Before discovering love alongside Joe Lando and her tenure on “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” Jane Seymour endured significant challenges. She faced a period of homelessness while burdened with a nine-million-dollar debt due to her ex-partner.
British-American actress Jane Seymour remains an unforgettable figure for fans of “Dr. Quinn.” Reflecting on her time on the series years after the 1993 film, Seymour shared her insights in an interview.
Before delving into specifics about her tenure on the show and its impact on her career, the actress initially reflected on some challenging events that preceded her role on “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.”
SEYMOUR BEFORE AND DURING “DR. QUINN”
In addition to her acting pursuits, Seymour is recognized as an author and entrepreneur. Her screen debut came with an uncredited role in “Oh! What a Lovely War” in 1969, paving the way for her rise to fame through leading roles in both film and television series such as “The Onedin Line” and “Live and Let Die.”
During the 1990s, Seymour portrayed Dr. Michaela “Mike” Quinn in the television series “Dr. Quinn,” a role that earned her a second Golden Globe Award. However, years after the show concluded, the actress participated in an interview where she provided insights into her life before the series.
Seymour revealed that her ex-husband had mismanaged their finances, leaving her with a staggering nine-million-dollar debt. Facing homelessness and financial desperation, she reached out to her agent, expressing her readiness to accept any available job opportunity.
That’s how she secured a role on “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.” Initially offered what she described as a “little movie of the week,” she had to commit to a five-year contract in case the project evolved into a series. Within less than 24 hours, she began working on the show.
“They saved my life. I had a roof over my head, some financial stability to get back on my feet, and my kids could join me on set to do their schoolwork in the trailer…”
While the 1993 series proved to be a blessing for Seymour, she did encounter some awkward experiences on set. Initially acknowledging actor Joe Lando for his influence on the film, she then offered a piece of advice to viewers: never fall in love with the leading man in a pilot and then break up before the movie ends.
Now 72, Seymour and Lando have long since moved beyond their differences. However, during the airing of “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” their relationship was notably awkward, having dated for a period and subsequently ending things before the show concluded.
To compound matters, the actress married James Keach, who happened to be a regular director of the series. Seymour recounted the awkwardness of Keach having to direct scenes where she and Lando had to engage in romantic moments on set.
Continuing the interview, the actress disclosed that she revisited the series with her grandchildren, leading her to recognize that the show’s themes remain relevant even in the modern era.
During an interview at the Creative Arts Emmys Night 2, Seymour, aged 72, revealed that she and co-star Lando went years without speaking to each other while filming “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” describing it as a challenging period.
The author observed that despite portraying the perfect couple on screen, Seymour and Lando experienced underlying friction and dealt with the awkwardness of their off-screen breakup. Additionally, she reminisced about the beginnings of her relationship with Lando.
The actress, known for her role in “Live and Let Die,” recalled a flash flood on set that caused her car to keep moving backward. Unable to exit the vehicle because the driver, an intern, discouraged her, Seymour eventually jumped out and found herself in Lando’s truck, marking the beginning of their chemistry.
Seymour, who now regards Lando as her “closest friend on the planet,” has been married four times. She and movie director Keach finalized their divorce in 2015. In contrast, Lando has been married to Kirsten Barlow since 1997.
The “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” lovebirds evoked sweet nostalgia when they posed for a photo reminiscent of old times, shared on social media. Though older, the co-stars appeared as adorable as ever.
In the photo shared by “Somewhere in Time” actress, Lando donned a maroon T-shirt and a blue jacket, while Seymour wore a floral dress. The post captured the hearts of “Dr. Quinn” fans, accompanied by a caption:
“Summers with Sully!”
Seymour, a successful movie star, has faced challenges in her romantic life despite her achievements. In a recent interview, the entrepreneur, mother, and grandmother shared that she has gleaned valuable lessons from her past relationships and unsuccessful marriages.
Seymour emphasized the importance of “letting go” after a relationship ends and emphasized the necessity of communication, particularly in co-parenting situations. The actress also acknowledged that her only mistake in relationships was being with individuals who preferred someone who didn’t work and was always available.
For someone balancing a career and providing for the family, being available every hour of the day was a challenge. Seymour chuckled as she admitted that going to work was the only thing she considered wrong.
The movie star and her ex-husband Keach welcomed a set of twins, Kristopher and John, before their relationship ended. Prior to Keach, she was married to David Flynn, with whom she shares a son, Sean, and a daughter, Katherine.
Despite her demanding career, Seymour disclosed that she made a concerted effort to prioritize time with her children. They accompanied her on travels whenever she was working, allowing her to strike a balance between her professional and personal life.
However, the 72-year-old actress remarked that she was involved with men who had “different issues.” Seymour smiled as she disclosed that she never initiated the end of her marriages; rather, the men walked away after finding other partners.
