Actress Claims She ‘Almost Died’ in Traumatic Incident 

Ella Purnell, best known for her roles as Rhiannon Lewis in Starz’s new dark comedy Sweetpea and Lucy MacLean in the post-apocalyptic hit Fallout, has opened up about a life-altering incident earlier this year that almost cost her an eye.

In a candid conversation with Mythical Kitchen host Josh Scherer, Purnell, 28, revealed how a frightening fall down a flight of stairs led to a concussion and a head injury dangerously close to her eye.

“There’s a scar there. I had a head wound, and I really feel like I could’ve died—or at the very least, blinded myself,” she shared during the interview.

While she hesitated to label the event a “near-death experience,” Purnell admitted it was a pivotal moment that prompted major life changes.

“This happened like three months ago, and I’ve made a lot of changes since then. I’m so much happier now,” she explained. Among those changes? Learning to say “no” more often and focusing on the relationships she had been neglecting. “I’m prioritizing what makes me happier—putting a greater emphasis on friends and family.”

The conversation took a deeper turn when Scherer asked how often she thinks about death. “I kind of don’t,” Purnell responded. “It’s more about unfulfilled potential for me. I am scared of death, but I think it’s healthy to be.” Scherer suggested that some people avoid thinking about death altogether, but Purnell agreed that facing it head-on might be important.

As the discussion continued, Scherer inquired about her thoughts on the afterlife. Purnell kept it simple: “I’d rather just be dead forever, like when you don’t remember you’re asleep. I just want it to be done.”

Purnell’s new show Sweetpea, in which her character develops a dark side following her father’s death, recently premiered to strong reactions. With six episodes, the series—created by Kirstie Swain—is already gaining attention for its bold storytelling.