Richard E. Grant Breaks Down His Career, from 'Downton Abbey' to 'Star Wars' | Vanity Fair

Richard E. Grants takes us through his illustrious career, including his roles in ‘Withnail & I,’ ‘Warlock,’ ‘L.A. Story,’ ‘The Player,’ ‘The Age of Innocence,’ ‘Spice World,’ ‘Gosford Park,’ ‘Wah-Wah,’ ‘Downton Abbey,’ ‘Stars Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker,’ ‘Can You Ever Forgive Me?’ and ‘Dispatches from Elsewhere.’
Richard E. Grant stars in 'Dispatches from Elsewhere' airing Mondays on AMC.
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Richard E. Grant Breaks Down His Career, from 'Downton Abbey' to 'Star Wars' | Vanity Fair

[@nickchambers3935]

I've just seen Richard E. Grant breaking down his career and nothing prepares you for this. I cheered, I shouted, I fist pumped the air, I cried, I stood and cheered. It's absolutely everything you hoped it was going to be and I'm so proud to be in it and I can't wait for you to see it.

[@PatsRule1224]

Gah!

[@leahb413]

His father would be proud

[@sandram.5666]

We’re going to need an update after his portrayal of Classic Loki

[@pheenmachine]

GLOOOOOOOOOORIOUS PURPOSE !!!

[@ducky_urban]

He really outdid himself with his portrayal. And with so few lines at that, it’s truly magnificent.

[@samanthab1923]

Just saw a Variety interview he did on LOKI it's the best.

[@rocknrollcomedyguy]

@@ducky_urban indeed!! Well said. I felt the same way when I saw his performance. He seemed really into it :)

[@ferSmith07]

I could listen to him talking for hours.

[@jolieannnacion7506]

So could I

[@thomasmartin5182]

"Richard E. Grant reads his film diaries With Nails" , if you haven't KZbin'd it yet

[@SuperBC1975]

Richard E. Grant is one of the best character actors around. He always livens up a film with his unique presence. I first saw him when I was a kid in 'Warlock.' He made it a much better film than it had any right to be.

[@magoo9279]

I lived that movie.

[@Anomalous602]

B C I wouldn’t be surprise if he inspired the Witcher series.

[@magoo9279]

@@Anomalous602 😅🤣 2 totally different things.

[@happychaosofthenorth]

I first "discovered" him watching an obscure and bizarre cartoon series called "Captain Star" where he voiced the titular character, and even though it only had 13 episodes, I loved his voice so much! I recognized him in "Spice World", which came out the same year, by his voice, and even though I haven't watched every or even most things that he's been in, I'm always so happy when I'm watching a movie or show and he shows up. I think he's one of the most underrated actors out there. You're so right about his unique presence and I love how personable he is. I'm glad I watched this, because there are a couple of movies he talked about that I need to see that I otherwise would've never heard of. I wish he could've officially played The Doctor in Doctor Who (though he did play him in the Doctor Who parody prior to the new series) and when I read Harry Potter (this was before the movies) I imagined him as Sirius. I really wanted him to be in the Harry Potter movies, there are several roles he would've been perfect for and it's a shame (at least to me) he wasn't part of that film series.

[@Anomalous602]

keis Farrow how so?? Remember the Witcher hunts evil and supernatural creatures.

[@aquarian6004]

0:46 “I’m like a god!” This part sold me for his Loki role

[@haydenbarnes5110]

How* like a god

[@mathiasknsgaardkristensen3396]

He looks and sounds like a man who could play a believable Judge Frollo.

[@0918amelia]

I was thinking the same thing too

[@flashgames9711]

Mathias Knøsgaard Kristensen Richard e grant was in horrid Henry the movie

[@pa3997]

Yes, he has this "British villian aura" like Basil Rathbone, Peter Cushing or Christopher Lee!

[@nasirwillie2136]

a tip: watch movies on flixzone. I've been using them for watching loads of movies these days.

[@briggsgibson3392]

@Nasir Willie Yup, I've been using flixzone for months myself :)

[@Vesperitis]

Didn't know anything about this guy, but when I saw that _Withnail & I_ monologue I was like, "Yep, there's Loki."

