WTF Happened to HUGH GRANT?

In the nineties, Hugh Grant owned the rom-com. From his debut in Four Weddings and a Funeral to his American breakthrough in 1995’s Nine Months, nothing could derail Grant’s career, not even a well-publicized scandal that landed his mug shot on the cover of tabloids worldwide, which everyone thought would ruin his image for good. He was able to bounce back and his charm helped make 1999’s Notting Hill one of the most popular romantic comedies of all time.
Grant hit his stride in the early 2000’s, thanks to his a series of roles that paired him with writer Richard Curtis, including About a Boy, Love Actually and Bridget Jones’s Diary. Yet, towards the end of the decade his rom-coms started to flop, and he vanished from the big screen for several years. Yet, thanks to against type casting in movies like The Gentleman and some well-received small screen turns, Grant seems to be on the verge of a comeback. We dig into his ups and downs in this episode of WTF Happened to this Celebrity
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[@Locadel2003]

We can all agree this man was the king of cheesy romantic comedies for a period.....but I think his most hilarious moment was when he danced in Love Actually 😂😂

[@nicolamcguinness8689]

David Niven was in Bluebeard eighth wife 1938 with Gary cooper Herman Bing Edward Everett Horton directed by Ernst lubistsch

[@sharonozvenom]

I loved that dance scene . Hugh says he isn’t a good dancer but I think he’s a natural !

[@jonathanward7320]

Nothing happened to Hugh, just a guy who doesn’t take himself seriously and continues to act in supporting parts in good movies. Hope he keeps it up. He’s such a funny man in interviews.

[@theshadowman1398]

He pretty much been in movies non stop actually. Loved him in The Gentlemen

[@GanjaxMan]

The Gentlemen was Fireeee 🔥

[@nicolamcguinness8689]

David Niven was in the love lottery 1954 with Humphrey Bogart Gordon Jackson Herbert lom

[@madisona3907]

The Gentlemen is an awesome movie!

[@rac7551]

He was phenomenal in that movie

[@renaldsunset]

The Gentlemen is a superbe movie ! It made me want to dress classy 24/7 and be more badass in case somebody wants to try me lol

[@trinaq]

I love how he good naturedly poked fun of his reputation in "Paddington 2", in which he played a delightfully hammy actor!

[@nicolamcguinness8689]

David Niven was in his final movie Better late than never 1983 with art Carney

[@bonmotze]

I couldn't have care less about the "scandal". In my country it isn't even a crime and wasn't back then. In 1995 he would have get a slap on the wrist for it, today it's completely legal. I always loved his Romcoms, especially Four Weddings. But my favorite movies with him are About a Boy and Cloud Atlas. I even liked the recent TV show The Undoing. He is such a likeable character on screen and I'm not interested at all in his private life. Thanks for covering the dude.

[@rumblefish9]

Maurice is the movie that really changed my opinion of Grant. I went from non-fan to obsessed.

[@stevekaspar1396]

America is still too puritanical..

[@renaldsunset]

Ayo what country is that ?? 🧳 Asking for me

[@bonmotze]

@@renaldsunset Germany

[@renaldsunset]

@@bonmotze Ok I’m on my way ✈️

[@greens294]

I’ve actually enjoyed Hugh’s career far more these last ten years than when he was one of the go-to heartthrobs

[@Kari.F.]

If it had been the accent alone, all British actors would have been world famous. He's extremely funny, and has shown himself to be a versatile actor.

[@SY-ok2dq]

