Jane Seymour Opens Up About How a Near-Death Experience Helped Her Cherish Life (EXCLUSIVE)

Jane Seymour is known for her roles in Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, East of Eden, as a Bond girl in Live and Let Die and currently on Acorn TV’s Harry Wild. Now filming a Hallmark holiday movie in Dublin, Ireland, the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress, artist, mother, grandmother and entrepreneur is no stranger to the word “busy.” 

The British actress continues her decades of success with her latest project, Relative Secrets, which premiered on June 2 on Acorn TV. The unscripted series explores an everyday American family’s history to uncover sometimes dark truths buried in their bloodline. “Everyone has a family story,” Seymour shares as our Woman’s World cover girl (get your copy here!). 

At 74, when many actresses have retired from the spotlight, Jane says she is happier than ever with her personal and professional life. Here, in a candid one-on-one, Jane opens up about how she stays healthy, positive and vibrant. 

Jane Seymour talks the beauty of aging

Woman’s World (WW): You’ve spoken out about aging, advocating for and appreciating the body you were given. In what ways do you appreciate your body

Jane Seymour: I appreciate being healthy. I think health is wealth… health is everything, especially at my age. When I was younger, I had a near-death experience years ago in Spain, I left my body and came back as they rescued me. I remember thinking, Our body is like a vehicle, and you have to take care of it. Physically, emotionally, spiritually—it’s a privilege to care for this vehicle during our time here.

So I eat sensibly—almost vegetarian with a lot of fish. I barely drink and have never smoked. I exercise carefully, listening to my body. For example, wild Zumba or aerobics aren’t good if you risk injury. You have to do what fits your abilities. It’s important to hit the pause button sometimes and ask, “How important is it to stay mobile and healthy?” Vitamins, good food and being comfortable in your size all matter, as long as you’re healthy.

WW: What does your exercise routine look like right now?

Jane Seymour: I’m filming 12 Dates of Christmas in Dublin at the moment, so I take walks whenever I can. I love walking. I also do isometrics, Pilates floor exercises, ballet barre moves like pliés and stretches—sometimes in my trailer or on set. It’s mostly about core strength, balance, and keeping knees, hips and back aligned.

Even if you can’t get to a gym, there are plenty of exercises you can do anywhere—kitchen sink press-ups, sitting leg lifts, wall sits. There’s no excuse not to do something good for your body every day.

WW: How do you start your day?

Jane Seymour: I start with black coffee to wake up, followed by a bath or quick shower with a cold rinse at the end. I like an hour-long walk before showering, or sometimes a workout if I have time. I practice intermittent fasting—no food after 6 p.m. and only clear liquids until noon the next day. My main meal is midday, and I might snack lightly before dinner.

WW: What are your favorite healthy snacks?

Jane Seymour: We grow organic vegetables, so I love crunchy raw veggies like carrots, cucumbers, celery and peppers with hummus or homemade guacamole. I keep raw almonds and walnuts handy too. My “naughty” snack is 70% dark chocolate!

Jane talks mindfulness, creativity and emotional wellbeing

WW: What are some ways you quiet your mind?

Jane Seymour: Don’t get caught up in the endless scroll on your phone, especially if the stories are negative or unclear. If you feel disquieted, detach from it. I love meditation and deep breathing—five seconds in, five seconds out. Sitting by water, watching it flow, is incredibly soothing, whether it’s a river, lake or ocean. Being in nature, even in the rain, lifts my spirit. I also enjoy painting—it’s my biggest meditation.

WW: You are an avid painter, does that help you find peace?

Jane Seymour: Painting is very personal for me—a meditation I turn into wearable art. I make wet paper and drop colors on it, letting pigments flow and mix. I call it a “happy accident.” I don’t plan it; I just respond emotionally to color. Sometimes those pieces become scarf patterns or cards I give away. 

WW: Can anyone try painting as meditation even if they’re not experienced?

Jane Seymour: Absolutely! All you need is red, yellow, blue paint, a Sharpie, and some watercolor paper. Cut the paper into small pieces and have fun with it. If something turns out well, great — if not, it’s still a creative, calming process.

Jane Seymour’s secret to confidence

WW: When did you first feel comfortable in your own skin?

Jane Seymour: As a ballet dancer, I was always watching my lines in the mirror—not focusing on fat or thin but on form and grace. My father told me, “You can only be your own best, so don’t try to be somebody else.” That stuck with me, especially as an actress playing many characters.

WW: What advice would you give your younger self?

Jane Seymour: That I’m capable of making my own decisions and don’t need to give that power away to a man.

WW: Do you have a mantra for living simply?

Jane Seymour: Just be real. Be authentic. After my near-death experience, life got simpler. You only take with you the love you shared and the difference you made. Open your heart, help others, and just listen sometimes—that’s enough.