[@O_Towne_Bear]

check out the movie.

[@whoaskedforthispodcast6500]

He is honestly one of the most well spoken actors around. Always love seeing him pop up in films.

[@1wps3694]

I am here to hear him talk about his Glorious Purpose!

[@kaihG]

To be honest he's the absolute best part about Hudson Hawk. The way he says "Wooooorld.... DOMINATION!!" kills me every time - so wonderfully over the top; I love it!

[@kaygal89]

He is so articulate and charming

[@vmarsch]

I'll never forget seeing Withnail and I for the first time in 1987 with my dearest friend, now passed away. Every time Grant show up in a movie I feel a charge of delight, like seeing an old friend. I'm so glad his career flourished as it did. Thank you for sharing.

[@TheRealGuywithoutaMustache]

Richard is an actual legend, he keeps it 100% real

[@happywaterstudios6526]

My childhood is a little sad not to see him talk about The Little Vampire, but still a good video

[@jessicadavis4541]

Happy Water Studio’s that was it! I was trying to remember where I first saw him and it was the little vampire! Loved that movie!

[@DemonKingNemo]

I came here hoping hed speak of it lol

[@BronyFan27]

Happy Water Studio’s He also didn’t mention Corpse Bride! I loved him as Barkis Bittern!

[@dakotagreen9199]

That's the only reason I'm here to hear him talk about the little vampire. It just sucks cause that's the first movie I seen him in

[@missrmkgamer9288]

Same here he was great in the the little vampire!!

[@spirited154]

Honestly, my first Richard E Grant movie was The Little Vampire, but my absolute ever favorite role of his was as Sir Percy in The Scarlet Pimpernel. An absolute tour de force, and I'm a little disappointed that he never talks about it.

[@YourJellyFishAteMyTV]

I demand.... more Richard E Grant!! And some tea, cake and BOOZE

[@RichardEGrant-lw7bb]

God bless you ♥️

[@stephenryan1912]

I'm only half way through this video, but I'm blown away by how genuinely nice, and thankful for his career he is. This video was borderline wholesome. It makes me like him as a person, when I already liked him as an actor.

[@ninaelsbethgustavsen2131]

It's amazing to hear such an exeptionally talented actor be so humble about himself, and so generous about other people. A truly unique person !

[@jackiem3516]

I'm just here to see what he says about his best performance: Spice world

[@vb8428]

What? Not even close to his best

[@canadianmoth]

@@vb8428 i think the person was joking

[@orsonlepherd7064]

You misspelled Withnail And I

[@worktvk]

SAME

[@Sunshine_day]

Simon Marchmont is my favorite character of his.

[@LucasONeill-mj3rz]

Richard E. Grant in Withnail And I is easily one of my favourite performances, in easily one of my favourite movies

[@mysticsaxophone4181]

Oh if he had lived during the golden age of Hammer films. Look at this man and tell me he wouldn't have fit perfectly alongside Peter Cushing and Christoper Lee in some victorian occult blast.

[@ronanhodgson3997]

That's quite possibly why they cast him in Star Wars

[@adriannespring8598]

YEEESSSS!!

[@giftheck]

Absolutely! He definitely has that feel that he would easily have fit in with them!

[@mysticsaxophone4181]

@@giftheck Drinking tea in a velvet suit, sitting in gigantic armchairs, discussing metaphysics...or Satan

[@crazyloverofcats]

I first saw Richard E. Grant when he was Sir Percy Blakeney in A&E's "The Scarlet Pimpernel". He was fabulous!

[@mmgringoire2]

That was my intro to him too. I didn't watch Downton, but I did when I found out he and Elizabeth McGovern would be reunited.

[@crazyloverofcats]

@@mmgringoire2 l am so glad someone esle knows at that show!! I was also excited to see them reunited!

[@StevenMKelly]

Adore him in the Pimpernel. That was also the first thing I saw him in. Perfect casting haha. He must've had a lot of fun with it.

