David Suchet on playing Hercule Poirot - Dead Man’s Folly Q&A | BFI

David Suchet on playing Hercule Poirot - Dead Man’s Folly Q&A | BFI. Subscribe: bit.ly/subscribetotheBFI
Actor David Suchet discusses playing Hercule Poirot, Agatha Christie's famous Belgian detective, on television for the last 25 years, with interviewer and biographer Geoffrey Wansell.
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[@amritnio]

I bet if Agatha Christie were alive, she would appreciate his performance as Poirot

[@sharondoherty5143]

In an interview with David, he said that he was talking with Agatha Christie's daughter and she said "I think my mother would be pleased". I've read where she was not keen on how past actors portrayed the character.

[@fatimaabdelwahab6710]

Totally agree !👍🏼

[@flowerfleur8105]

Her descendants certainly do!

[@verstappen9937]

Understatement

[@tomboyle7068]

Poirot Love Song Tom Burke & Jaime Winstone kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKnPpamcisaVqbc

[@kcrnac]

I really like this man. Hercule Poirot wouldn't be Hercule Poiroit without him.

[@Roseversailles80]

Kristijan Crnac I agree

[@caracaguku2655]

yes

[@madimukhtar1720]

Yes. You are right

[@robertwhyte4979]

True

[@maciektrybuszewski9964]

Oh cmon. Albert Finney was great and Peter Ustinov while not resembling Poirot visually also did great job and his first two movies are now classics.

[@Sanderus]

When I first saw an episode of "Poirot" with David Suchet my jaw dropped in awe. That was Poirot litterally taken out of the books and put into a movie. Absolutely phenomenal work!

[@tomboyle7068]

Poirot Love Song Tom Burke & Jaime Winstone kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKnPpamcisaVqbc

[@SaltyMinorcan]

I felt the exact same way.

[@bobbyhanly3466]

No. He falls far behind Peter Ustinov. Too robotic.

[@adityavenkatesh7260]

​@@bobbyhanly3466sure buddy😂

[@kugelweg]

@@bobbyhanly3466 Very Royal Shakespeare Company. He is definitely very methodical about his portrayal, which isn't quite like the character from the books, but it suited the itv adaptations.

[@MsGrapeNehi]

After reading many of Agatha Christie's stories and then watching Poirot portrayed by Albert Finney and Peter Ustinov, I always felt that there was something missing in their performances. Then when I saw David Suchet as Poirot, I knew what it was: kindness. For all of Poirot's maddening qualities, he's a very kind person, but I didn't see that with Finney or Ustinov. They portrayed all of his quirks, but none of his charm. But there's a sweetness and a gentleness to Suchet's Poirot that perfectly reflects his character in the stories. That's why he's the only Poirot for me.

[@sumanmishra123]

"kindness' - so true

[@mfjdv2020]

Absolutely right! Also, David Suchet plays Poirot with a depth that the other two actors didn't have. He IS Poirot. The others still were Albert Finney and Peter Ustinov.

[@ItWILLbeWONDERFUL_THERE]

The ONLY Poirot IS David Suchet. SORRY, Kenneth Brannaugh. I have nothing against the actor, but I don't have anything against Johnny Depp, either, but in the role of Willy Wonka GENE WILDER ruled that world. Johnny Depp didn't get near it, and he's usually a good character actor. For POIROT, there is only ONE .... DAVID SUCHET.

[@ItWILLbeWONDERFUL_THERE]

#What-IfMachine You NAILED IT!!! 👍👍👍👍

[@niklel4036]

Hear hear!

[@annjfk]

He played him so well that I shed a tear during the bit where he was walking away from the murderers in the Orient Express. Loved that episode. What an awesome method actor.

[@tomboyle7068]

Poirot Love Song Tom Burke & Jaime Winstone kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKnPpamcisaVqbc

[@T65432]

Yes also one of my favourite moments 👌

[@iannoone64]

David Suchet IS Hercule Poirot, in my mind’s eye, I cannot picture any other actor as Poirot.