The way Hugh Grant handled the arrest scandal and the media frenzy led to him strengthening his star status and capitalizing on all that international press coverage (everybody who watched the news knew about him after that). It was his appearance on the Leno talk show that did it. He was straightforward and apologized and admitted his wrongdoing, admitted he was a terrible person, and threw himself at the public's mercy. There was no dodging of questions, no trying to explain away, no blaming of others, no excuses, no trying to hide away. It was like he threw himself on the ground, said he was sorry, and allowed people to hurl loads of rotten tomatoes at him. The public was satisfied. Also, as he is in other interviews, Grant was very self deprecating, always making jokes at his expense and talking himself down. The British love that kind of humor. Emma Thompson is like that too. In interviews, Grant is quite funny and witty, great dry delivery and timing - a natural fit for comedy. His character in "About a Boy" really suited his personality, and he's really good in these nastier, snarky, or villainous roles like in "Paddington 2" and "A Very British Scandal". Grant has really transitioned his career very skilfully and chosen some excellent roles and scripts. I also think Grant's arrest for soliciting a prostitute off the streets of L.A., reduced that "gay posh Brit" (clearly not gay) and lightweight image he had, and perhaps made him less unlikable to many men. It gave him a bit of grit and "bad boy" edge. It made him much more of a suitable casting choice for roles like Daniel in "Bridget Jones' Diary" and for "About a Boy" and other more caddish roles. Another thing I would add is that Grant has let himself age naturally, without any tweaks or Botox. His face very much suits ordinary looking older men. He looks convincing in roles like "A Very English Scandal" without the aid of facial prosthetics - down to his slightly crooked British teeth. That's something which I think the British public likes: Grant hasn't gotten a Hollywood makeover with tooth veneers and plastic surgery.

[@philipsmi-lenguyen8155]

Well said mate. Very very long,but well said. Lol.

[@rumblefish9]

Few people outside Britain know how much Hugh is a hero in real life too. He was one of the whistleblowers of the massive UK phone hacking scandal when he secretly wired himself talking to an ex News of the World editor in chief. Grant then released the recordings and wrote a piece about it. Further bringing the issue to the general public. Grant revealed the extent of the bribery, the corruption that went all the way to top MPs about how they hacked politicians and crime victims phones. He confirmed that News of the World hacked the mobile phone of a 13 yr old murder victim and others. He's spent the last few years fighting Rupert Murdoch and his empire and they got NotW closed. It also led to an investigation/public inquiry and a few arrests. He funds HackedOff which is a watchdog organization that looks into intrusive media coverage on regular folks and campaigns for press transparency in the UK.

[@007Julie]

@@rumblefish9 wow! I didn’t know it was that extreme, the editors and people in charge deserve to be in prison. What a horrific way to make money, so disgusting.

[@AskAScreenwriter]

How could you miss the 1988 classic "Lair of the White Worm?" The jokes about his later 'escapade' write themselves!

[@nicolamcguinness8689]

David Niven was in the brain 1969 with Andre boruvil Eli Wallach jean Paul belmondo directed by Gerald oury

[@matthewking4259]

Thank you! Skipping out on the debuts for Hugh Grant and Peter Capaldi

[@shanecochran2491]

Right!!!!

[@michaelstrong5383]

The last movie I saw Hugh Grant in was Paddington 2, and much like the film itself, he was so entertaining.

[@nicolamcguinness8689]

David niven was in Dodsworth 1936 with Walter Huston

[@purefoldnz3070]

Nicholas Cage's favorite.

[@caro1ns]

He looked like he was having so much fun in that, didn’t he?

[@mrcritical6751]

He was fantastic in that

[@milajb7164]

True🤣🤣🤣

[@Locadel2003]

Everybody loves "Love Actually", "Bridget Jones's Diary", "Notting Hill" & "Four weddings and a Funeral" but I think his most mature, great and overall best movie of his career during the 90s and 2000s before his more mature roles in the 2010s, was in "About a Boy" from 2002, a really great underrated movie and amazing performance from him

[@nicolamcguinness8689]

David Niven was in rose Marie 1935 with James Stewart wuthering heights 1939 with Laurence Olivier the moon is blue 1953 with William Holden the pink panther 1963 with Peter sellers

[@SY-ok2dq]

Plenty of people like myself do not like "Love Actually" or "Four Weddings" that much. The problem is writer Richard Curtis, and the annoying side characters he writes and the cloying cliched subplots and bits like the boy who has the crush on the girl and runs through the airport ("Love Actually"). I can overlook the annoying wacky side characters like Spike and the sister and the dude in the bookshop in "Notting Hill" as the main storyline, lead characters and performances are good. Plus a great song. The romance in "Four Weddings" is not compelling. Andie Macdowell's character is uninteresting and bland, and she isn't able to add much oomph to it either. Overall I prefer "About a Boy". Very funny and moving but not sappy, and Grant is fantastic. The rest of the cast is great, and Grant and Nicholas Hoult have good chemistry. I suppose the reason it gets less love is because there's not really a central romance although it does have an upbeat ending. And another reason is his character starts off as a shallow, skirt chaser who's never had to work a day in his life, so I guess that put people off.

