Hollywood star Jane Seymour on comedy roles, musical talent and advice from her parents

Actress Jane Seymour (Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)

AFTER playing Bond girl Solitaire in Live And Let Die, Jane went on to earn an Emmy and a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.

She reigned on TV as Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman and her jewellery range Open Hearts is now a global best-seller.

Jane stars as Lady Lindo-Parker in Sky 1’s series Hooten And The Lady, out on DVD now.

Do you actually enjoy your job?

Oh yes. I’m not in the Hooten show much but I love the comic way my character bulldozes her way through people. It’s important sometimes just to have fun at work, no?

So you’re at ease with comedy?

Definitely. No one offered me those roles until I was older, but Meryl Streep does comedy and drama so why not me? I’ve just worked with Adam Sandler and he is a terrific comedian.

You produce too. Do you worry about being in charge?

No. I produced and starred in a wonderful movie, Bereave Me Not, but it’s taken two years to release because of distribution problems. I can’t get down about that though. No point.

You played Maria Callas. Are you musical?

I studied opera singing for that part and I play the piano, violin, guitar and recorder. I actually start filming a role in January as a country singer but I think I’ll fake the singing.

What did you learn from your mum and dad?

Dad said: “Remember you can only do your best.” And mum, a Japanese war camp survivor, taught me that: “Every challenge in life is to be accepted.”

Best and worst of times in your career?

The high was working with the late Christopher Reeve, a lovely man. And the low? That was a film called The Tunnel in which I worked with a leading man I don’t ever want to see again. No names, but trust me, never again!

Looking forward to the new year?

Yes, there’s the country singer role, then Bereave Me Not comes out at last and I have two other movies, Pray For Rain and Mistrust, also set for release. Life is hectic.

OBE or Emmy? Which could you give up more easily?

My OBE. That was for a body of work while the Emmy, for Callas, was for one role I worked very hard at.

For what will people remember you most?

I guess it will be my Open Hearts mission and jewellery. It’s my legacy as the daughter of a survivor who learned that if your heart is open, love will find a way.