[@Tardisntimbits]

I am sad they didn't even mention it!!!

[@spirited154]

@@mmgringoire2 I love him as Percy. I just didn't realize that Elizabeth Mcgovern was Margeurite. I feel kinda bad for never noticing...

[@azimmer3]

Joy of an "interview" to watch. So well spoken and clearly devoted to the world of acting and movies

[@parkviewmo]

Wah Way is one of my favorite films. It was so great to hear him discuss it! Richard E. Grant is a wonderful actor!

[@Chillednfunked]

Every time I see him interviewed he comes across as so genuine and humble and is so uplifting in every way. He’s become an absolute national treasure in the UK and well deserved.

[@liammackay2061]

My dad is a serious alcoholic. I never understood why he drank as a kid and always harboured serious resentment towards him. When I was 17, my dad told me he wanted to show me one of his favourite movies, Withnail & I. After watching that movie, and watching Grant’s performance, I had a whole new view on alcoholism and addiction. It changed a lot about how I viewed and appreciated my father, and that’s something I’ll never forget.

[@bumbumpooloo]

Please go watch him in ‘Jack and Sarah’ it’s one of the sweetest movies ever and his performance in that is just heart breaking 😩

[@reinadegrillos]

One favorite of mine too

[@letivon6589]

I was hoping he would mention Jack & Sarah.

[@rebeccab8555]

My favourite of his too.

[@samanthab1923]

I love that movie. So many good people in it. And the song! Stars always makes me cry.

[@helend6774]

There are certain actors that always make a movie better. I'm adding Richard Grant to the list.

[@mariannesikking7608]

I adore Richard, most articulate, grounded and genuine actor.

[@nicholasonufrak]

This was incredible. Mr. Grants insight and recounting of previous personalities he's worked with was spectacular.

[@madtitan0825]

He’s such a perfect cast as an older Loki/Tom Hiddleston, imagine Hugh Laurie plays another older version of Doctor Strange, now that’ll be🤯

[@JDshabbos]

I've watched most of this Vanity Fair hoopla, and this was the first one that made me feel a lot more human than the others. I love you Richard. and am grateful to your contribution to the arts.

[@bigbagoforanges]

"...a Persian carpet of vomit..." That's marvelous.

[@williamshaw9047]

Read his book "With Nails." He's a terrific writer.

[@yassebasse86]

Such a genuinely delightful human being.

[@JosephAyrtonHam]

I really, really loved Richard in the 90s TV movie version of A Christmas Carol. He was an absolutely pitch perfect Bob Cratchit.

[@katwil89]

I love the sound of his voice. I could listen to him tell stories all day.

[@Emi_Alvarez]

I hope I get to 63 with the class, smoothness and passion that Richar E Grant has. (also, loved that he mentioned Hudson Hawk, one of my favorite good bad movies)

[@OddOneOut665]

I really wish he won his Oscar Nomination for 'Can You Ever Forgive Me'. He was so charismatic in that Film! Also, who else remembers his brief Animated Stint as The Doctor on 'Doctor Who'? (Scream of the Shalka)

[@mmgringoire2]

Also his appearance as the Handsome Doctor in Curse of Fatal Death :)

[@ErmenBlankenberg]

And the Great Intelligence, of course.

[@h.e590]

He was also in the horrible snowman and a sequel to that episode

[@mark9294]

Nothing prepared me for this. I shouted, I jumped, I fist-pumped the air. It was everything I was hoping it would be.

[@KSfan4ever]

REG is endlessly and continuously gorgeous, and such a wonderful actor! He is so well-spoken, elegant and charming - such a pleasure to watch and listen to!

[@mauricekelly1585]

I've seen a bunch of these Vanity Fair actor reminiscing videos, but this one was fantastic. Not only did I learn so many new things about Richard's career, but also about how he scored roles and more. Wow.

[@fionacavalier]

love him as an actor and a real gentleman, i know would not be a big hit but i love jack and sarah. when he is dancing with the baby crying to simply red, gets me everytime

[@wardjunior1450]

I cheered, I shouted, I fist pumped the air.

