JOHN RHYS-DAVIES: LOTR Pessimism, Barely Surviving Indiana Jones & Life After Loss

[@NerdoftheRings]

An absolute delight. I could listen to John talk for hours upon hours. Such an interesting guy and a true legend!

[@alanhersch4617]

Big fan of your channel! Both surprised and not surprised to see you here. XD

[@Jackaroo.]

Awesome 👏

[@samsschool3639]

They way you pronounce "Dragluin" saved my soul from damnation

[@niklasdahlgren7641]

Now, 20-25 years later and yes, he was right. The LOTR movies will become classics for generations.

[@colonelinfernal5004]

It's a shame that sort of movie magic is unheard of these days.

[@mistadopeman]

Nothing is close.

[@ScottyDoesntKnow69]

Who knew the iconic line “Not the Beard” in LOTR was John telling Orlando I don’t want to redo the makeup and prosthetics so don’t grab the beard lol

[@darkangel_1978]

My husband, kids and I met John Rhys-Davies back in January. He was so sweet and kind. Our son had fallen asleep in my husband's arms, and my husband was saying that his back was killing him, from holding our son. John got up, came around the table and gave my husband a shoulder and back rub. We were not expecting that, and yes, I took pictures. Such a lovely man !

[@007Julie]

Wow, that’s such a sweet story. I’m sure it will forever be told in your family, what a great guy!

[@ytsm]

I hope he got your husband's consent first?!

[@shyd00d]

I met him at a sci fi / gaming convention. He just walked straight up to me and started talking, I recognized him from watching Sliders. He is such a lovely nice person and very nice to talk to :)

[@darkangel_1978]

@@shyd00d he really is.

[@Liquidcadmus]

@@ytsm WOKE alarm!!

[@amaniwolf]

John Rhys-Davies is one of the kindest most giving people i ever met. He really is a fantastic person, if you ever get the chance to meet him, take it. So glad i got to talk and joke with him, what a blessing.

[@kadosho02]

Samesies, he is a natural comedian. Plus joy in his heart and soul when he shares fascinating stories

[@dallanc5199]

Yep, got to meet him in SLC at a convention. He was engaged, friendly and very talkative. Interested in each of us asking about out backgrounds, schooling etc etc. Very nice person

[@kevinscott4081]

He is very cool. I met him when I worked at a hotel. I spoke to him on the phone as well and he had me rolling. He is a riot in person!

[@FindecanorNotGmail]

Agreed. He's like a force of nature. I've met him at a couple of cons. Nicest, most engaging celebrity I've ever met.

[@Harrisean]

100% agree! got to meet him and I feel the same way.I rarely go to a con to meet someone a second time. I have considered it every time I saw John going to another con.

[@jefffortney4261]

John Rhy-Davies IS an absolute legend. You landed another wonderful interview, Michael.

[@fotopix61]

Hey Michael, I've worked, at Cons, as the photo-op photographer, with John Rhys, for many years. I consider him a friend and I agree, he is a great guy. Exactly as you presented him, he is. A great guest, for you and a great dinner companion! Awesome show! BTW, I photographed you, once, back before covid and, for your fans, you, too, are a very genuine, sweet guy. All the best-Craig

[@KaibaCorpYT]

"Bashing the bishop" 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@JPDarkHeart02]

😂😂😂

[@GeraltBosMang]

Loved it.

[@davidadams3408]

That's very a very old British saying

[@geesterfunk]

fantastic

[@ttsuter87]

Had the exact reaction. Wow lol

[@RandalReid]

Anyone watching Shogun now, he played Rodrigues in the 80s miniseries

[@kevinkuenn5733]

Nothing against the new Rodrigues, he's perfectly fine, but the contrast between him and John in the original miniseries is night and day. John Rhys-Davies just leapt off the screen in the original. It's not easy to upstage Toshiro Mifune!

[@Haik0]

The 80s one was amazing. Rewatched it few times.

