Richard E Grant reveals he was left ‘devastated’ by a ‘toxic’ betrayal by a former ‘best friend’ of 30 years which made him cut her out of his life

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Richard E. Grant has shared that he was deeply hurt by a betrayal from a close friend of three decades, leading him to end the relationship.

I was absolutely floored to learn what happened to Barry Keoghan! Apparently, someone accidentally included him on an email meant for another friend, and it was just awful – she was really critical of his acting. It’s heartbreaking to think someone he knew from university would talk about him like that, especially after all his success. It really showed her true colours, and honestly, I’m glad he saw it – people like that don’t deserve his kindness.

The actor shared on Paloma Faith’s podcast, Mad Sad Bad, that they once considered her to be among their five closest friends.

He described a particularly harsh paragraph that completely dismantled his deeply personal, autobiographical script.

Honestly, when I received that message, I was really hurt. My immediate reaction? I just copied and pasted it back with a simple question: “Twenty-nine years of friendship?” It felt like the only thing I could say in that moment.

My daughter, Olivia, asked me if I secretly always knew something about this person. She pointed out that I took a while to respond, and said she believed I’d known all along.

‘I’ve not seen that person since.’

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve been following Richard’s story, and it’s clear he’s still processing a lot. He recently shared that he honestly hasn’t given much thought to finding a new partner since losing his wife, Joan. It’s a really honest admission, and speaks to the depth of his grief and how much he cherished their relationship.

In an interview with The Sunday Times Culture Magazine last year, he admitted the thought of being nearly 68 and undressing for public view was deeply embarrassing. He joked he’d have to be hidden away in a completely dark cave, like those found near the Krakatoa volcano, to even consider it.

‘That may change. I’m hopeful-minded and open-hearted but I’m not looking for it.’

Richard explained that he doesn’t feel lonely because he’s close to his daughter Olivia and her husband, and they all live together.

I was so touched when I heard the actor talk about his late wife. Apparently, she had a really playful side and used to jokingly ‘vet’ potential dates for him, making sure no one was too interesting! It was such a sweet story and really showed their fun, loving relationship.

Joan, a talented dialect coach, sadly died in September 2021 at the age of 74. She had been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer just eight months prior.

The Withnail And I star has been extremely candid about his grief in the years since Joan’s death.

Richard has also previously shared what made him realise his late wife really loved him.

On The Lulu Podcast: Turning Points, Richard fondly remembered Joan, saying she had a fantastic sense of humor. He recalled that just a month before she passed away, she playfully reviewed all the single, divorced, or widowed women they both knew.

Honestly, she really dissected all my options – thoroughly! She gave me a really solid reason why each one wasn’t the right path for me, almost like she was fiercely protecting me from making a mistake. It was tough to hear, but ultimately, I appreciated her honest perspective.

‘And I knew how much she loved me by doing that…’ he added.

Richard recounted how Joan responded when he finally got to meet Barbra Streisand, someone he’d always admired.

Richard recounted a surprising conversation he had with a woman he admired. After returning to London, he said Joan – who was 79 at the time – bluntly asked him, “If she weren’t married to James Brolin, would you still be attracted to her?”

I told her she already knew the answer. She replied, playfully, that she had me, and I wasn’t going anywhere.

Richard doesn’t expect to fall in love again, but he’s open to the possibility. He’s not actively looking, though – you won’t find him on any dating apps.

‘I feel fulfilled and sustained without feeling like I’ve lost my better half, which I have.’

The actor also revealed he is still so in love with his late wife that he emails her each night.

Richard admitted he doesn’t believe she’s listening or that he’ll get a reply, but he continues to talk to her anyway because it helps him feel connected.

I often write to her, starting with something like, “Dear J, you would have really gotten a kick out of today…” It helps me feel connected to her, like we’re still talking.

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2026-01-28 13:19