[@ArnieClomera]

Standing ovation to David Suchet a human being who brought much to the industry

[@RisuTakarai]

I say... this remark about the old lady in Hastings is so beyond words. It was so sweet of David to not destroy the illusion of the old woman. It is touching. I love it.

[@GrimeReaperMan]

He should definitely be given the 'Sir' title, Sir David Suchet, I like it :)

[@mfjdv2020]

Sounds great!

[@angelarahn5697]

I would love it if he played Poirot again!!!

[@ernee100]

That the New York Times ran a notice of Poirot's death after the last episode speaks volumes. Your idea has merit.

[@breetasengupta4145]

Close your eyes & just listen...you might get a hint of Sir Patrick Stewart

[@TheDukeOfWaltham]

@@ernee100 Wasn't that when the last novel ("Curtain") was published in 1975?

[@valerie7008]

He has the kindest eyes I’ve ever seen. It’s hard to explain. But even in his shows/movies, his eyes were so expressive. I see that same trait in real life. I keep feeling like he is a really great person.

[@marysylvie2012]

Exactly: I feel safe when I watch Poirot. However, in addition to David Suchet's magnificent talent and wonderful acting, we must not forget the team work surrounding him: the music, for instance; the scripts that were right to the point; the director of photography who made each scene be a postcard or a painting; and of course, the actors playing around, like Hugh Fraser who played Hastings so well, and Philip Jackson who played Chief Inspector Japp wonderfully. And all the other actors gave firm support to David Suchet. Let us not forget the decors, the cars, all the environment faithful to the time of Poirot's adventures. It was a remarkable team work from the beginning to the end. That is why we love to watch Poirot. And we feel safe.

[@helenheeney2284]

Ah Japp amazing

[@JGLBA12]

David you are such a British treasure. Thank you for blessing us with 25 years of Poirot.

[@tomboyle7068]

Poirot Love Song Tom Burke & Jaime Winstone kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKnPpamcisaVqbc

[@aichask]

No one else has done justice to Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot but David Suchet - just incredible

[@amarvera]

He IS Poirot!

[@horsluva0758]

Amen

[@LE-zy2od]

Exactly

[@robertwhyte4979]

Big time

[@rose-marietrembloy243]

Hé IS Poirot just as Joan Hickson IS Miss Marple, you cannot read Agatha Christie’s book without seeing THEM. Thank you so much.

[@ellamilan.]

YES💯❤️

[@RatedArggg]

David Suchet is THE Poirot. Nobody else compares.

[@LE-zy2od]

YES

[@2godless]

He owns this role. No actor will ever be able to say that.

[@Joy-qn7uv]

Mr. David Suchet is a marvellous actor, and he absolutely shines as Poirot.

[@tomboyle7068]

Poirot Love Song Tom Burke & Jaime Winstone kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKnPpamcisaVqbc

[@m.rodriguez9732]

I agree: he's been the best actor to play Poirot, true to the books. Excellent interview.

[@tomboyle7068]

Poirot Love Song Tom Burke & Jaime Winstone kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKnPpamcisaVqbc

[@ltcajh]

"The little gray cells must do their work 'Astings!"

[@jenniferbaldini3527]

"Good Lord"!!!!

[@marcox5641]

Hastings*

[@CartiAudioEu]

Incredible, Best Hercule Poirot ever. I adore his movies!

[@horsluva0758]

I totally agree!!!!

[@LE-zy2od]

EXACTLY

[@tomboyle7068]

Poirot Love Song Tom Burke & Jaime Winstone kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKnPpamcisaVqbc

[@tjfSIM]

Such a humble man, and a consummate professional!

[@horsluva0758]

who care's what he seems. I love him!!!

[@tomboyle7068]

Poirot Love Song Tom Burke & Jaime Winstone kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKnPpamcisaVqbc

[@Arfipuss]

So true. I’ve argued this more than once. Poirot is not a comical character to be laughed at. You’re always aware of the morals and ethics that he upholds. I think the creator and critics of the little Belgian man have been so unfairly hard on him for so many years when in reality (or is it fantasy?) he’s one of fiction’s greatest heroes!