[@derekchin6242]

What timing! Just finished watching Episode 5 of Shogun (SO GOOD), and am on a FB Group where we’ve been talking about everything Shogun, including the 1980 miniseries. John Rhys-Davies was incredible as Rodrigues. Now I’m here watching to see if he mentions it at all. :-D

[@andreapatterson8323]

Thank you

[@AniwayasSong]

Yes! Been a huge fan of Mr. Davies since I was a kid!

[@LazyEyeNZ]

I remember John giving so much praise to the cast and crew of LOTF in the DVD sets as a kid and to hear him stand by it 20 years later is touching.

[@sf-studio]

"I've used it occasionally, yes....and done it even more." what a fantastic line.

[@Marcatolegato]

what does he use - cannot hear it as non-english speaker

[@hartsparky]

The word "fuck"

[@pCeLobster]

LOTR was every perfect actor at the perfect time in their career. Pure casting gold. What John brings to it is inimitable. Warmth, humor, he practically runs away with the trilogy. My wife had never seen it until a couple years ago nor ever read the books, and Gimli was by far the character she enjoyed and remembered the most.

[@Justusson]

I agree with the casting of the LOTR. There was not a misplaced actor or anything else in those movies. They were spot on. However, I’m not sure it was at the perfect time in everyone’s career. Looking at Elijah Woods and some others, they seem to have been immortalised as their characters, never breaking free from them enough to go on entirely. Much like Leonard Nimoy - who wrote not only one book called “I’m not Spock”, but then also another book actually called “I am Spock” - they seem to carry the legacy with them, wherever they go. That can’t be easy.

[@andytucker5315]

What an absolute LEGEND yet humble lovely man he is. Sallah and Gimli will forever bring smiles to my face.

[@TigersEye7609]

That was fantastic. His effervescence is contagious, his wisdom is profound, and there's such a unique and enriching texture about him and the way he speaks that it was nearly upsetting that the conversation was only barely an hour long. I wanted more. Many thanks to the hard working talent at Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum and Mr. Rhys-Davies for making this happen. It was truly a joy.

[@meadmaker4525]

I first saw him as Rodriguez in the 1980 Shogun miniseries. He always has such a presence and I've enjoyed watching everything he's done since. Fantastic actor!! I haven't seen the new Shogun miniseries yet, but it would be amazing if some of the original cast had cameos.

[@Anduril1974]

He is an absolute legend, one of my favourite people. I met him once with my daughter at a con in the UK and he was extraordinary. So warm and kind. He was taken aback by my young daughter's desire to be an archaeologist when she grows up and patted me on the back and said 'Well done dad'. I'll NEVER forget that moment. Love him!

[@shmerelize]

Nice username, Flame of the West!

[@WhatIfJojoSiwaWasGay]

I could listen to this treasure talk for hours. Poised, eloquent, charismatic. What a gem.

[@LTPottenger]

I'm still irate they fired him from Sliders and ruined what was rapidly becoming a classic show.

[@ChristianAVS]

Truly

[@AnointedFlow]

yes indeed.

[@jeffrym9625]

John is such a welcoming person; I was working a convention in Jacksonville, FL and day one he was just walking through EVERY isle of artist alley and vendors just going telling people to have a good and being friendly, first time I saw a guest starting the day like that

[@SenorJohnMega]

I absolutely love this man. Me and my brother's family met him at a Texas pinball festival years ago and he was so amazing and sweet to each and every fan. And it's not an act, that charm he effortlessly lets loose on screen, that's him. I met lots of celebrities at the pinball festival over the years and him and Sam Jones (of Flash Gordon/Ted fame) were my absolutely favorites, by far.

[@jcp1984again]

Sir Rhys-Davies is one actor that always makes me happy. He has such a humorous and good-hearted presence. ❤ One of the all-time greats.

[@steventhomas2856]

He's not a Sir (though he arguably ought to be at this point, or an O.B.E. at least); he is, however, a top bloke and a diamond geezer.

[@jcp1984again]

@@steventhomas2856 , ha, I know he's not officially a Sir, it's just my own childish addition of admiration.

