Cheers Magazine Interview – September/October 2002

By Jen Evans.

AYME (pronounced “aim”) is a UK-based independent registered charity dedicated to giving help, friendship, support and vital contact to children and young people with Myalgic Encephalopathy (M.E).

Back in March 2002 Jen Evans our celebrity correspondent wrote to over 110 celebrities asking them all to send signed photographs and messages of support to all of us for ME Awareness Week. We had a fantastic response. Well things can take a little longer than expected in the worlds of celebrities and ME so we’re only managing to tell you about them now. As a result we have managed to secure some fantastic celebrity interviews for you, and here is our first: Richard E. Grant.

He was born and raised in Swaziland, in Africa. He went to university in Cape Town, South Africa, to study Drama and moved to London in 1982. He got his big break 5 years later in the film “Withnail & I”. Since then he has appeared in over 50 movies, written 2 books and had many theatre appearances. He is married with one daughter.

After Jen’s letter he wrote back to us with a great message, “AYME High and Go”. I, Jo Brown, caught up with him in July, via email, as he was filming in Africa.

AYME:- You were born in Swaziland but now reside in this country. What made you decide to leave and do you go back often?

REG:- No professional theatre exists out there, and since they only got TV in 1980, it is not possible to earn a living as an actor, but I go on holidays whenever I can.

AYME:- You’re filming in Africa at the moment, is that in Swaziland? What are you working on?

REG:- “Monsieur ‘N”, a French film about Napoleon’s last year on St Helena. I play Sir Hudson Lowe, the English governor suspected of poisoning Napoleon.

AYME:- What is coming out in the near future that we can see you in?

REG:- “Gosford Park” on DVD and video. “Hound of the Baskervilles”, Christmas Day BBC1 and “Napoleon” next March.

AYME:- Which of your many films has meant the most to you and why?

REG:- “Withnail & I” as it was my first film and I have remained great friends with the people who made it.

AYME:- You’ve managed to avoid being typecast as a particular character, is that something you’ve consciously tried to avoid?

REG:- I try to, but inevitably you get cast according to your physical/emotional type. Stallone will have no fear of me edging him aside!

AYME:- What made you want to become an actor?

REG:- Best kind of life possible. You never know what’s coming next or who you will meet or work with. It’s a huge adventure

AYME:- What has been your most interesting piece of fan mail or experience with a fan?

REG:- Discovering that I have real fans, having always thought it only happened to the people I am a fan of.

AYME:- What in your eyes has been your greatest achievement to date?

REG:- Being a father to my daughter Olivia, who is now 13. It is the most profound and rewarding love any human could wish for.

AYME:- Had you heard of AYME or ME before we contacted you and have you had any personal contact of ME?

REG:- Yes. I have two friends who have ME.

AYME:- You sent a wonderful message to all AYMErs, “AYME High and Go”, do you have anything to add to that?

REG:- Never give up. You only get one life. Go for it!

AYME:- What helps you to get through your bad times?

REG:- The love and support of my wife and daughter and my friends.

AYME:- What is your personal philosophy for life?

REG:- Now. Not tomorrow. Not yesterday. NOW.

AYME:- What are your hopes for the future?

REG:- Apart from a cure for the diseases that plague us, an end to wars and other lofty ideals, I plan to direct a film I have written, but not act in it.

All the best
Richard

Richard in “Withnail & I” with Paul McGann.