[@tomboyle7068]

Poirot Love Song Tom Burke & Jaime Winstone kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKnPpamcisaVqbc

[@jiggermast]

Mr Suchet always comes across as an incredibly likable & decent man in every interview I see. The definition of a Gentleman is said to be "One who never knowingly gives offence." Well even though I've never personally met him, my guess would be that he fits that description about as perfectly as anyone can. I wish this world contained many more like him.

[@vanessahawarden9028]

So true that David Suchet's Poirot makes me feel safe and secure.

[@Matt201191]

David Suchet was the best actor to of played Poirot

[@daddykoolest]

I honestly couldn’t see anyone else in the role, he’s perfect and makes him completely real.

[@NapoleonBonaparteMAGA]

You will be remembered for reading the Bible Poirot David Suchet my hero!

[@larryh.3173]

FYI: From Wikipedia..... “Following the time when he bade farewell to his role as Hercule Poirot, Suchet fulfilled a 27-year ambition to make an audio recording of The Bible's New International Version, which was released on 24 April 2014.”

[@elizabethannegrey6285]

Oh priceless. The story of the little old lady in Hastings. What a charming man in real life, so unaffected and humorous. Best Poirot ever.

[@Archimond789]

We can not imagine someone else in the character of Hercule Poirot. We adore this actor and all the series with the other characters like Miss Lemon, captain Hastings,inspector Japp ...and typical music.

[@mfjdv2020]

Yes it's all absolutely brilliant ... what a fantastic combination of actors in the four main parts, eh.

[@robertwhyte4979]

David suchet is poirot

[@mckavitt13]

The longer episodes w/o our beloved Poirot sidekicks are even better! Deeper, more complex stories w more fleshed out characters.

[@tomboyle7068]

Poirot Love Song Tom Burke & Jaime Winstone kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKnPpamcisaVqbc

[@MrThomasHart]

David Suchet's Poirot _Murder on the Orient Express_ is everything that all the other big stars do not get. His anger. His anguish. Forced to make an impossible decision. The close-up of him clutching his rosary. All these little things. There is only one Poirot. And that is him, forever

[@patriciamariemitchel]

"Gentleman" is a very good way to describe the indescribable Hercule Poirot. David Suchet nailed it admirably. 🙂 With him, everything is right 👍

[@IrishEyes1989]

David is such a treasure! :) That story about the lady in Hastings is priceless!! LOL

[@witenoise78]

Do you mean (captain) Hastings in the lady?

[@cindyknudson2715]

@@witenoise78 6:50 delightful story 🙂

[@tomboyle7068]

Poirot Love Song Tom Burke & Jaime Winstone kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKnPpamcisaVqbc

[@deborahsnyder697]

He's brilliant.

[@Adrito7]

He is not only a brilliant actor but a beautiful human being.

[@ladymargaret713]

if only I could have an experience like that lovely older lady he encountered, a dream come true!

[@vardellsfolly5200]

Damn, he is so elegant and graceful! So charming and sharp!

[@annnanas1991]

he's the best Poirot, I love every single episode. Even with the minor French mistakes, he is still so credible that I sometimes foreget he is not Belgian in real life.

[@tomboyle7068]

Poirot Love Song Tom Burke & Jaime Winstone kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKnPpamcisaVqbc

[@KimmyQueen]

2:30 C-O-R-R-E-C-T No one truly cared to bring the BOOKS' Poirot to the screen. Faithfulness to the books is why he (Suchet) shall be THE multi generational Poirot of all time.

[@jayakeshavan8047]

I can never forget those days huddled with my two little children Watching Hercule Poirot. They grew and also his fame. An excellent actor and a treat to watch all his series

[@indirac.4010]

YES, AROUND THE WORLD WE ALL LOVE YOU DAVID....

[@vilmapena7181]

I will like to thank Mr.suchet for doing Poirot. I think he is the BEST in this part.God Bless.

