Entertainment News
- 4 October 2012, 17:56
Michael Winner looked into assisted suicide
Retired director Michael Winner has considered ending his life at a euthanasia clinic after doctors told him he has just 18 months to live.
The moviemaker, who has battled ill health in recent years, revealed this summer that liver specialists have given him between 18 months and two years and he now admits the prognosis led him to look into the controversial Dignitas institution in Switzerland.
The 76 year old opened up about his research in a new interview with The Times newspaper, insisting he was put off by the amount of paperwork required to go through with assisted suicide.
He says, "I checked Dignitas on the computer and you need to go through so much. It's not a walk-in death. You don't just go in and say 'Here I am, do your worst.' You have to go through a whole series of papers and re-examinations just to die. You have to fill in forms and things and you have to fly there, go back twice...
"I think the idea that people should be able to have an assisted suicide is absolutely highly proper. Why should people elongate life when it's no good for them? People should have the right to terminate their own life. If you're dead, you're dead, so who cares? I'm very happy to snuff it. I've had enough time on earth. I'd be happy if someone gave me the plug to pull."
Winner admits his beloved wife Geraldine is the person who keeps him going, adding, "(Being married) has led me to see a side of the human spirit that I didn't believe anyone could posses. The way she's looked after me (is) incredible. It's difficult for her, but she puts a brave face on it."
what do you think?
TIM x
Here I am do your worst. . .lol that very comment shows how Michael is facing his illness with dignity and humour. I wish him well.
Brian Holmes
I used to think Michael Winner was a truly horrible man. But then I watched him on Winner's Dinner Dates and got my eyes opened to the very witty, funny, enteraining and considerate person he actually is. Some of his dinner dates were truly awful but he was always careful to be diplomatic and never hurt the feelings of his host. For a man of his lifestyle and experience to still be respectful of people of very ordinary means and backgrounds is the mark of a man with a great deal of integrity. Hang on in there, Michael.
movvi
I thought so too - it's scary how bad journalism influences our opinions!
Adrian Wagstaff
Is he asking someone to spare him a slow, eighteen month death? I don't know the answer. I've seen people in various places who are wanting to die. They don't know where they are or why they're there or what the purpose of it all is. Sometimes, they are pleading to be dead, praying to be and complaining about how much longer must they sit there for, unable to virtually do anything. I don't want to end up in such a place, not able to do anything. I think Mr Winner will find he eventually happilly falls asleep, probably after sorting out his affairs, as most people do. I don't want him to suffer a slow death for two years but I can't do anything about that, can I? I've known other people who spent two years dying. I can only hope all the suffering they do is, somehow rewarded afterwards, elsewhere, otherwise it makes no sense at all.
Debra Wiseman
10:24pm on 4/10/2012
Excellent news
Robbie369P .
10:17am on 5/10/2012
You really mean that?
Debra Wiseman
11:11am on 5/10/2012
I do, I don't wish death on the man.