Ludwig's Anna Maxwell Martin says people would cross road to avoid her after husband's death

Anna Maxwell Martin, best known for her roles in Motherland and Line of Duty, tragically lost her ex-husband in 2021, just one year after they had separated following 10 years of marriage

Ludwig's Anna Maxwell Martin sadly revealed people would cross the road to avoid her after the heartbreaking loss of her ex-husband.

The 47-year-old actress, best known for her roles in Motherland and Line of Duty, has opened up on the devastating aftermath of the death of director Roger Michell, who passed away at the age of 65 in 2021. Anna began a relationship with the Notting Hill director in 2004, and they tied the knot in 2010, despite the 20-year age difference. The happy couple then welcomed daughters Maggie, 15, and Nancy, 13, but announced they had separated in 2020.

The following year, Roger sadly died, and Anna spoke about the impact his sudden passing has had on their family in an interview with The Sunday Times. The actress, who is currently starring in the BBC comedy Ludwig, admitted grieving his loss was hard to navigate as she felt some acquaintances avoided her and her daughters following his death.

Anna said that some of her circle of friends had “cocked up” by not showing any empathy towards Roger’s grieving family. “We make these broad, sweeping statements about, ‘we’re much better now,’ but I haven’t found that. Schools certainly aren’t any better,” she began.

“And then there are those who talk to me as if nothing’s happened. We’ve experienced a whole load of that. The girls - thank God - are very deft at processing it, so they will bring their daddy into conversation, but even members of Roger’s generation, people my age, can’t have [his death] mentioned,” Anna explained.

She said people are “very bad at acknowledging pain or death or difficulty,” and believed it was a “cultural thing” to hide their emotions. “I’m really glad I’m not one of those people because when it happens I think - I feel sorry for you. You’ve cocked up. I know you’re scared but it’s about showing care,” Anna continued.

Anna lost her own father when she was 24, and is relieved that her daughters get to hear and see their father in footage on the internet. “It’s really important. My girls miss [their father] all the time… they can see him whenever they want. I go on the internet and listen to Roger often,” she admitted.

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