[@vilmapena7181]

I think he was Sexy in PERFECT MURDER.

[@Stranger10590]

Vilma Pena Agree. ;)

[@horsluva0758]

I second that motion

[@tomboyle7068]

Poirot Love Song Tom Burke & Jaime Winstone kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKnPpamcisaVqbc love

[@realfredwithtires]

He is a brilliant actor. Not only the definitive Poirot but marvelous in all his roles including his stage work.

[@tomboyle7068]

Poirot Love Song Tom Burke & Jaime Winstone kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKnPpamcisaVqbc

[@Randy39761]

he is so good at telling stories. Hastings lol

[@mfjdv2020]

What a lovely man David is and how beautifully he speaks, really an actor of the old school with that wonderfully trained voice (unlike the interviewer's thin, querulous whine). And most importantly, what a tremendous sense of humour he's got. He may miss Poirot, but WE shall all miss HIM as Poirot!!

[@tomboyle7068]

Poirot Love Song Tom Burke & Jaime Winstone kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKnPpamcisaVqbc more love

[@rubymars5493]

His French accent in Poirot was amazing!

[@Euphoftoday]

Belgian :-)

[@SilverToster]

I love the story with old lady lol

[@jeffreyoldham55]

David Suchet has created a man who is impeccable...in thought & deed, in manner & character, and dress. That is why I admire his Hercule Poirot.

[@drenafaithtaiwhanga3330]

Has David Suchet ever played a role as a stand up comedian??? he does that well too on all David Suchet interviews. Love it

[@virginia7191]

I have seen other actors play Poirot. David Suchet IS Poirot!

[@LE-zy2od]

Exactly Suchet IS Poirot

[@alexpowers3697]

David Suchet was totally awesome in Poirot. THANK YOU DAVID!!!

[@Skyisnotalimit]

One of the best actors out there...

[@Miss_Annlaug]

What an amazingly well spoken man!

[@joharrison7851]

What a lovely man. I could never imagine anyone else playing Poirot - David Suchet IS Poirot

[@kristent225]

I just adore David Suchet's portrayal of Poirot. I've seen all the episodes except the last, Curtain. I just can't bring myself to say goodbye to him :(

[@mfjdv2020]

I know the feeling ... I had a terrible time reading the book

[@kristent225]

I finally watched it. Was very odd seeing such an old Poirot :(

[@dazzlingdeb8427]

I don't think I want to watch it. Or I guess I could watch it but turn it off before he dies.

[@horsluva0758]

I totally agree with you.... :(

[@barbaraamelia8671]

Kristen T Just had a conversation with my mom about that! LoL Cannot bring myself to see him go. Adore him.

[@msinvincible2000]

I admire David Suchet so much, he's a true gentleman and a brilliant actor.

[@tomboyle7068]

Poirot Love Song Tom Burke & Jaime Winstone kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKnPpamcisaVqbc fun

[@timmchugh6386]

David Suchet deserves a knighthood for his role as Poirot he was absolutely outstanding - No-one could ever surpass his acting in that role!

[@nachtschatten8710]

He was actually knighted in 2020 if the almighty Google is right. ☺️👍🏻 And not a moment too soon, I might add, as his impact has been and will always be enormous.

[@doriapriori1004]

The one and only Hercule Poirot!

[@l.sebire8817]

Hercule Poirot is my fav UK series, David Suchet is an amazing actor, without him the series can't exist, congrats to this so famous actor and THANKS

[@ejroehrs]

He has been such a big part of my life. My parents first showed me Poirot when I was 5 and I’ve been hooked ever since!

[@sreeniv09]

Great Actor and soothing voice.

[@asm3177]

You didn’t cross the line we love you 😍❤️❤️❤️

[@geetsingh831]

They wanted a character with whom people would smile not laugh at him...David Suchet was the best choice...i have cried....smiled watching his Hercule Poirot series..simply love him. I wish he was my dad..

[@dr.agupta]

I too really really miss Poirot, when ever I think that there are no more series and Poirot is not going to amaze with his wits, I just tear.. I know it's ridiculous, but I tear and miss u mon ami :(

[@rodlecid]

A true English gentleman. Very classy !!

