What happened with Tom Stoppard and Felicity Kendall? Inside The Real Thing stars' real-life affair and more following playwright’s death

Sir Tom Stoppard, one of the UK’s best-known playwrights, has passed away at the age of 88 at his home in Dorset, UK.

Born in 1937 in Czechoslovakia as Tomáš Sträussler, Stoppard had a prolific career writing for the stage, radio, film, and television. He is survived by his wife, Sabrina Guinness, and his four children: sons Oliver and Barnaby, and actors Ed Stoppard and Will. He also has several grandchildren.

With Tom Stoppard’s recent death, his past life, particularly his affairs and relationships, has drawn a sudden interest. One was his highly-publicized affairs with actress Felicity Kendall. She is known for playing Annie in The Real Thing, which was about love and infidelity.

She became an inspiration for most of Stoppard’s plays, including The Real Thing, Arcadia and Hapgood. They remained in an on-and-off relationship for over eight years but never married.

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Everything we know about Tom Stoppard’s affairs and relationships

Tom Stoppard first met Felicity Kendall through their professional collaboration in the entertainment industry.

She first caught his attention during rehearsals for the 1981 play On The Razzle, directed by Peter Wood at the National Theatre, where she originated the role of Sorel. Stoppard was impressed by her vibrant and charismatic charm, which made her an inspiration for most of his plays. Their professional relationship eventually developed into a romantic connection. He once told Joan Bakewell in an interview:

“I slowly learned that plays work best if you let them have some blood heat, and not simply be exciting exchanges of witty ideas. It’s the humanity of the characters that gives theatre the possibility of being great art.”

Kendall left her husband, director Michael Rudman, to be with Tom Stoppard. He was then married to his second wife, Miriam, with whom he filed for a divorce amid his relationship with The Good Life actress. Kendall and Stoppard’s romance lasted from 1991 to 1998.

Reportedly, Kendall will be starring in the revival of Stoppard’s play Indian Ink, performing as the character Mrs Eleanor Swan. This marks her return to the play, as she originated the role of Flora Crewe in the original production.

Throughout his life, Tom Stoppard has had three marriages and several affairs. His first marriage was with Josie Ingle in 1965, a nurse. Their marriage lasted for seven years. They share two sons – Oliver and Barnaby. He then married Miriam Stern, a doctor, in 1972, welcoming sons Ed and Will.

Stoppard filed for divorce from Miriam amid his relationship with Felicity Kendall. They never married nor lived together. After their split, they never talked about their romance. Kendall once said:

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“I don't talk about him. He's married and he doesn't like it... he is off limits.”

Later, in 2014, Stoppard married for the third time, marrying producer Sabrina Guinness, a member of the iconic Guinness family. They had known each other for twenty years before they began a romantic relationship. Stoppard told The Daily Telegraph in an interview that he tried to stop her from wooing him by letting her know that he was not the man for her, as he is “very anti-social.” His wife on the other hand is very social.

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