[@bonmotze]

@@SY-ok2dq the book from Hornby is just fantastic and the best in the genre. That's why About a Boy is so enjoyable. They nailed it with the cast. I really thought at some point that Hornby wrote it with Collette, Grant and Hoult in his mind which ofc wasn't possible. Such a perfect adaption.

[@bennnnu380]

@@bonmotze yes! One of the best book to movie adaptations I have seen.

[@SY-ok2dq]

There's a very funny interview somewhere where Grant talks about having absolutely no clue what to do when playing the cannibal in "Cloud Atlas." As usual, he's very funny and shows that he doesn't take himself too seriously, or the "acting process" too seriously. And by the way, "Maurice" is pronounced like "Morris", with the stress on the 1st syllable. That's how it's pronounced in the film (and by the way, Grant never looked more gorgeous than he did in that). Maur-rees is the kind of French way of pronouncing it. Like Maurice Chevalier.

[@jonathanward7320]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWO8oIiYdqp5iqs

[@rumblefish9]

I haven't gotten over Maurice yet. Its one of the most beautiful and well-directed movies I've seen. My heart can't. My jaw dropped when I saw him in that movie. Having also read the book, he is perfect for Clive. Grant is able to convey the pained, vulnerable and complex character very well.

[@Trendlaser_]

My favorite Hugh Grant film is "About a Boy." He played a character just like me (without his money, charm, accent, and happy ending).

[@nicolamcguinness8689]

David niven was in the way ahead aka the immortal battalion 1943 with Stanley Holloway Trevor Howard sir Peter Ustinov

[@lune78]

Hugh Grant is a terrific actor. I feel Music & Lyrics doesn't get talked about enough, he's hilarious as a washed-up 80s pop star. I think American Dreamz also deserves a mention, it's a really great dark comedy.

[@007Julie]

I love the “Pop! Goes my Heart” song, I actually downloaded it and I listen to it quite frequently. It’s so true to the 80’s and I’m here for it.

[@thedragonlee76]

Hugh Grant was at one point considered to be James Bond,back in the 80s.

[@MilkyWayy99]

Taylor’s brilliant, sassy & entertaining narration is the reason why I subscribed JoBlo ^^♡ thank you for another great review!

[@-0-getliffe476]

No referance to 'The Lair of The White Worm' Ken Russell film? It's a cult horror classic, and went some way to launch him.

[@Svezhaja_struja]

I actually remember it. Saw it as a child in the 90s. Never heard of that since.

[@DrumWild]

Definitely worthy of mention.

[@KattMurr]

I was just going to say the same thing. ..

[@timothyj.wright5833]

Really enjoyed The Gentlemen. Grant in true form! It’s in 4K on Netflix right now if you haven’t seen it!

[@Eastendsunset]

I saw the 90's interview of Hugh Grant by Jay Leno live - it was astonishing. Grant rose like a phoenix and his boyish and cheeky charm helped him a lot.

[@diamondsnake1273]

He supposed to replace Charlie Sheen in 2 and half man. What a wasted opportunity. Unlike Ashton, Grant is smooth AF.

[@alisterfolson]

His turn(s) in the movies Notting Hill and Cloud Atlas made me respect him even more as an actor

[@WC-tv7lk]

Grew up on watching his rom coms, they still hold up even in 2022. He also killed it in The Gentlemen.

[@rumblefish9]

The Undoing too.

[@raspberryp.i.1854]

He merged with Ben Stiller and became Seth Meyers

[@Zombiesnyder13]

I really thought that was Tim Allen on the thumbnail

[@limeyosu2000]

Rewatched Notting Hill the other day it holds up well !

[@richardharutunian9274]

Four Weddings and a Funeral and Love Actually would never be so great without Hugh Grant!

