The Star Ledger – 1999

Article by Steve Hedgpeth

You’ve seen the Broadway musical (maybe), now see the TV series. “The Scarlet Pimpernel,” Baroness Orczy’s warhorse about an English nobleman who literally risks his neck to rescue French aristocrats condemned to the guillotine during the French Revolution, is among the many classic tales retooled for latterday consumption.

The recent musical version, written by Frank Wildhorn is still playing in New York, and now A&E has co-produced with the BBC a series of three Pimpernel films starring Richard E. Grant, Elizabeth McGovern and Martin Shaw. (Film one airs Sunday at 9 p.m. the two follow ups are slated for later this year.)

Grant has called the Pimpernel “an 18th century Bruce Wayne or Clark Kent.” If the analogy isn’t spot on, as the Brits would say, there’s some truth in it, the Pimpernel is a double character: a man of action who hides behind a facade of wealth and foppishness. His real name is Sir Percy Blakeney, the name itself reeking of British Privilege.

The Pimpernel had previously been played by Leslie Howard and David Niven, in 1935 and 1950 film versions, respectively, and by Anthony Andrews in an 1982 TV movie. None of these men could have competed with Douglas Fairbanks or Errol Flynn as a swash buckler, but neither were meant to. Each had to also play the effete snob Percy, something the buccaneering Flynn would have found a challenge.

British character actor Grant, then, is a good modern choice. In his two dozen films, which include “The Age of Innocence,” “Portrait of a Lady,” “Bram Stoker’s Dracula,” ” Hudson Hawk,” and “Spice World,” no one could have confused him with an action star.

He is best playing somewhat comic, exasperated, even timid men, not too removed from Sir Percy. But to his credit Grant isn’t so anemic a presence that he can’t be believable when performing heroic deeds of deering-do as the Pimpernel.

The actor has said that he took the role because it shed him in a light in which he usually doesn’t get to bask.

“I get to play someone who kisses people, seduces people, is married, kills bad people and save good people…instead of classical story types of being the bad guy who doesn’t get the girl and who possibly gets killed in the end.”

That and he liked the clothes.

“The costumes form the period of the French Revolutionare the most fantastically flattering clothes. Women can have arses the size of Asia, and they can be completely hidden; they can have minute breasts and have them puffed up so that the look like Pamela Anderson. All the mens clothes lengthen your waist and legs and the corseted nature makes them very flattering.”

As Sir Percy’s wife, a former French actress named Marguerite, Elizabeth McGovern is less likely a choice. It’s not that McGovern isn’t a good actress — she was indeed nominated for an Oscar for her role in “Ragtime.” But audiences familiar with her may well wonder why an American actress is using an British accent to play a French woman.

The villains of the piece are Robespierre, ruthless head of the French revolutionary government, and his chief of police, Chauvelin, played by Shaw. The latter is a British actor who won’t be familiar to American audiences, but he does have the best line in “The Scarlet Pimpernel.”

After a man is tortured for information about the Pimpernel, he is brought before Chauvelin, who get’s the man to talk.

“Good,” says Chauvelin. “I thought had lost your tongue a well as your toenails.”

Robyn sent this to me a while ago and I’ve only just got around to typing it up. It’s the diaries REG kept whilst making the Spice World movie and it’s taken from January last years Premiere magazine. Nice to get another diary snippet…we’re holding out for With Nails II in the near future, so read this teaser here.

1999

Internet Chat With Richard E. Grant

Cult actor Richard E. Grant is back in print by popular demand. Following the success of his film diaries, he’s published his first novel By Design, taking an inside look at Hollywood, serving up more of the frothy gossip star-packed observations that made his diaries With Nails a bestseller.

Richard E. Grant live on Beeb

Keith: “What made you decide to write a novel?”

Richard E. Grant: “Bestselling sales of With Nails led to a publishing offer – cash/carrot to the donkey!”

Pat S asks: “How much is fact and how much is fiction, truly, in By Design?”

Richard E. Grant: “All fact, transmuted into fiction – it all happened, or is about to.”

Hannah: “Have you ever thought of moving to Hollywood and living there permanently?”

Richard E. Grant: “One-and-a-half years in 1992, since then for sanity’s sake I’ve stayed in England.”

Lizzie Lee asks: “How did you find writing a novel, was it very different from doing your diaries and were you nervous about it?”

Richard E. Grant: “It’s very isolated and lonely writing a novel – no actors or company to sound-board with.”

Keith: “Is there any chance of By Design being made into a movie?”

Richard E. Grant: “God, I hope so!”

beeb: “What part would you play?”

Richard E. Grant: “Vyvian, the interior designer lead.”

