Hermione Norris: Menopause dropped my masks

Actress Hermione Norris, known for her role in Cold Feet, has spoken about the profound internal shift experienced after menopause. While she finds the biological process uninteresting, Norris describes the post-menopausal phase as alchemical, leading to a shedding of societal expectations and illusions that women often face.

Norris, who is starring in BBC2's Pilgrimage, shared that her primary realization was the importance of self-truth and self-respect. She noted that true hurt comes from not standing up for oneself or allowing oneself to be treated poorly. This wisdom is something she hopes to pass on to her 18-year-old daughter, Hero.

The actress also reflected on her relationship with her husband, screenwriter Simon Wheeler. She described their relationship as built on deep friendship and mutual respect, preferring this grounded connection to overt displays of passion. Norris found Wheeler to be a partner who accepted her for who she was without trying to change her.