Jeremy Clarkson Says He’s ‘Doing Everything I Can Not to Die’ After Heart Surgery: ‘I’m Buying Time’

Mar. 15, 2025

Jeremy Clarkson at “The Grand Tour” at Television Centre on Sept. 10, 2024 in London,.Photo:Stuart C. Wilson/Getty

Stuart C. Wilson/Getty

Jeremy Clarksonis doing everything he can to turn his health around following his medical emergency last year.

In October 2024, the formerTop Gearhost, 64, underwent emergency heart surgery, where he had two stents fitted to improve blood flow to his heart. At the time, he experienced a “sudden deterioration” in his health andfeared he was “days from death.”

Now, in his column for theSunday Times— published Feb. 2 — the English media personality is detailing how he’s hoping to make significant lifestyle changes in order to improve his health and live long for his family.

“I’m doing everything I can not to die,” Clarkson wrote.

Jeremy Clarkson on Nov. 19, 2024.Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing/Getty

Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing/Getty

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Clarkson explained that he’s tried many times over the years to get fit and “each attempt has ended in failure” because he doesn’t like discomfort and finds gyms — and everyone in them — weird.

He admitted that even going for a walk is unlikely for him, and when he does make it out of the house, he’s moving at a very slow pace.

“Michelangelo’sDavidburns more calories than I do when I’m out and about, “ he wrote. “So I continued to get fatter and more out of breath, and when you want to see your grandchildren grow up, that’s not good enough.”

“So far I’ve relied on luck to keep me alive,” he added. “But I’m in sniper’s alley right now and I have to work at dodging the bullets.”

Jeremy Clarkson.Karwai Tang/WireImage

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Clarkson said he eventually decided to try reformer pilates.

“I’m not unenjoying it,” he admitted, explaining that he’s happy because it doesn’t feel like he’s actually working out.

“Two years ago, I saw old age as a wearisome tangle of tubes and knee replacement surgery. Now though, thanks to my grandchildren, I’m actively looking forward to it,” Clarkson wrote. “I’m buying time. It hurts and it’s expensive. But it’s better than wasting your money on a new watch.”

source: people.com