[@nicolamcguinness8689]

David Niven was in Dodsworth 1936 with Walter Huston the moon is blue 1953 with William Holden

[@ArngrimJakobsen]

Funny thing: I’m a huge Hugh Grant fan, but still didn’t see Paddington 2. Still I love this guy, especially the interviews! To me Hugh Grant is one of the greatest ❤️

[@bennnnu380]

I absolutely love about a boy. The acting the plot the script the soundtrack.

[@hawsrulebegin7768]

He’s very funny in interviews and a good looking guy. Just annoy his critics he became a damn good actor. One of the U.K. greats.

[@bphifer]

I feel like people slept in The Man from UNCLE. It’s pretty good!

[@ryanhung6915]

effortless British charmer and Notting Hill will always be one of my favourite rom-com films.

[@bev9708]

Paddington 2 even got much love recently in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent!!!

[@tammcphail1995]

First saw him in “Lair of the white worm”, (hysterical by the way). Who would have thought he’d be as successful playing the same character. Love what he’s doing now though.

[@nicolamcguinness8689]

David Niven was in lady l 1965 with Cecil Parker Paul Newman Marcel dalio sir Peter Ustinov Phillippe noiret Michele piccoli eugene deckers directed by sir Peter Ustinov based on the novel by romain Gary

[@jerryschramm4399]

If you happen to see "The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent", Nic Cage has the same reaction to being asked to see "Paddington 2" that you do. He loved it (in the movie). Also, Chris Stuckman found the movie outstanding. Definitely worth seeing - sooner or later.

[@rumblefish9]

Paddington 2 is that rare breed of film where the sequel is so much better than the first movie. Its precious. I took my nephews to watch it and even I was crying.

[@Nahumf1]

Excellent video as always! Do one of Giovanni Ribbisi! I Think it's a tremendous actor! Thank you so much. I enjoyed all the videos!

[@ArcherSuh4721]

Hugh Grant has a lot in his career to be proud of, but the fight scene from Nine Months with him and Tom Arnold versus Arnie the Dinosaur made him a Legend.

[@carbine090909]

I re-watched 4 Weddings & a Funeral recently, and dear Lord, Andie MacDowell's character is a horrible person. It kind of ruined the movie for me. I felt like the happy ending was a Johnny Depp parallel.

[@rumblefish9]

Same. All the time I was wishing his character ended with Fiona.

[@somebodynowhere]

It still boggles my mind that Cloud Atlas wasn't even nominated for the makeup oscar

[@nicholassakamoto2455]

Too bad he cut his hair after Bridget Jones’s Diary. I really loved his floppy hair.

[@JessicaDwyer]

I fell in love with him in Lady and The Highwayman. I was young. He had a puffy shirt. Then he popped back up opposite Doctor Who in Lair of the White Worm and that was just my crack.

[@rumblefish9]

I highly recommend watching the movie Maurice. Its on youtube

[@nonyabusiness5607]

You’re my favorite narrator on this channel by a wide margin

[@KidFresh71]

About a Boy, Love Actually, Four Weddings & a Funeral- all wonderful films.

[@nicolamcguinness8689]

David Niven was in the elusive pimpernel 1950 with jack Hawkins Robert coote Cyril cusack directed by emeric pressburger Bonjour tristesse 1958 with Ronald culver jean Seberg Deborah Kerr directed by Otto Preminger based off on the novel by francoise Sagan

[@Telluwide]

"WTF Happened to HUGH GRANT?" He kept his hair...That's an accomplishment...

[@ericmason349]

I enjoyed Hugh Grant in The Man from Uncle and had hoped for a sequel. Oh well.

[@sourcecode5273]

"The Gentlemen" is one of my favorite films. I was entertained by Hugh Grant.

[@jolly7728]

Brilliant actor! The camera loves him, and we all love the English. Wish him every success going forward.

[@winnielai7455]

He always seems to be having so much fun! Love his dry humour and wit!

[@renitacain5347]

He's in Dungeons and dragons coming out next year

[@titusmccarthy]

OH GOD.

[@Pugs365]

My favorite characters he played are Paddington 2 and Sense and Sensibility. The Gentlemen was excellent.

[@geraldd9738]

its sounds like Richard Curtis may need his own episode. Thanks for the informative and fun 24 mins. Take care until the next one!