[@The_Wandering_Hobbit]

Having only seen/heard Suchet as Poirot, it's SO WEIRD to see him without the mustache and hear him without the Belgian accent. Great interview, though! He'll always be Poirot to me. :)

[@rubykrussg]

Read some of the books before I saw the show... and after seeing him playing Poirot (my favorite of all Agatha Christies characters) I felt no shock! He was perfect!

[@tomboyle7068]

Poirot Love Song Tom Burke & Jaime Winstone kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKnPpamcisaVqbc

[@SibirianFreya]

David Suchet played Inspector Japp in Agatha Christie's Thirteen at Dinner (Lord Edgeware Dies) 1985, but as Hercule Poirot he is the best :)

[@Euphoftoday]

I'm acting in this episode and had a picture taken with David. One of the nicest men I've ever met. He took the time out to speak with us and chose the right moment (in terms of light and backdrop) to have the picture taken. He stayed in character throughout. 7.5 years ago and I remember it like yesterday.

[@brunom72]

this interview made all of my "little grey cells" very happy!!

[@jslasher1]

Suchet is a marvellous interviewee.

[@dazzlingdeb8427]

David Suchet captured the character of Hercule Poirot perfectly. There never was and there never will be a better Hercule Poirot. I loved listening to Suchet in this interview-what a consummate actor and mimic he is. As a singer, I thoroughly enjoy his immense vocal range. Whenever I hear him speak out of character, I always need to adjust myself to the realization that his speaking voice is pitched much lower than his voice as Poirot.

[@LE-zy2od]

Exactly He IS Poirot

[@Sonia-jk7lf]

That is exactly it: I feel safe with Poirot.

[@alysononoahu8702]

His voice is so lovely and multi leveled

[@witchandcat]

In my opinion the best Poirot!!! I love his interpretation of this character, one of my favourites.

[@apollonia6656]

What a lovely gentleman. A great actor. Yes, the best Poirot. I cannot visualize Poirot without David playing him. Thank you for the wonderful performances . I just wish there were more books that Poorly was in so that David could have continued to be on our screens. The repeats: watch them all and never get tired of them. Many thanks for Poirot,David. All the best. Kind regards. Rita.

[@juliekim738]

I always get something new from him every time. In "The Adventure of the Clapham Cook", he doesn't appreciate that Mrs. Todd touches him on the shoulder and only has two people working for her. He also almost runs into her when he turns around to talk to Hastings after exiting the vehicle. Because of this, he tells Hastings that he should never tell Japp that he's looking for a cook. Also, he and Hastings are disappointed when Mr. Todd doesn't offer them a drink and doesn't fully recognize Poirot as a famous detective. Poirot says to Hastings that he shouldn't be suspicious of Mr. Todd just because he didn't offer them a drink. I watch period dramas, so I know how to look closely. It's this eye for detail that makes me love this series. Also, Suchet has humorous moments ("Ah Hastings, the little gray cells take a little vacances") and can be both kind and cruel.

[@valeriepagendarm6376]

Such a beautiful, studious actor. His Poirot is complete with a shadow of a romance in his past...all suggested by an expression or a glance. His eyes...gorgeous!

[@juliekim738]

Yes!! He's too handsome to be only a character actor. I would love for him to be in a period drama in 2022.

[@Mudcat50]

I think the first Poirot I saw was Peter Ustinov and I thought he was just great. I loved the character Agatha Christie created. But when I saw David Suchet's playing him, I felt like I was looking at the character come to life. He is Poirot, quirks and all What a great actor.

[@Stranger10590]

Do I see dislikes? What's to dislike here? He is such an unique actor, such a chameleon. It's too bad we didn't/don't see him more often... I simply adore him as Poirot! ^^ ...Or is it because of a only 20 minutes (the dislikes, I mean)? Then yes, I agree - not enough... :) I personally thank and wish Mr. David Suchet all the best!

