Jane Seymour, the acclaimed actress known for her role as Dr. Michaela Quinn in the beloved 1990s series Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, recently expressed her gratitude for her safety following the devastating California wildfires that swept through the region. Speaking exclusively to Us Weekly at the American Ballet Theater Annual Benefit in Los Angeles, Seymour recounted her experience and the emotional aftermath of the disaster. The 73-year-old actress described a sense of "post-traumatic numbness," a feeling of disbelief that the events had actually occurred. Reflecting on the widespread destruction, she acknowledged the profound impact on her community while expressing relief that her own home had been spared.
The wildfires, which ravaged the Southern California coastline, forced numerous celebrities, including Malibu residents Cher, Barbra Streisand, and even the legendary actor Dick Van Dyke, to evacuate their homes. Van Dyke, just days shy of his 99th birthday, was among those displaced by the rapidly spreading flames. Seymour, driving through the aftermath, witnessed the charred remains of homes and landscapes, a stark reminder of the fire’s destructive power. The experience brought into sharp focus the magnitude of the disaster and the fortunate outcome for those whose homes survived the inferno.
While acknowledging the widespread devastation, Seymour maintained a sense of perspective, emphasizing the good fortune she and others experienced in escaping the worst of the fires. Her reflections highlight the precariousness of life in the face of natural disasters and the importance of community support in the aftermath. The actress, whose career spans decades, has become a beloved figure, particularly for her portrayal of the independent and compassionate Dr. Quinn. The series, which ran for six seasons, resonated with audiences who admired the show’s strong female lead and its exploration of social and historical themes.
Seymour’s performance as Dr. Michaela Quinn, a physician who abandons the comforts of Boston for the challenges of the American West, earned her a Golden Globe Award in 1996. The show’s cancellation in 1998 left many fans disappointed, and the desire for a revival continues to this day. Addressing these hopes, Seymour revealed that there are no current plans for a Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman reboot, though she didn’t entirely dismiss the possibility. She is currently engaged in her own series, Harry Wild, and recently filmed a Christmas movie with her former Dr. Quinn co-star, Joe Lando.
Despite her busy schedule, Seymour hinted at the potential for future collaborations with Lando. She acknowledged that fans are eager to see them reunite on screen, whether in a Dr. Quinn revival or another project. Seymour’s fondness for working with Lando is evident, a stark contrast to their earlier relationship during the filming of Dr. Quinn. She candidly revealed that they experienced a period of estrangement following the end of a real-life romantic relationship.
In a 2019 interview with Us Weekly, Seymour disclosed that they barely spoke to each other for several years during the show’s run, interacting only when necessary for scenes involving dialogue or romantic interactions. She attributed the tension to the difficulties of transitioning from a romantic relationship to a professional one. Despite the initial friction, Seymour and Lando eventually reconciled and have since become close friends. This evolution speaks to their maturity and ability to transcend past difficulties, forging a strong bond that continues to this day. Their enduring friendship offers hope for a potential on-screen reunion, much to the delight of Dr. Quinn fans worldwide.