Sarah Hodge asks: “Don’t take offense, but there are a few similarities between yourself and Hugh Grant, in looks that is!! Are there any family ties or is it purely co-incidental?”

Richard E. Grant: “I’m highly flattered – there’s no blood connection whatsoever, he also has more hair and less years on his milometre.”

Sharon Hodgson asks: “Have you ever known anyone to try the scam to pass the drunk drivers’ test from Withnail And I in real life? I would also like to say that comparisons between you and Hugh Grant are unfair because you are by far the sexiest of the two!”

Richard E. Grant: “A blank cheque is on its way! Regarding your question about the drunk drivers’ test, I have no knowledge.”

tripod: “Your Hamlet speech at the end of Withnail and I had me in tears. Did you ever get to play Hamlet on stage?”

Richard E. Grant: “Thank you, but never got offered, now too old sadly.”

Daniel: “Have you browsed through any sites dedicated to Withnail and I on the internet??”

Richard E. Grant: “Gagging to. I’m an internet virgin, please inform.”

David L asks: “Did you ever think Withnail and I would become such a cult hit?”

Richard E. Grant: “Never.”

David L asks: “Is it true you are allergic to alcohol?”

Richard E. Grant: “Absolutely true.”

George: “Shatter our illusions… what’s your worst habit?”

Richard E. Grant: “Impatience.”

Sarah H asks: “What does the “E” stand for?”

Richard E. Grant: “A now deceased actor with the same name agreed to insertion of the letter “E” to distinguish my name from his.”

Sergeant B asks: “Do you still see yourself as a (young) man from Swaziland very lucky to be involved in the “glamourous” movie-making business?”

Richard E. Grant: “Absolutely, especially like the “young” bit.”

Bouncers: “I read somewhere that Sandra Bernhard is not speaking to you after what you wrote about her in your book – is this true ?”

Richard E. Grant: “I spoke to her last week about the birth of her baby, so go figure?”

Bilko: “Now that you’ve met and chatted to your childhood hero, Barbra Streisand is there anyone else that you hold in such high esteem whom you would like to meet?”

Richard E. Grant: “No.”

Jason: “Which actress would you most like to star alongside?”

Richard E. Grant: “Meryl Streep.”

Pete: “Which movie did you most enjoy making and who were your favourite co-stars?”

Richard E. Grant: “Not a nostalgist, but like a virgin my first flick with Paul McGann and Bruce Robinson has been a good talisman.”

Pippa: “Do you see yourself as a star now, do you feel you’ve made it? What else do you still want to achieve?”

Richard E. Grant: “Film actor is how I see myself, intend to write and direct but not act in my own movie before I’m 50.”

Dan: “Did you always want to be famous and would you say that has been your driving force?”

Richard E. Grant: “Partly. Mainly driven by the ignoble revenge on all the people who said: “You’ll never make it.””

Catherine: “What’s the funniest line you’ve ever delivered? My favourite is “Ever noticed how much steam comes off peas?” from How To Get Ahead In Advertising!”

Richard E. Grant: “The funniest line… Withnail: “As a youth I used to weep in butcher shops.””

bex: “More and more Hollywood stars are taking to the West End stage, Nicole Kidman had her opening night at the Donmar last night, are we going to see you on stage soon?”

Richard E. Grant: “I hope not. Nerves of spaghetti, I fear.”

Josie: “How would you describe yourself?”

Richard E. Grant: “A long, stretched-out piece of toffee.”

johnh: “With an online interview and an appearance at the University of East Anglia both in one day you must be very busy. What do you like to do when you have some free time?”

Richard E. Grant: “I’m going by helicopter to East Anglia this afternoon. In my free time I like scuba diving and sex!”

Mike: “Would you ever consider taking the role of James Bond, 007 – I can just see you sipping those fake martinis!”

Richard E. Grant: “Deja vu! You read my mind. From your mouth to the producer’s ears. Cheers!”

Boris: “How has your past career compared to other British film folk like Jez Irons, any embarrassing appearances on kids’ telly?”

Richard E. Grant: “You decide about careers, no kids’ telly…yet!”

Matt R asks: “What can we expect from your role as the Scarlet Pimpernel?”

Richard E. Grant: “Speed, snogging, swords and tight costumes with heaving la-la’s.”

Mel: “Which role have you always wanted to play?”

Richard E. Grant: “Send in your suggestions please.”

Daniel Garrett asks: “Like Paul McGann would you like to take a stab at the part of Dr Who?? I think you’d be ideal.”

Richard E. Grant: “No TV in Swaziland, so have never seen it.”

Dobber: “Richard – do you sniff your socks when you take them off?”

