Patsy Kensit on Love, Faith, and Her Catholic Irish Upbringing
Patsy Kensit has shared candid insights into her personal life, revealing how her Catholic Irish upbringing shaped her views on love and relationships. The actress, known for her roles in films such as Lethal Weapon 2 and Absolute Beginners, discussed her experiences in a recent interview, emphasizing the lessons learned from her humble beginnings in West London.
Born in West London, Kensit spent her early years in a two-room home with an outside toilet, a detail she has mentioned in multiple interviews. Her mother, Margaret, was from County Leitrim in Ireland, and Kensit has described her as her “soulmate.” This Irish heritage played a significant role in her Catholic upbringing, which she has said influenced her approach to love and faith.
In her interview, Kensit reflected on her past relationships, including her marriage to Liam Gallagher of Oasis. She noted that she turned to Elton John for advice during the intense media scrutiny surrounding their relationship, which began in 1995 and led to their marriage in April 1997 after canceling an earlier planned wedding due to media attention. The couple welcomed their son, Lennon, in 1999 before divorcing the following year.
Kensit has also spoken about the challenges of media portrayal, particularly regarding her weight. She recalled being photographed in the 1990s “looking upset” or “kicking a car door,” which contributed to a false narrative of her being a “fragile, needy person.” She credited Elton John with advising her to stop reading the newspapers to protect her mental well-being during that period.
Beyond her personal life, Kensit has maintained an active career in entertainment. She began as a child actor at age four in advertisements for Birds Eye and went on to star in films such as The Great Gatsby (1974), Hennessy, and Lethal Weapon 2 (1989). In recent years, she has appeared in television shows including Emmerdale, Holby City, and EastEnders, joining the latter in 2023.
Her reflections highlight a journey from humble beginnings to a successful career in the entertainment industry, grounded in the values instilled by her Irish Catholic upbringing. Kensit continues to share her experiences openly, offering insights into love, resilience, and staying true to oneself amidst public scrutiny.