[@O_Towne_Bear]

He has been one of my fave actors ever since my friends and I stumbled into the theater to see "Withnail & I". A class act and terrific actor.

[@EnclosedPoolArea]

This interview is everything I hoped it would be. I'm so honoured for Richard to be in it; and I can't wait for you to see it.

[@redouteshabby2024]

Richard did not mention my favorite, Jack And Sarah! Since it had a couple of "unknowns" like Judi Dench and Ian McKellen, I wonder why it wasn't mentioned!

[@h.e590]

Also.a fav of.mine next to the Scarlett Pimpernel... also deserved a mention I think

[@ironclad1056]

He's a genuine nice man. Would love to take him to a cookout.

[@briansexton2011]

He’s so interesting and nice, I’ve only seen him in a couple of things but now I want to see more

[@phoenixrose1192]

Wah-Wah is such an underrated film, I highly recommend it! Especially if you love a good drama with humour thrown in. The ending still cuts deep though...😢 I appreciate how even as a 90’s kid brought up mostly in Britain, there are themes to this film that resonate with me more than I realised... I appreciate how raw, honest but undoubtedly heartbreaking they are conveyed in this film. I truly felt for Harry, Ralph, Ruby and Gwen. But as for the humour, being an RAF brat for the first half of my childhood I can’t help but think how some of the attitudes were rather similar on those marry patches based on the stories my mum recounted to me! Those Sherry mornings, for example...😉. There was even an aerobics class that everyone had to turn up to just because it was run by the station commander’s wife, I could go on. But luckily there weren’t any erupting Lady Hardwicks though. 😂 And the same can be said for British expats in general actually! My family lived in Saudi Arabia for a few years when I was really young...it was an interesting experience for my mum in particular to say the least. 😂

[@nursen2106]

This diserves more views. People are missing out a great actor and great entertaining presentation

[@reno0405g]

Glorious purposeeeee!!!

[@ChristopherDucra]

I know it's not "movies" but I would have LOVED him speak of "Posh Nosh" (which have any of you have not seen - watch now) he is brilliant

[@FloraWest]

Ha! I just made this same comment. So so funny.

[@rosanajaquez3274]

He's a wonderful actor and I've seen him in almost everything he'd done to date. I do wish that he'd spoken about the first movie I saw him in - 1990's "Henry & June".

[@gu763]

Always will remember him from his role as "tenth doctor" in "The Curse of Fatal Death".

[@ErmenBlankenberg]

This man deserves the same fame and recognition as Ian McKellen, Anthony Hopkins or Michael Caine.

[@jeff3608]

GLORIOUS PURPOSE!!!!

[@gurograff3146]

I wished they would have talked about the scarlet pimpernel (one of my favourites as a child), but none the less this was an amazing video with a fantastic actor. (And I have to mention that his voice is marvellous)

[@deejeyycayananbaking5247]

Glorious Purpose!

[@whatevs00]

Haven’t seen him in too much, but every time I see him on Instagram or in interviews I find him utterly delightful and I wish he was a bonkers uncle of mine.

[@GeorgiaHelenaMoran13]

Glad he has gotten one of these videos!!! He is such a legend 🙌🏻

[@gracem6612]

Such a classy, graceful actor. Love him! ❤️

[@thewitchkingofangmar1715]

With nail and I is one of the best films of all time

[@BigFrenchNose]

The absolute joie de vivre that this person exudes is amazing. You can feel how much he loves what he does and that he's living life to the fullest by the way he smiles. Good on ye Mr. Grant!

[@cserannie80]

Does he have an autobiography? The way he tells stories is just mesmerizing. I like him since I was 15

[@RichardEGrant-lw7bb]

I noticed your comments and likes on my subscriber page and I'm using this opportunity to say a very big thank you again. I read each and everyone's support during this long time. sometime now I just decide to send you a surprise message.

[@annamariepowell9162]

He has a bunch of books, some are diaries, others are notes on movies he's made and his newest book is about the death of his wife.

