South African TV Star Ian von Memerty Plans for “Self-Deliverance,” Advocates for Death with Dignity
A prominent South African entertainer is sparking a global conversation about end-of-life choices. Ian von Memerty, best known as the host of Strictly Come Dancing, is meticulously planning for his own death, not as an act of despair, but as a deliberate assertion of autonomy. Currently residing in Croatia, von Memerty clarifies he is not suicidal, but rather champions the right to a self-determined exit – what he terms “self-deliverance.”
A Contract with Himself: “Good Months, Not Long Years”
Von Memerty details his deeply personal journey in a new web series, “Dying For A Better Life.” In the series, he emphasizes a crucial distinction: “Suicide is an act of desperation, usually irrational, often violent. Euthanasia is a rational, considered, controlled decision.” He asserts his desire to approach death “calmly, rationally and responsibly.”
The core of his plan, as outlined in chapter 8 of the series, titled “Good Months, Not Long Years,” is a legally-binding contract with himself. Importantly, von Memerty stresses he is currently in good health and not facing any terminal illness. This proactive approach stems from a fundamental belief that the quality of life outweighs its mere length.
“I’ve never been addicted to living to being not dead,” he explains. “The simple act of existence… is not mine. Life simply to be alive doesn’t make sense to me.”
Five Conditions for Self-Deliverance
Von Memerty’s contract hinges on the convergence of five specific conditions, representing a decline in his perceived quality of life. These conditions, carefully considered and documented, are:
- The inability to continue working.
- The prospect of financial hardship.
- Loss of financial independence and reliance on others.
- The onset of old age.
- Adequate preparation of loved ones for his decision.
“And based on those circumstances and those five beliefs, I signed my contract with myself,” von Memerty states. “Like I said, it’s very simple. Good months, not long years. Good months. Not sensational or euphoric or delusional. Just good.”
This meticulous planning, he argues, is not about a morbid fascination with death, but a profound respect for life and a desire to maintain control over its final chapter. Von Memerty’s story raises complex ethical and legal questions about individual autonomy, the right to die, and the evolving definition of a life well-lived.
