Some love stories simply stand the test of time—and for Twiggy and her husband, Leigh Lawson, that couldn’t be truer.
More than four decades after they first crossed paths, the iconic Sixties supermodel and the actor-turned-poet are still going strong.
According to Leigh, the secret to their long marriage lies in something many couples might overlook: staying busy and working together.
Why Keeping Busy Keeps Them Close
At 83, Leigh says he and Twiggy, 75, continue to thrive because they’ve never slowed down.
“I think it’s quite important to keep busy, I think that helps in your relationships,” he explained. “We get on really well and spend almost all our time together.
We enjoy each other’s company and we work on projects together.”
Their most recent collaboration? A successful stage musical based on Twiggy’s life, Close-Up.
Twiggy Still Shines in Fashion
Leigh can’t hide his pride when he talks about his wife’s enduring career. Far from slowing down, Twiggy continues to be in demand.
Earlier this year she landed two Vogue covers—Portugal and Greece—and even made an appearance on Germany’s Next Top Model.
Leigh summed it up with pride: “She’s 75 and still getting booked by Vogue. She’s a ball of energy, and I can’t see her retiring.”
Meeting Later in Life Made It Work
Both had been married before—Twiggy was widowed in 1983 and Leigh divorced in 1976.
Looking back, Leigh believes meeting later in life helped their relationship flourish.
“I was in my 40s when we met. I think there’s more respect when you’re older, and you’re more prepared to compromise,” he said.
“The glue that holds us together is humour. We laugh a lot.”
How They First Met
The couple were introduced by a mutual friend, actor Robert Powell, over dinner in the Eighties.
Leigh didn’t ask for Twiggy’s number, but that didn’t stop her from taking matters into her own hands.
Just two days later, she pulled up outside his home in her Jaguar and invited him for tea. Leigh still laughs about it: “She basically pulled me off the streets!”
Romance Without Dating Apps
Reflecting on today’s dating culture, Leigh admitted he’s relieved they didn’t need apps or algorithms to find each other.
“My heart goes out to young people today. How do you flirt? Everything’s politically incorrect.
I still make blunders now and my kids tell me, ‘You can’t say that anymore!’”
Beyond Beauty
Despite Twiggy being one of the world’s most famous faces, Leigh insists what drew him in was more than looks.
“Of course I found her attractive,” he said. “But more than that, she was a really kind and nice person.
After 40 years, I know how important it is to be with someone you genuinely enjoy as a friend.”
From Acting to Poetry
Leigh first found fame as an actor in the Seventies, with roles in Travelling Man, Silent Witness, and the film Tess.
But writing has always been close to his heart. He’s just released Now and Then, a collection of autobiographical poems reflecting on his life.
“I love what words can do,” he explained. “Poetry has been a sort of therapy for me—it’s good for the soul.”
Inspired by an Old Friend
The decision to publish came after reading a memoir by his late friend, composer Leslie Bricusse.
In it, director Billy Wilder confessed at 92 that his only regret was “wasting his eighties.”
Leigh took it as a personal nudge: “It was like a message from Leslie—don’t waste your time. You can still fulfil your dreams.”
Still Dreaming, Still Laughing
For Twiggy and Leigh, the years together have flown by. “When you’re happy, time goes quickly,” Leigh reflected.
Their story proves that companionship, humour, and shared passions can keep a marriage not only alive but joyful—even after four decades.