London: Actor Richard E Grant, renowned for his role in ‘Withnail and I’, joins Burberry’s latest campaign as an eccentric aristocrat, reflecting on his early struggles and personal life in an engaging interview while celebrating the essence of modern British culture amid London’s rainfall.
Richard E Grant, celebrated for his role as the sardonic actor Vivian Withnail in the film Withnail and I, is once again capturing the spotlight with his involvement in Burberry’s latest London-inspired advertising campaign. Known for his ability to portray complex characters, Grant embraces the role of an eccentric English aristocrat in the campaign, showcasing his characteristic charm despite the typical dreary British weather. The ad features him walking a dog, navigating the rain in quintessential trench-coat style, encapsulating the optimism and romanticism that his followers have come to adore.
In an interview with AnOther Magazine, Grant shared insights into his life, his experiences in London, and his artistic sensibilities. Despite his rise in fame, he reflected on his early struggles as an out-of-work actor in 1980s London, where he juggled waitering jobs while aspiring to make a name for himself in the acting world. “I was an out of work actor, waitering to earn my rent in 1982, and gave myself five years to try and make it. I’m just relieved that it worked out,” he remarked, revealing a pragmatic attitude towards his past.
Grant’s bond with London encapsulates more than just his professional life. He expressed a deep affection for various spots in the city, listing his top three haunts as Waterloo Bridge, the Royal Opera House, and Heathrow Airport — the latter for its combined thrill of adventure and the comfort of returning home. The conversation also touched on more personal memories, including the moment he proposed to his wife at Heathrow in January 1986, shortly after returning from Swaziland.
The actor also shared details about his eclectic home life in Richmond. His garden houses intriguing items from his career, including a proscenium arch used in the film Saltburn, which frames a sculpture of Barbra Streisand’s head. Describing himself as a collector, Grant mentioned his affinity for puppets, paintings, books, antiques, textiles, and even “people.”
In terms of design preferences, Grant leans towards maximalism for its richness and individuality, which extends to the aesthetics of his study. This personal sanctuary is filled with cherished memories and artefacts from his career, including Pelham puppets from his childhood and various film props. Regarding social media, he views his involvement on platforms like Instagram as somewhat addictive but rewarding for the positive interactions it fosters.
While he has played several inebriated characters throughout his career, Grant highlighted an ironic twist in his life as he is allergic to alcohol, attributing his understanding of such roles to his familial history. Reflecting on his past, he acknowledged those challenging moments in his early career, having experienced prolonged unemployment, and turning to painting and decorating as a means of survival during that time.
The Burberry campaign marks yet another significant moment in Grant’s extensive career, blending his artistic pursuits with his personal narrative and successfully capturing the essence of modern British culture amidst the rain.
Source: Noah Wire Services
