Robert Lindsay: Many Well-Known Actors Rely On The Royal Theatrical Fund For Survival

British star Robert Lindsay made a big splash on Broadway thirty years ago with a Tony-winning turn in the hit revival of ME AND MY GIRL. The West End star is also well known in his home country for playing Wolfie Smith in the 1970s BBC television comedy Citizen Smith.

Outside of his own career, he helps support his colleagues as president of The Royal Theatrical Fund, a charitable organization that provides support for people of all ages who have worked in the entertainment industry.

And while some of the organization's clients may need assistance due to illness, accident or old age, Lindsay admits that the public would be shocked to discover that many well-known actors come to them in need of assistance.

"There are household names who have given themselves to the public for years who are now earning so little," he tells London's Sunday Times. "I would give you their names but I am not at liberty to embarrass them further. People still stop them on the street and ask for their autograph, but the spotlight has gone out for them."

The actor blames rising rents as a reason for many of his clients' hardships. "There are well-known actors looking for a care home because their rental property has been taken over by a company."

"Every month we have a depressingly long list of people who need help," he adds. "There is a joke for ladies in this industry. 'You have made the fatal mistake of turning fifty'. For men, turning seventy is the problem. People do not want to employ you,"

Lindsay is currently organizing The Royal Theatrical Fund's June 5th fundraising gala, "A Right Royal Knees Up," celebrating Queen Elizabeth II's ninetieth birthday. Aside from himself, guest stars will include Judi Dench, Derek Jacobi, Michael Palin and Emma Thompson. Visit trtf.com.

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