[@dsatt57]

This is the most interesting one yet. GREAT stories!

[@ernestogonzalez8960]

The way he said "Machismo" really did it for me.

[@SofiaFP]

i had never heard that pronunciation lol amazing

[@trailerglitztrailersclipse5445]

Dude's loki now

[@spaceodds1985]

I love these videos and this is by far one of the best I’ve seen to date

[@mmgringoire2]

Lady Grantham was originally your Lady Blakeney. Sad they didn't bring up The Scarlet Pimpernel. That was the first thing I ever saw Richard in.

[@missVmilne]

How wonderful. I could and would listen to him speak so compellingly for a long time to come - what a great career : - )

[@ameli1056]

I've just seen "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" and…Nothing prepares you for this. I cheered, I shouted, I fist-pumped the air, I cried, I stood and cheered. It's absolutely everything you hoped it was going to be.

[@CowboyLikeMegan]

Richard E. Grant is a legend. I will watch every single project he takes on, no question. I get so excited whenever I see his name on a cast list.

[@sednaorr3273]

This man's joie de vivre is a thing to behold.

[@0ut1and3r]

I only know this man from Spice World

[@magnacz]

Whithnail and I was the first film I saw you in. It was brilliant and I kept looking for you in other films even bought your book. Great to see you doing well.

[@I-speak-U-shut-it]

Man! Loki episode 5 was SICK!

[@moosemush]

Fantastic actor, and very good at getting across the chronology of his working life!

[@standarduser7105]

I’m here after watching Loki. Anyone else?

[@ashamazon2262]

For a movie lover this is an amazing interview

[@mirthenemrys]

Guess i am one of those in the minority that loved Hudson Hawk. Was it a bit over the top... sure. Was it funny and entertaining to watch... hell yeah.

[@Theomite]

I still don't get why people hate HUDSON HAWK. It's delightful.

[@jrnsurlan405]

You’re not the only one. And he’s great in it.

[@jlee4039]

I loved it too! It’s a farce, and if you accept it as a farce, it’s great!

[@frankleah5137]

Very interesting, thank you.

[@walternippy19]

That was very fascinating. What an extraordinary career.

[@lesmartinsings]

One of my absolute favorites. Recently watching his Hotel series and he always seems in a state of "rhapsody", I would definitely invite him to join my gang for a good night out. I now his spirit and resilience with help him with his recent tragic loss.

[@RupRupo]

Classic Loki❤️😭

[@jw8360]

An absolute gentleman and wonderful actor

[@dylanrobey4348]

Glorious Purpose!!!!

[@letivon6589]

So glad he mentioned Warlock!!

[@patrickchoque7720]

Withnail and I is amazing, still one of his best

[@pizzaqueen9590]

Love this guy- such a fine actor and gentleman

[@ellajames2033]

He was in my favourite childhood movie (The Little Vampire) which they did not mention. I loved that movie growing up. best childhood movie!

[@BushinRyuCat]

Richard Grant has a purpose.... *GLOOORIOUS PURPOSE!!!*

[@yashicat5950]

Where to go after Withnail and I? One of the best comedies ever and best films of the 80s.

[@GillDawe]

Oh Richard, I'm glad you didn't listen to the haters. Spice World is epic, and though I've seen many of your other films, it will always be the movie I think of when I think of you.

[@SuperCee80]

His 'With Nails' published diaries are fantastic, such an interesting beautifully written read, would really recommend.

[@RA-kj9nm]

Hes just absolutely spectacular. What an actor, what a man!

[@cloudsombrero]

His cameo in the hitmans wifes bodyguard was the best scene in the movie

[@BossShirley]

Was amazing in Star Wars, should’ve been introduced earlier or had a bigger part 🤩

[@olgamaria2602]

A splendid, multi talented and charismstic artist, truly under rated, who certainly has done a great career with utmost grace and style. Mr. Grant, you rock!!👏👏👏👏👏

[@annettecardoso9298]

What a fantastic actor! I got to know him first in Withnail and I

[@pam0626]

I first discovered Richard in Jack & Sarah. Such a sweet film.