Three years ago, renowned British actress Jenny Agutter opened up to a British newspaper about her unforgettable childhood in Cyprus, revealing a unique blend of idyllic moments and historical drama.
Best known for her roles in “The Railway Children” and “Call the Midwife,” Agutter lived in Dhekelia, Cyprus, during her formative years, thanks to her father Derek Agutter’s role as an entertainments manager in the British Army.
From the ages of nine to sixteen, Agutter experienced a unique upbringing on the sun-soaked island of Cyprus. “There is still an echo for me of those days in Cyprus,” she recalls.
“I remember going to Greek and Turkish weddings with heavenly food, picnics up in the mountains, and sailing in a boat built by dad and his friends.”
Agutter’s time in Cyprus was not without its challenges.
During the intercommunal violence in Nicosia in December 1963, young Jenny and her family found themselves in a tense and dangerous situation.
“My brother and I noticed adults were being very peculiar and hush-hush. We had an inkling something was going on, but no one wanted to address the subject,” she reflects. One night, she was abruptly awakened by the sound of gunfire. “I went to get my father, who insisted I was dreaming. But we went to the front door, and it turned out I had been right – there was shooting outside. Dad said, ‘Everyone flat on the floor, lights out!'”
Following this harrowing experience, the Agutter family swiftly relocated to Dhekelia.
“The following morning, my parents had just enough time to load up the car with what they could take, the cat and dogs, and finally Jonathan and me. We moved temporarily to my father’s office in the Greek part of town – leaving behind everything in that wonderful home.”
Despite the turmoil, Jenny Agutter’s memories of Cyprus are filled with warmth and nostalgia. Her experiences on the island, from attending weddings to mountain picnics and sailing adventures, left an indelible mark on her.
These formative years in Cyprus played a significant role in shaping the actress we know today.