Richard E. Grant: “Don’t wear any.”

lola: “What’s your favourite household appliance?”

Richard E. Grant: “Television.”

Franklin: “Are you scared of losing your hair? It’s on its way out I’m afraid to say!”

Richard E. Grant: “Yes. Apoplectic, but don’t worry, I’m never going for a syrup. Thanks for the humiliating reminder.”

Boris: “No doubt you have traveled the world by now. Do any other countries have mushy peas?”

Richard E. Grant: “No. Are you retarded?”

Dan: “Do you like being thought of as slightly eccentric?”

Richard E. Grant: “What does that mean? Be specific.”

Beckers: “Have you ever been to Glasgow?”

Richard E. Grant: “Two nights’ ago, at the GFT, just completed The Match in Glasgow – film with Max Beasley, Pierce Brosnan, Tom Sizemore and Ian Holm.”

TMG: “Any plans for another Spiceworld movie – the first was great. Did you enjoy filming it?”

Richard E. Grant: “Thanks, I wish, you bet!”

Danny Williams asks: “What was it like working with the Spice Girls on Spiceworld?”

Richard E. Grant: “They’re gaggingly gorgeous.”

ABBA: “Do you enjoy being idolised?”

Richard E. Grant: “Who wouldn’t?”

hjkhjkh: “What’s the best and worst thing a fan has done to you?”

Richard E. Grant: “Worst – stalker suicide letters from a lady in Chicago; Best – signing an autograph on somebody’s bum.”

fonzie: “Richard, if you could be anyone in the world, who would you be?”

Richard E. Grant: “You, Fonzie, with a megaload of dosh.”

Daniel Garrett asks: “When is With Nails II – The Diaries 92-98 coming out?”

Richard E. Grant: “Watch this space.”

Franklin: “I read somewhere that Tom Waits is a big fan of your work. Do you like him?”

Richard E. Grant: “Worship the old growler.”

Jemima: “Did you get to go to Scary Spice’s wedding? If so, give us some gossip…”

Richard E. Grant: “No showbiz people invited, just the families. Too bad for me. But wish them all the best.”

Jonathan: “Who was/is your favourite Spice Girl?”

Richard E. Grant: “Don’t want a platform boot up my bum, so pass.”

Daniel Garrett asks: “Have you spoken to Madonna recently?”

Richard E. Grant: “Saw her last year, so not recent, but working on it.”

Andrew the Barman asks: “Any plans to appear on T.F.I. Friday?”

Richard E. Grant: “Yes please, can you sort it with Ginger?”

Mark: “Who do you think is the sexiest woman on television – I quite fancy Samantha Janus!”

Richard E. Grant: “You and the whole world… But what about that Welsh newsreader with the bun on the back of her head, and those conjuring hand movements of course?”

fadi: “Is it true that your nickname at college was Pumpkin Head?”

Richard E. Grant: “Many things but not that curiously, but well-tried, dogbreath!”

Jenny: “Does being famous please you or annoy you?”

Richard E. Grant: “A combination, got laughed at by a bunch of kids in Legoland – couldn’t work out why. Thanks.”

Danny Williams asks: “With the exception of film acting, what is/are you main ambition(s) in life?”

Richard E. Grant: “To live until I’m at least 120.”

Geordie: “Are you really Richard E. Grant”

Richard E. Grant: “I’d better be else I’ll stab the F*** who’s impersonating me.”

Lee: “Every thought of doing stand-up comedy, or hosting award ceremonies? You’re quite a witty guy…”

Richard E. Grant: “Thank you oh kind and perceptive net genius.”

Jan Bishop asks: “Will the next autobiographical installment be as bitchy – if not more so – than With Nails?”

Richard E. Grant: “Would you like that?”

Simon: “If I asked you to put your hand on your head, would you do it?”

Richard E. Grant: “I’m doing it now!”

justine: “Who’s your favourite Scooby Doo character?”

Richard E. Grant: “No idea what you mean. I’m 41.”

Floss: “Have you ever won anything useful, or at least desirable, in a lucky dip? All I ever got was sawdust.”

Richard E. Grant: “Ah, yes. A CD player.”

jrs: “Hi Richard – do you feel that you sold out a little by doing the breathe ads?”

Richard E. Grant: “You obviously think so. My bank manager doesn’t.”

SB2: “You don’t drink and you don’t smoke – what vices do you have?”

Richard E. Grant: “Shopping, traveling and speaking on the phone to people on the other side of the planet.”

Jemima: “Does writing a novel require more discipline than being an actor or are they both rather cushy jobs?”

Richard E. Grant: “Writing a novel is very disciplined – 9am until 7pm, five days a week alone in a room in your head.”

