Suzy Eddie Izzard has revealed a deeply personal wish that still lingers — the hope of becoming a parent one day — as she reflected on the heartbreaking loss of her mother during childhood and the emotional journey that followed.
The 64-year-old comedian, actor and activist made the candid admission while appearing on the ADHD! No You’re Not podcast alongside Paul Whitehouse and Dr Mine Conkbayir. During the conversation, Suzy spoke openly about her past, her relationship with grief, and how it has shaped her outlook on family and love.
When asked about whether she had children of her own, Suzy admitted she didn’t — but revealed it’s something she hasn’t ruled out. She said she would like to have them, though trailed off as she acknowledged life hasn’t taken her in that direction yet.
The emotional conversation soon turned to her early years, when her mother Dorothy — a nurse and midwife — died from cancer in 1968, when Suzy was just six years old. The loss left a lasting imprint, though Suzy explained her relationship with grief has evolved over time.
She reflected that she doesn’t feel grief in the same way anymore, explaining that she had to suppress her emotions as a child. She revealed she stopped crying at the age of 11 while at boarding school, describing it as a survival mechanism. But years later, at 19, she realised something was wrong.
Suzy shared that she felt “dead inside” and made a conscious decision to confront those buried emotions. She described how she metaphorically “ripped off the scar tissue” she had built up, recalling a moment when she saw a cat run over in the street and felt nothing — a realization that shocked her into reconnecting with her emotions. She added that, in her view, boarding schools can sometimes leave children emotionally shut down.
Despite those difficult experiences, Suzy has spoken positively about the future. In a previous interview on the Rosebud podcast with Gyles Brandreth, she said she would be very happy to have children, adding that while it’s not currently part of her life, she believes it could still happen — “never say never.”
She also opened up about her personal life, confirming she is attracted to women and has always felt that way. Suzy explained that being a trans woman can make relationships more complex, but she remains open to the possibility of love if the right person comes along.
For now, however, she says she is content. She admitted she isn’t actively seeking a relationship and is happy in her own company, though she still believes that one day she could meet someone she truly connects with.
Speaking about what she looks for in a partner, Suzy said it would need to be someone intelligent, engaging, humorous and attractive — someone with whom she could genuinely click.
Her reflections paint a picture of someone who has endured profound loss, worked through emotional barriers, and come to a place of acceptance — while still holding onto hope for a different kind of future.