[@Bigsky1991]

I liked him in "Music and Lyrics" as the has been 80s pop star with Drew Barrymore! It was funny...and the girl who spoofed Britney Spears was amazing! I'm glad to see tge RomCom era gone...the stammering guy in love stuff just got old...

[@nicolamcguinness8689]

David niven was in the silken affair 1956 with Ronald squire Irene Handi Joan sims Wilfred Hyde white Richard wattis Leonard sharp Harry Locke directed by Roy kellino editor Richard best

[@karentroupe3523]

Good evening Mr joblo I've been a faithful subscriber fir twi years my name is Karen from Santa Ana CA love all of your videos I have a question for you can you do one in British actor Colin Firth I'm certain lots of his fans including myself are wondering what's going in with him. Stay safe careful and keep up the excellent work

[@joser1853]

It's absolutely crazy this guy stared in like 10 consecutive movies that made over $100 million.

[@40g33k]

"Get outta yeeeee!" He was so funny in Mickey Blue Eyes.

[@OMARA.OFFICIAL]

He is the 14th Doctor Who

[@JoeFiorelloFilms]

I remember watching “Did you hear about the Morgans” with my then girlfriend and joked afterward that Hugh Grant’s character was so underwritten and his chemistry with Sarah Jessica Parker was so bad that you could replace each piece of his dialogue with the utterance “Well you do know, I’m rather British, actually.” And it would have absolutely zero effect the plot or flow of conversations in the film.

[@Thathorrorguy12FU]

I never really got into his movies as most were rom/coms. I really would have liked to see his other films that were different from his trademarked run of the mill romantic comedies. I'd love to see him as a bad guy. Or be in a very serious movie portraying a real person. I'm sure he'd thrive and he'd probably kill it. He needs to come back hard AF.

[@jewel79]

Did you watch "Extreme Mesures" from 1996 with Hugh? Maybe you will like it.

[@neonicon8500]

I haven't seen Paddington 2, but i did see the first one and it was quite enjoyable. People wanting to do adaptations could learn a thing or two from whoever adapted Paddington

[@Jackchambersuk]

You flat out forgot the lair of the white worm. Awesome film from 1987

[@martinprehjan9944]

Poor bastard, couldn't even get a hummer in piece!

[@DailyDrivenBikes_1]

Driving around in a car he had a symptom called golf ball, you'll have to watch top gear to know what I'm talking about.

[@rumblefish9]

Hilarious interview

[@scottyhayden9171]

We agree. Grant is a MORE that formidable Thespian and we have his back right along side you JoBlo! #majicmisslemajicmisslemajicmissle

[@colorin81colorado]

Hugh Grant is one of only a handful of actors I have actually seen in real life (it was at the red carpet premier of Nikki Blue Eyes in Sydney Australia). But for me the one performance I remember him most is his part in Sense and Sensibility! But also as Doctor Who... You did not mentioned him as "The Doctor", why didn't you?

[@sanguinemcorda4310]

He is still amazing, nothing happened to him. Still love him. Still funny af .

[@canuck21]

The scandal? I don't care. He's a great talent and I have enjoyed many of his movies.

[@DrumWild]

Filet mignon is amazing. But every so often, a guy just wants to have a sloppy pizza.

[@uptown3636]

That thumbnail is hilariously eye-catching!

[@djnqa2571]

hugh grants mum was my French teacher at school

[@1112DEN]

Hes been great. He was fantastic in the Gentleman

[@xrrrismickey]

Enough people didn't see Maurice to care. That was an art house film

[@wstine79]

There wasn't a romantic comedy in the 1990s that didn't have Hugh Grant.

[@nicolamcguinness8689]

David Niven was in casino royale 1967 with Peter sellers orson Welles John Huston it’s a James Bond parody

[@laustcawz2089]

Wrong! "Benny & Joon" "Muriel's Wedding" "Denise Calls Up" "Everyone Says I Love You"

[@titusmccarthy]

@@laustcawz2089 Found the assburg who doesn't understand sarcasm.

[@TheCandela15]

Love Hugh Grant. About a boy and Notting Hill are amazing.