Franklin: “If you could play any film part, what would it be? Maybe the part of ‘Richard E Grant’ in a film about your life!!!!”

Richard E. Grant: “Yes please.”

Anna: “What do you make of this online chat stuff? Ever think it’ll replace Michael Parkinson?”

Richard E. Grant: “I hope interaction can be televisual in future, so I can see you as well.”

Jan Bishop asks: “Back to the bitchiness in the next installment.. loved your exposes of Sandra Bernhard, Bruce & Demi & Madonna… we want more grit, more dirt on your workmates!”

Richard E. Grant: “Read By Design and guess.”

David Bradbury asks: “Are you still as starstruck by celebrities as you seemed to be by Barbra Streisand in your book?”

Richard E. Grant: “Yes, but ambivalent as I’ve had my head “backstage” too long to remain innocent.”

Danny Williams asks: “Do you have any advice for those of us (such as myself) just about to start college?”

Richard E. Grant: “Get off the internet and LIVE hard and fast – it’s shorter than you think.”

Turpin: “Actors often complain that they’re always asked the same questions in interview… Is that true on this occasion?”

Richard E. Grant: “Not at all. Let’s always do it like this.”

ABBA: “What do you think of the internet?”

Richard E. Grant: “Revolutionary.”

DePreach: “Richard, who was the most attractive babe you ever kissed, dude?”

Richard E. Grant: “Kate Hardie in Jack and Sarah – scene cut – but Pirelli tyre lips. Supreme.”

Franklin: “Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time? Doing the weather on S4C?”

Richard E. Grant: “Oh thanks a bunch, still working under real weather.”

alex: “Were the yellow lines in the street scenes of Keep the Aspidistra Flying painted over to keep in line with period authenticity?”

Richard E. Grant: “Covered with sawdust and gravel.”

Jan Bishop asks: “Any future plans to work with Coppola or Scorcese?”

Richard E. Grant: “In my dreams.”

Rebecca: “If you could only tell your children about one achievement, what would it be?”

Richard E. Grant: “To love unconditionally ’til my last breath.”

fonzie: “Richard – who was your first kiss with and at what age?”

Richard E. Grant: “Jill Smith when I was six in Swaziland – we were sent out of the class.”

Floss: “Do you have any body parts insured? If so, what are they worth?”

Richard E. Grant: “Any suggestions?”

Toni: “I would just like to tell you that you’re A STAR. Have a nice day. I need to go off to lunch.”

Richard E. Grant: “Me too, thank you.”

Danny Williams asks: “I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say thanks for this. Any chance of you doing it again sometime?”

Richard E. Grant: “Name the day.”

beeb: “Unfortunately that’s all we have time for today. Here’s Richard with a final word …”

Richard E. Grant: “Plug time… Birmingham, Waterstones, Thursday, 7pm; Dublin, Saturday, 7pm – read and Q&A in person. Come! Cheers!”

‘I’m still star-struck,’ reckons Richard E Grant, UCT Drama graduate and now on the Hollywood A-list. Recently in Cape Town, he told Karen Rutter how his background could never allow him to become blase*

Despite the many finely-nuanced performances that Richard E Grant can claim credit for, it’s his lanky urching about the countryside in Withnail and I that is the image that has lingered longest for most of us.

The sleeper hit which can rightfully claim cult status was the launchpad for a career that has been piloted by Altman, Scorcese and Coppola, and has slipped in alongside Kidman, Willis and Scacchi. And it’s nice to know that Grant, despite his elevation to the A-ranks of Hollywood, feels the same fondness for the film that forged his future.

“If I had to make a list of the movies I most enjoyed making, Withnail would definitely be at the top. Apart from thoroughly enjoying the process, I made lifelong friends with the director and actors,” he explains.

It’s this kind of loyalty to the stuff that shaped his success that makes Grant stand out as a Seriously Nice Guy. The very reason he was recently in South Africa for a whirlwind visit was due to a 20-year-old friendship with theatre director Fred Abrahamse, who founded the new Gauloises Warehouse theatre in Cape Town this month. Abrahamse invited Grant over to officially open the venue, and Grant jumped at the chance.

“Fred and I, together with Sean Taylor, Fiona Ramsay, Neil McCarthy and Ian Roberts, all graduated from UCT Drama School in the same year – the class of ’79 – and some of us went on to form the Troupe Theatre Company. We put on quite a few productions (including Agamemnon and Metamorphosis) and worked very well together. I’ve kept up contact with most of the people involved, so I was very pleased when Fred told me he was opening up a new theatre,” says Grant.