[@emilyemily444]

As a Brit, this interview makes me so happy! I grew up listening to Johns incredible voice, watching him in Sliders & having him play Gimli on LOTRs was the icing on the cake👌 Brilliant interview, top notch! Thank you very much John & Michael for this awesome episode🙂✌️🇬🇧🩵

[@aaronjoseph3709]

Have you ever heard his narration of the bible? He's got the voice for it. Very classy man.

[@MoietyVR]

He will always be Professor Arturo to me, grew up watching sliders "chain reactions" (marathons) on syfy channel.

[@CinemaGulp]

Absolute legend and a humble one at that. He defines the class that used to be in the acting profession and still can be found in pockets. Just one of the greats.

[@-The-Stranger-]

This was 100% the best interview I've seen that you've done. Describing him in one word would be "Passion".

[@chrisdsanders]

Honestly, I normally skip around in most interviews. On this one, I watched the WHOLE thing. Michael is right, this is one of the BEST interviews.

[@Rahatlakhoom]

This man radiates a genuine warmth. I have admired his film work, this interview confirms he's open and positive. A giver, not a taker.

[@sparky955]

Rosey, without a freaking doubt, this was your BEST interview EVER! The man is a national treasure. Thank you SO much for having him on.

[@pauianderson]

Had the pleasure of meeting Mr John Rhys Davies a few years ago and he is without a doubt one of lifes all time greats! They just don't make him like that anymore. Much respect.

[@Justmeandmy20cents]

In Sweden John is really well known for another film called Ivanhoe. They play it on national tv, the first of Jan every year, without exceptions.

[@TyroneDaviesWELSHMAN]

An absolute legend! A proud son of Wales! He was born just up the road from where I was born in Ammanford, South Wales. A great man! Thoroughly enjoyed the interview!

[@sooperalex15]

Absolutely knew this chat with John would be a blast, but man, it was beyond brilliant! The guy's just a treasure - warm, hilarious, and totally in his element even at 80. He's the epitome of an actor's actor, still lighting up with the joy of performing. Gotta say, the turn into bashing the bishop caught me off guard - But hey, that's what made it all the more memorable. Top marks for this one, Rosey - truly a top-tier convo! Like you said, one of the best. It really, really was.

[@Wref]

Oh my god, John is such a delight in this interview. By far one of my favorites, never expected he'd be as entertaining off-screen as he is on.

[@cpafol]

John Rhys-Davies is great, no questions there! But I think this episode really showcased Rosey's deep skill as an interviewer. This is definitely one of those interviews where you just let the guest talk because of his breadth of knowledge and experience, and you did just that. You're the man Rosey! 💯

[@Khazandar]

Which he should do with everyone. He's far too prone to interrupting his guests.

[@yoooda-tz6zk]

Best guest ever

[@KristineMaitland]

Years ago I met actress Virginia Hey (Zhaan in Farscape). She worked with John Rhys Davies in The Living Daylights. She had nothing but good to say about John.

[@w415800]

Timothy Dalton was one of his classmate at Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

[@ElectricKnight.]

Glorious episode! What an absolute legend. I'm referring to Ryan of course. No, seriously, John Rhys-Davies was spectacular and is an absolute legend. Great conversations. Thanks for the show, guys!

[@trulytrekkie]

What a great interview and what incredible answers from John. I had the pleasure of meeting him briefly. A group of friends and I were at the premiere of the Two Towers in NYC, standing outside. It was snowing and understandably the actors who were dropped off walked directly into the theater. John had a cane from an injury and still took time to come over to the line of us waiting and shake our hands. It was awesome.

[@MariaDuarte-mt1ez]

This is one of the most entertaining interviews to date. I literally laughed out loud. I could listen to John Rhys-Davies for hours. Such an interesting guest.

[@MichelePridgeon]

I remember keenly seeing John in Shogun as a teenager. I thought then, there was something about this man that radiates joy. I have adored John since. Thank you for having him on, Michael. You made my morning!

[@Liquidcadmus]

what a wonderful interview with an amazing man.

[@StephenAryan44]

John recently worked on a short film with a friend of mine who was the director. He was, and remains, an absolute legend and raconteur.

