mention a daughter, Victoria, who died soon after birth. Information about Christopher’s private life is not widely publicised.
The death of a child is a deeply personal matter. The mention of Victoria appears in several reputable biographical sources, but details are sparse out of respect for the family’s privacy.
What Movies and TV Shows Has Susan Hampshire Starred In?
Susan Hampshire’s career is closely tied to British television’s golden age of literary adaptations. Her most celebrated performances include:
- The Forsyte Saga (1967) – as Fleur Forsyte
- The First Churchills (1969) – as Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough
- Vanity Fair (1972) – as Becky Sharp
- The Pallisers (1974) – as Lady Glencora
- Monarch of the Glen (2000s) – minor role
- The Grand (1990s) – series role
Her complete filmography is listed on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes. She also performed extensively on stage and in film throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
Where Does Susan Hampshire Live Now?
Susan Hampshire’s current residence is not confirmed in any public record. It is believed that she lives in the United Kingdom, but her exact location has not been disclosed. Given her age and preference for privacy, she has not shared details about her home with the media.
Key Milestones in Susan Hampshire’s Life
- 1937 – Born in London, England.
- 1950s – Began acting in theatre and television as a child performer.
- 1967 – Starred as Fleur Forsyte in The Forsyte Saga, gaining international fame.
- 1969 – Won her first Emmy Award for The Forsyte Saga.
- 1970 – Won a second Emmy for The First Churchills.
- 1973 – Won a third Emmy for Vanity Fair.
- 1981 – Married Sir Eddie Kulukundis.
- 1995 – Received an OBE for her dyslexia advocacy; became president of the Dyslexia Institute.
- 2000s–present – Semi-retired, with occasional public appearances and acting roles.
What Is Known and What Remains Uncertain About Susan Hampshire?
Established Information
- Date of birth (12 May 1937) is confirmed by multiple authoritative sources.
- Three Emmy wins are well-documented and widely reported.
- Marriage to Sir Eddie Kulukundis in 1981 is a matter of public record.
- Her filmography is extensively catalogued on IMDb and Wikipedia.
- She is a dyslexia advocate with an OBE.
Information That Remains Unclear
- Net worth is not publicly disclosed; any figure is speculative.
- Current residence is not publicly confirmed; sources suggest she lives in the UK, but the exact location is unknown.
- Recent photographs (e.g., “what does she look like now”) are not widely available; the most recent public images may be from years ago.
Why Does Susan Hampshire Matter?
Susan Hampshire rose to prominence during the golden age of British television adaptations. Her three Emmy wins for costume dramas reflect the high quality of her performances and the lasting impact of those productions. Beyond acting, she became a vocal advocate for dyslexia after being diagnosed in her thirties. By writing about her experiences in Susan’s Story and serving as president of the Dyslexia Institute, she helped raise awareness and support for individuals with learning differences. Her career spans over seven decades, cementing her status as a respected figure in British entertainment.
What Do Official Sources Say About Susan Hampshire?
“Susan Hampshire, Lady Kulukundis (born 12 May 1937) is an English actress. She is a three-time Emmy Award winner.”
– Wikipedia
Additional sources, such as IMDb, note that her original ambition was to be a nurse before turning to acting. An interview with Beyond the Title highlighted her openness about dyslexia and her enduring love for the theatre.
What’s Next for Susan Hampshire?
As of 2025, Susan Hampshire is likely retired or semi-retired from acting. Given her age (88), she is not expected to take on new major roles. Any future public appearances would be noteworthy. Her legacy continues through her classic TV performances and her advocacy work for dyslexia. For more on fellow British actors of a similar era, see Juliet Mills – Biography, Age, Movies, and TV Shows and Michael Crawford – Biography, Career and Latest News 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Susan Hampshire’s full name?
Her full name is Susan Hampshire, Lady Kulukundis. She uses the title Lady Kulukundis through her marriage to Sir Eddie Kulukundis.
How many Emmy Awards has she won?
She has won three Primetime Emmy Awards for her roles in The Forsyte Saga, The First Churchills, and Vanity Fair.
Who was her first husband?
Her first husband was French film director Pierre Granier-Deferre, whom she married in 1967 and divorced in 1974.
What is Susan Hampshire’s most famous role?
She is best known for playing Fleur Forsyte in the 1967 television adaptation of The Forsyte Saga.
Victoria Winslow is Editor-in-Chief at ShowbizUK.co.uk, overseeing editorial policy, corrections, editorial standards, publication decisions, source review and content quality across the publication.