He speaks of Fred with an unaffected fondness, and expresses great admiration for the director’s commitment to his gala production, Shopping and Fucking. There’s none of the pretentiousness one might expect from a star who mingles in a stratosphere sprinkled with the brightest lights in showbiz. Quite the opposite, in fact. Grant seems healthily grounded, quite happy to sit in the sun outside a city restaurant and shoot the breeze as bergies shuffle past. In a shapeless sweater and undesigner dark glasses, he projects a stylishly disheveled look that blends in perfectly with the streetlife around him.

It would seem his lack of affectation can be attributed to the same source that makes him list Withnail – and not the arty Portrait of a Lady or the big-budget-buster Hudson Hawk – as his fave film, and that honours bonds from way back. By his own admission, Grant reckons that because of his “humble” background he will never become blase about his life – and that understanding his past is an ongoing process which keeps him constantly inspired.

“It still amazes me that I’ve not only succeeded in my dream of becoming an actor and met everybody I hoped I might one day meet, but have stayed this long. I just hope it carries on,” he is quoted as saying in an interview. He smiles that yup, he continues to feel the same way.

“I’m still star-struck; I’m thrilled to say that hasn’t changed,” he beams. “I think it has a lot to do with coming from nowhere and going somewhere. Where I grew up all there was in the line of entertainment was a drive-in cinema – I’m very aware of the leap from there to here. Ultimately, I think I’m too curious and enthusiastic to take any of it for granted.”

Born Richard Grant Esterhuysen in Swaziland some 40-odd years back, Grant describes his childhood as typically colonial; his South African-born father was the Minister of Education and the family lived in relative comfort in Mbabane. Grant went to the Waterford School before moving down to study at the University of Cape Town. After graduation and the Troupe Company, Grant went to London where he battled for five years before starting to pick up stage work.

Withnail came at just the right time, and things have soared since. Movie titles include The Player, Jack and Sarah, Dracula and How to Get Ahead in Advertising, and there have also been two best-selling books.

With Nails is a collection of memoirs written while on set, while By Design, his latest, is a novel which has obvious autobiographical parallels. It’s about a young boy and his best friend who grow up in a mythical small town in Southern Africa, and dream of making it big in Hollywood. Of course, eventually they do – as (respectively) interior decorator and masseur to the stars. The book is one big send-up of Tinseltown, from big budget disaster movies to the people who make and star in them, through to the glossy couples whose public lives hide a multitude of personal sins. Part of the fun is guessing which fictional character is based on what real star – but Grant isn’t giving away any clues.

“These things have a way of bouncing back,” he says discreetly.

It’s a book which Grant based on various aspects of his own life (“Someone once said, ‘Only write what you know’ so I did,” he explains), and will be followed by a screenplay (which he is hoping to direct) which looks at Swaziland at the end of British colonial rule.

“It’s very personal – again – and fairly political, too. It comes back to what kind of childhood or background one has, and whether one fights or embraces it. One can spend one’s whole life coming to terms – either good or bad – with one’s past.

“Actually, in many ways, my youth in Swaziland wasn’t so different to my life in LA now – there are common points of confluence between the incestuous nature of Los Angeles and the pecking order in a small colonial town. The salaries, names and places may differ, but the common denominators are all there. If I do get to direct this one, it will be a first for me,” Grant adds.

He seems keen to make the transition from in front of to behind the camera – even if it’s just for one film – and one gets the impression of a rangy energy that needs stimulation and movement in order to stay interested. “I found it difficult to sit in isolation for six months, from nine to seven every day, writing By Design. Picador, the commissioning publishers, dangled a large amount of cash in front of me which is why I did it – I couldn’t imagine slogging away like that and then still having to try and sell the thing to someone,” he grimaces.

“It was similar to when I did The Importance of Being Earnest some five years ago with Maggie Smith – the same thing on stage every night for eight months. I far prefer variation,” he says.

Which he certainly has, at the moment. He’s just finished shooting The Little Vampire, a big budget children’s romp, in Germany and Scotland, and will soon be filming the second season of the adventure series The Scarlet Pimpernel for BBC1. Then there’s Hildegard, an Australian production (his first) which he starts after that. Not forgetting the Swaziland screenplay, which is an ongoing project.

Would he ever consider doing something in South Africa, considering his continued links with the theatrical community? He pauses. “I think if it were a special production, perhaps a reunion of the class of ’79, I’d like to direct.” Which sounds absolutely appropriate for an actor with such honest allegiance to his roots ….

Polly has done a very cute sketch of REG and earned herself a fan art page. If any other of you budding artists have been inspired, just email and send me your stuff. Also I have a pic to go along with the Rogue Male article, click here to see it.