[@JEBossTon92]

What an absolute legend. Amazing interview! Thanks as always Rosey, Ryan, and Co.!

[@TheAnthonyGonzales]

This was my favorite interview of the year. I hope to be half as interesting as him when I’m 80

[@CrAZychicke]

Loved John as Gimli & Treebeard and it was cool to see him on the Princess Diaries 2 as well. I've rewatched Lotr extended editions every year for the last 20 years 🥰

[@johnmiller3267]

having him in the Wing Commander games when i was younger made me love pretty much everything this wonderful man has been in.

[@jeremyhaines4481]

This is a excellent interview with the Actor John Rhys Davies

[@ESantanaNL]

Michael, in addition to being an excellent actor, is a good interviewer. I am very happy every week to bring us so much entertainment and especially to talk about mental health.

[@Themantree]

dude, I could see hanging out with John for weeks, just listening to stories. What a genuine and funny guy. Seems like a lovely human.

[@325Naboo]

Best part of the LOTR Extended DVD's were the behind the scenes of him telling stories and the cast talking about him and him ordering everyone food at a dinner.

[@TheRafaelRamos]

I loved his Rodrigo role in 1980 Shogun! He's hilarious!! God bless you, John Rhys-Davies

[@leilani_nichelle]

John's laugh is contagious! I was filled with joy every time he laughed. One of my favorite episodes, hands down. 💙 Keep up the good work, Rosey!

[@jiminycriket]

WOW. One of the BEST interviews - and guests - you've had! Watched this with my wife, who never watches/listens to podcasts, and we enjoyed every minute of John Rhys-Davies' talk. Very engaging, slightly baudy and a thoroughly entertaining person! Many thanks for continuing to share these talks, and your guests' thoughts, with the rest of us!

[@SJReid82]

Oh wow, Rosey (and company)! Killing it with the guests again! Absolutely awesome interview. Rhys-Davis is truly one of the great classically trained 'thespians', right up there with your Patrick Stewarts, Ian McKellens* and Anthony Hopkins.

[@jesseowenvillamor6348]

McKellen

[@aazo5]

This man deserves more attention. One of the most important actors of the last 50 years, but doesn't get nearly enough praise

[@NestorCaster]

38:44: “God died at that moment… I knew there was no hope…” I’m sorry but John made that pain that so many of us have gone through at least once in our lives, just plain hilarious!!!!❤❤❤❤

[@chrispalmer3330]

Wow...just wow. Such a great interview. He shared so many pearls of wisdom from a life that has already been well lived and looks to keep going.

[@theresemarkham9387]

I just finished listening to this episode and it was delightful. I felt like I was listening to a master storyteller. He definitely opened up and I enjoyed all of his behind the scenes stories. I was sorry to hear about the loss of his child. Best podcast ever!! A part 2 would be nice.

[@evilcoleslaw]

Wow. That was an amazing interview. John was just a wellspring of energy and delight.

[@ValiantDWC]

Michael, what an AMAZING interview! You as the interviewer were superb. John was an incredible interviewee. What a honest, powerful, and kind man. My wife LOVES him, and I must concur I do too. Thank you so much for this.

[@kristinaF54]

Wow, he's so right about Indiana Jones 1 and 3! I only watch 1 and 3 on dvd, I completely ignore the rest.

[@barrycardiss4043]

I've been having trouble sleeping so saved this podcast for a sleepless period....It was fascinating. A very likeable, intelligent, experienced old pro. He talks about Olivier being forgotten but his characters on Raiders and LOTR will last generations...At 65 and retiring this year his little segment on not fearing death was food for thought.. Well done for making your guests relaxed and comfortable with a wide variety of questions..

[@tygerstripes3752]

I've adored John Rhys-Davies since I saw him in I, Claudius. Hope you address his LOTR lounge chair! I've always wondered about the logistics of that contractual demand. Must add: Went to check his IMDB and Wowza! Sexy headshot, John!

[@michaelfontanet9356]

I got to meet him at megacon orlando earlier this year. I got to share how much his role lord of the rings has effect on me as a kid and I almost cried and he just gave me a big hug. What am amazing man.

