It’s not every day that a love story lasts over four decades, especially in showbiz. Yet Leigh Lawson and Twiggy, the iconic supermodel, have done just that.
After 42 years of marriage, the couple remain as close as ever—and the secret, according to Leigh, isn’t just love; it’s staying busy.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, 82-year-old Leigh explained that continuing to work alongside his 75-year-old wife has kept their bond strong.
“I think it’s quite important to keep busy, I think that helps in your relationships,” he said.
“We get on really well and we spend almost all of our time together. We enjoy each other’s company and work on projects together.
We’ve just had a wonderful success with the musical based on Twiggy’s life, Close-Up.”
Creative Passions Fuel Their Connection
Leigh recently released a book of autobiographical poetry, Now and Then, while Twiggy continues to take on modeling and television projects.
“I can’t see her retiring,” Leigh shared. “She’s a ball of energy.
In January she was offered the cover of Vogue twice—for Vogue Portugal and Vogue Greece.
I’m just so proud of her. She’s 75 and still getting booked by Vogue, and she’s just come back from doing Germany’s Next Top Model.”
Reflecting on their marriage, Leigh said, “The last 42 years have gone so quickly. When you’re happy, time goes quickly.”
Second Chances and Life Experience
Both Leigh and Twiggy had previous marriages before finding each other.
Leigh split from his wife Mondy in 1976, while Twiggy was widowed in 1983 after her husband Michael Witney died of a heart attack.
“I think luck plays a big part,” Leigh said. “I wonder if we would have lasted as long if we’d met when we were younger.
I was in my 40s when we met, so I must have done something right to get a second chance.
You’re more prepared to make compromises when you’re a bit older, and humour is probably the glue that holds it all together. We make each other laugh a lot.”
The Story of How They Met
The couple first crossed paths in the 1980s through mutual friend and actor Robert Powell, who invited them to dinner.
“I went along and we got on fine over dinner,” Leigh recalled. Twiggy, however, wasn’t content to leave it at that.
Two days later, she showed up at his house in a big blue Jaguar and asked, “Hello, do you want a cup of tea?” Leigh laughed, remembering the moment: “Who would’ve thought in the whole of London that she lived around the corner? She pulled me off the streets basically!”
Leigh reflects fondly on how dating has changed over the years: “I didn’t need a dating app, but my heart goes out to young people today.
How do you flirt? Everything’s politically incorrect now. I still make blunders, and my kids say, ‘You can’t say that anymore!’”
Admiration and Friendship at the Heart of Love
Leigh was captivated by Twiggy from the start. “I found my wife really attractive and desirable when I met her,” he admitted.
“But first, I thought she was just a really nice lady. And I still feel that way.
She’s kind, and after 40 years, it’s clear that being friends with your partner and enjoying their company is just as important as anything else.”
Leigh made his name as an actor in the 1970s, appearing in shows like Travelling Man and Silent Witness, as well as films including Sister Moon and Tess.
But poetry has always been a passion. “I love what words can do,” he said.
“Poetry has always been expressive and therapeutic for me. It’s good for the soul and has helped me through crises and problems.”
Inspiration Behind Now and Then
Leigh revealed that his new book was inspired by his late friend, composer and author Leslie Bricusse.
After reading an anecdote about Billy Wilder, who regretted wasting his 80s, Leigh realized he wanted to embrace his own creativity in later life.
“We’re all living longer, and it’s a time when you can fulfil dreams you didn’t have the chance to pursue before.
One of the nice things about getting older is you don’t really care as much about what other people think,” he said.
Now and Then, Leigh Lawson’s autobiographical poetry collection, is available at Waterstones and other good bookstores.