[@dancingman1983]

I cried at the end of Paddington 2

[@lag767]

Thanks!

[@edwardzuniga7598]

At quick glance because of the thumbnail, I was like “That’s Tim Curry” …

[@mafeuk]

Imagine what if Coppola had chosen Hugh Grant and Liz Hurley for the roles that went to Keanu Reeves and Winona Ryder on Dracula. It would make that movie more bearable to me at least.

[@geoffbrooks3710]

Unfortunately still around,. Shame Crossroads isn't still on air, a suitable receptacle for his acting 'talents'.

[@SynnJynn]

Loved the Gentleman! It was an awesome movie!

[@Seriouslycantplayguitar]

Hugh Grant in Cloud Atlas one character just looks like Seth McFarlane never noticed before this video

[@marymungleandmidge4080]

You missed Ken Russell’s Lair of the White Worm. One of the more bizarre movies he has appeared in.

[@DR.slzzzp]

hes so consistent hes become an afterthought. he shows up, does everything really good, no better no worse & leaves. if i had to rate him hes like a overall 89-91. hes a perfect cast for literally any roll

[@georgeallen7887]

And he played Chopin, brilliantly, in Impromptu.

[@Locadel2003]

I actually liked him better now in recent years like The gentleman, The man from uncle, Cloud Atlas, Florence foster jenkins, paddington 2 and the next upcoming guy ritchie movie. I think he is better than his cheesy 90s/2000s comedies

[@nicolamcguinness8689]

David Niven was in the guns of narvone 1961 with sir Anthony Quayle anthony Quinn Gregory peck the sea wolves 1980 with Gregory peck Trevor Howard sir roger Moore

[@rumblefish9]

Grant has always been good. Maurice, which is his first proper film, is proof of that.

[@Mrmoviefan123]

Hugh Grant's mug shot is nothing compared to Nick Nolte's mug shot, in my opinion.

[@adamkwalczyk]

He was a beast in Cloud Atlas

[@chillwalker]

...he finally shows his amazing skills as an actor and got better and braver with every movie? (Just to answer the Question without watching the video...)

[@Jason-gb7tt]

Hugh Grant to Romcom is what Jason Statham to Action star

[@hakimanozz1974]

anything about hugh grant amazed me

[@gingaddict]

I got this guy's autograph! I really wish he got the Doctor Who role and yes, JoeBlo IT IS THE VOICE! I'm not even a fan of romantic comedies but I always think he's the best thing in it.

[@JohnnyTong215]

Another DnD movie? It may or may not suck, but Hugh Grant could make it work!!!!

[@nicolamcguinness8689]

David niven was in the Prisoner of Zenda 1937 with Raymond Massey Ronald Colman Douglas Fairbanks jr Byron fougler torben Meyer Lawrence grant Boyd Irwin Alexander d arcy Ian maclaren directed by John Cromwell based on novel by Anthony hope

[@mrcritical6751]

It could be good. It’s by the directors of Game Night which is a fantastic movie

[@FonerG]

You can most certainly watch Paddington 2 without the first one. The first one will make a great prequel afterwards.

[@-redacted_by_youtube]

Didn't want to know but thanks for informing me.

[@juansolis4796]

Hey, Cloud Atlas is a MASTERPIECE.

[@titusmccarthy]

GO AWAY YOU LIAR, You know nothing about good cinema.

[@cadillacdeville5828]

What ?! Oh, this will definitely be entertaining....the scandal 🤣

[@nicolamcguinness8689]

David Niven was in Barbary coast 1935 with Edward g Robinson walter Brennan Joel mccrea Harry Carey sr Hank worden directed by Howard hawks

[@reycesarcarino4653]

What's are the music themes, you use in this video Their great

[@cuzakikiriki4574]

Idea for next video: WTF happened to ORLANDO BLOOM

[@DreaMxT3aM]

Hey someone know the background music at 6:40 please ? i"ve been searching on every video of joblo but cant find a link xD . and like always great video cya

[@jooppoojk2356]

Hugh Grant just love to it with Divine Brown

[@BariTheDon]

I just watched the gentlemen too that’s crazy

[@ryanjavierortega8513]

So handsome, so innocent