[@Maazzzo]

From the chapter titles it doesn't look like you asked him about Sliders. If he comes back, can you talk to him about that?

[@JohnClark-tt2bl]

That was actually what I remembered him from the most back then. Loved the first few seasons of that show, and the professor was my favorite character.

[@vladpiranha]

I came to the comment section just to mention that show. I'm pleasantly surprised and thrilled it's the top comment. The show wasn't the same without Maximilian Arturo.

[@Maazzzo]

@@vladpiranha his death was so cruel. Even when watching it, I could tell something had happened behind the scenes-- they gave him an incurable disease, had his brains sucked out from a Kromagg, shot several times point blank in the chest on a planet that was going into a black hole and going to explode. Talk about overkill. They wanted it clear that Arturo was NEVER coming back. And the show jumped the shark when he left. The only decent episode after that was Slidecage, and even that wasn't nearly as good as it should have been. I hope they'll bring him back and talk about what happened. As I understand it, JRD just was asking for better scripts (which was fair, the scripts were bad) and then they killed him off. I'd like to have known how it all went down from his point of view.

[@rorysheahan2298]

😅​@@vladpiranha

[@JohnClark-tt2bl]

@@Maazzzo I thought it had something to do with him wanting to do other work?

[@christann229]

I really love your way of interviewing Michael. Many interviewers are so intent on keeping themselves out of the conversation and keeping it about the interviewee, which I think is great for a TV interview, not for a podcast. You apply yourself, making it a conversation worth listening to. Thank you. Can't wait to listen to more!

[@kadosho02]

Love this legends stories, especially of those he admires, or worked with. There is something about his journey that is so special, you just want to sit, and listen when he speaks to you

[@Old-Skull.]

Great interview, John is a legend .

[@jlivewell]

Maybe one of the greatest interviews I have ever heard. Great, Michael. WOW

[@bmcg4977]

It wasn't the largest role, but I always loved him as Macro, in the BBC's "I, Cladius", alongside greats like Brian Blessed, Derek Jacobi, Patrick Stewart, Sian Phillips, and John Hurt.

[@64bitRewind]

John is such an intelligent, talented, and wonderful man. That was the most riveting conversation I’ve listened to in many years.

[@tanyawagner9164]

Oh, my stars and moons😂 tis my birthday today, and this is by far my favorite treat! I had the pleasure of working a con with him for a weekend, the very best, delightful, rascal of a human being❤❤❤ he had me giggling ( almost gasping)for the entire time. Thanks Rosie!😘

[@alstottfan97]

I just met him at a con a week ago. WONDERFUL experience!!! He is the kindest celebrity I've met. He initiated the conversation & was genuinely interested in my answers that I gave to his questions. It's an experience I'll always remember.

[@thatepicwizardguy]

There's definitely a curse of marketing people controlling what's being made on large scales right now but at the same time we're also seeing original and/or interesting stories and ideas breaking through and getting huge accolades (plus making money) such as The Whale, Parasite, Poor Things, Everything Everywhere All At Once, and more of course. I think it's a terrible shame that this trend of franchise chasing hasn't died off faster when there are clearly some awesome writers, directors and lesser known actors who could bring to life what could be an entirely new vibe to theaters and change up the modern movie watching experience. Good episode. John Rhys-Davies and that voice always invoke such magnitude and charisma.

[@graysonberryproductions512]

JRD is simply legendary....guys like this literally were born for it. What the hell else would he do? Work as a DMV instructor? "You......have....failed....the parallel parking portion of your exam."

[@Gypsy_Danger_TMC]

51:55 The man is basically explaining the plot of John Q. "No Parent should have to bury their child" - Theoden

[@Caffein8Owerly]

What an amazing episode. I wanted him to talk forever. I'm still smiling after this finished. I'm so excited about John Rhy-Davies building a studio. We need stories that compel us to go the theater again. I miss those.