[@mckavitt13]

Asking myself in astonishment the same question.

[@elianawolfson8740]

it feels so weird to hear him talking in his real voice - i have seen all the episodes and i'm so used to the belgian accent

[@theurbangentry]

Fantastic. Suchet is such a great actor. Thank you BFI!!

[@drenafaithtaiwhanga3330]

He sure is and I see he has a wonderful sense of humor. He could do stand up

[@tomboyle7068]

Poirot Love Song Tom Burke & Jaime Winstone kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKnPpamcisaVqbc

[@zaichnko]

Perfect actor and perfect person.

[@joyskaggs4874]

What a fabulous treat to hear this from David Suchet. I have enjoyed his portrayal of Poirot so much and it is good to know that playing this part brought him such great happiness.

[@SilverToster]

I love David Suchet he was lovely as Poirot

[@victorreyes6411]

LOVE LOVE LOVE this MAN

[@thanksfernuthin]

You are loved sir. Your attention to detail brought an incredibly entertaining character into our lives and it's appreciated.

[@horsluva0758]

I totally agree.

[@tomboyle7068]

Poirot Love Song Tom Burke & Jaime Winstone kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKnPpamcisaVqbc

[@juliekim738]

I watch him as Poirot everyday for at least one hour. He's so charming and down-to-earth.

[@horsluva0758]

I adore the series. and I couldn't imagine anyone else playing Poirot, but David Suchet.

[@tomboyle7068]

Poirot Love Song Tom Burke & Jaime Winstone kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKnPpamcisaVqbc more

[@Daisy_Cow85]

He is so eloquent ! And such a wonderful mimic .... This was a great watch. Loved watching him as Poirot , loved watching him as David Suchet !

[@LizethRevueltas]

I'm so happy to found his movies here . I'm addicted to him . 2020, the year we will never forget. Regards from Mexico City.

[@mpenny226]

I LOVE this actor.

[@patriciamariemitchel]

He was saddened to give him up, but he can still experience Poirot through his admirers and that will never end. 😊

[@123pailin]

He and Joan Hickson were the best . Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple the way Agatha Christie imagined them.....

[@Thepourdeuxchanson]

Jeremy Brett as Holmes, Suchet as Poirot, and Hickson as Marple. They all played the parts as the characters were written in the books. Not romanticized or made cutely endearing.

[@saran3214]

@Gianmarco Sabato Joan Hickson was Agatha Christie's choice to play Miss Marple. The author might know a little more than you about who would play her best. Hickson was Miss Marple. In 1946, Agatha Christie had written the actress a letter after seeing her during a West End production of Appointment with Fear in which Hickson acted the part of "a little spinster lady, saying, "I hope that one day you will play my dear Miss Marple." Her wish was not carried out for another 38 years.

[@BERTRAMCAT]

David is Poirot ! Believe an old french man!

[@Imfaih011]

i have devoted my life to that role of his for the past 5 years and i still enjoy staying in to watch every single episode

[@shpresacubi5871]

j'adore David Suchet pour son talent, il a tellement de respect aussi pour Agatha Christie

[@w.m.aslam-author]

They cast every character brilliantly. I've been a fan since the first series. Who could match David's portrayal of Poirot?

[@BDBD05]

Love you David Suchet!!! The best I have ever seen...

[@saharfathi2631]

I LOVE THIS GUYYY the most brilliant actor of all times

[@sharongustafson7687]

Your son~in-law’s comment was spot on! I’m a huge fan of Poirot. During a very stressful time in my life I felt the overwhelming need to watch Poirot again and now I understand why. Thank you David Suchet!

[@andreasbroman6799]

That little old lady story has to be one of the funniest,sweetest thing i've ever heard.

[@neilfranklin5644]

Yes it must have made her day to have met him , because a good actor makes you suspend disbelief and you are not so much as meeting the actor but the character they are playing. The greatest compliment the actor can get.

[@lemoncrinckles]

This interviewer does an excellent job of asking intelligent questions and allowing David Suchet to fully answer without interrupting.