[@Clips4uandme]

My dad just had surgery and by watching this podcast my dad and I were introduced to Smallville. So, thank you so much for the bonding time I have been able to have with him. Oh and not to mention, being to the best Lex Luthor ever.

[@saveversus]

A couple months ago, I was talking about In Name of the King to someone, and we remembered Ray Liotta and Burt Reynolds are gone, then said, "Holy shit, we need to form a circle around Davies; we can't lose Sallah!"

[@MartinT5600]

I knew this be a great episode but it beyond exceeded my expectations. The voice, The charisma, The stories. There's a reason these old school actors are held on a different pedestal these days. Top 5 podcast episodes for sure. Just a treat.

[@geddoe316]

love this guy. I think my first exposures to him was sliders and the game wing commander 3 of all things. He brings such a classiness to the screen. Loved him ever since!

[@1122stardust]

His natural Gimlie face and laugh is perfect !!

[@marksemczyszyn]

Rosey, what an amazing conversation. Genuinely think this is the best podcast you’ve put out. Love what you’re doing. Keep doing it. X

[@Jeyhu]

LOTR Trilogy is a masterpiece of cinema. I've loved PJ's work ever since Dead Alive! What a nice interview with JRD, I'll always remember him the most for Sliders what a great sci fi show that was (at least the first few seasons).

[@DanKeeleyMusic]

They just don't make actors like John anymore. Just one of the greatest actors that's ever existed. I've never seen anything I didn't love him in and he's even cooler behind the scenes. Sallah and Gimli fan for life.

[@natashagilbert3]

Gimli was one of the best characters and really made those movies. So glad he did it❤❤❤❤

[@natashagilbert3]

Also amazing episode. He’s the coolest

[@KeatrithAmakiir]

This interview was incredible! Would love to see you interview Michael Ironside at some point, another truly classy gentleman actor! He will forever be my hero because after finishing a movie he made a point of saying thank you and goodbye to every single crew member, regardless of their position. The man actually gave me a hug (I was just a lowly grip) and he was just such a genuine delight to work with day in and day out, and I got a similar vibe from John in this interview (I worked on 1 movie John was in, but I unfortunately was not there the week he was on set)

[@learntobepainfree4760]

Michael, you are right. This is the best interview I think you've done. What a great guest and a legend of an actor. Thank you.

[@-GeordieDan-]

Excellent interview - I met JRD in Newcastle years ago. A true gentleman, totally honest and a right hoot.

[@vbacs22]

We need a second part more than ever before! I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF THIS!

[@leannepritchett6323]

Loved every moment of this interview. Phenomenal man and actor with the most fascinating stories. Thanks for being the best part of my day ❤️🙏.

[@FirstMetalHamster]

He has such charisma, it's a joy to listen to him.

[@andrewbrown3070]

Fantastic interview

[@theresemarkham9387]

This is going to be a great episode. John has had such a legendary career. Looking forward to listening to this one. Best podcast ever!

[@jpmorgansnose]

This was fantastic Michael. Truly. Definitely one of the best interviews you've done.

[@jimmcclements5229]

Thank you for bringing us interviews. You are one of the best KZbin talk show hosts.

[@LiLisa24]

This was absolutely amazing!! Listened to the interview earlier. Thank you Michael ❤ Going to watch the video now. Happy Tuesday 💙

[@onesecondbush]

Excellent interview, very much enjoyed. He was very open.

[@STEVESCOTTarts]

I was a convention guest with John a year or so ago in Antwerp. He is just amazing. Thanks for having him here.

[@TheDevilsKnot]

JRD is a jewel. To be this far into life and be grateful. And feel lucky. Man. It's awesome.

[@semuhphor]

I have listened to some of your casts, but this was hand down the best to which I have listened. Thanks Lex. :D

[@LTPottenger]

Too funny, never thought to hear so much 'candid' talk from Mr. Rhys-Davies!

[@jules-pierremalartre7800]

This was absolutely amazing. I will rewatch it several times.

[@jmm4099]

Incredible. What a thrill this must of been. An all time favourite of mine.Great narrator too of course. I watched the archaeology documentaries he hosted when I studied Anthropology. Best voice!