Richard E. Grant reveals why he only auditions from home and NEVER watches his own films back – as Saltburn star reflects on taking his Barbra Streisand obsession to extraordinary lengths

Richard E. Grant reveals why he only auditions from home and NEVER watches his own films back - as Saltburn star reflects on taking his Barbra Streisand obsession to extraordinary lengths

As a dedicated follower and admirer of Richard E. Grant’s illustrious career, I find myself deeply moved by his unique approach to the world of acting. His insightful perspective on self-taping and avoiding watching his own films is both refreshing and relatable for many artists who grapple with similar insecurities.


Richard E. Grant has revealed why he only auditions from home and never watches his own films back.

On a recent episode of the Dish from Waitrose podcast, the Saltburn actor, now 67 years old, shared insights into his life under the public eye.

In conversation with Nick Grimshaw and Angela Hartnett OBE, Richard expressed his preference for self-taped auditions over traditional in-person ones. He believes this format allows him to retry if he makes a mistake during the recording process.

He also touched on how it can psyche you out at an audition when the person in before you is friends with the panel already. ‘It’s soul-destroying,’ Richard said. 

He mentioned that you need to record yourself frequently. That’s fantastic since it allows you to study, practice, and prepare at your own pace, without feeling anxious as you would in a traditional setting. Plus, if something goes wrong, you always have the option to retry.

Richard E. Grant reveals why he only auditions from home and NEVER watches his own films back - as Saltburn star reflects on taking his Barbra Streisand obsession to extraordinary lengths

Richard E. Grant reveals why he only auditions from home and NEVER watches his own films back - as Saltburn star reflects on taking his Barbra Streisand obsession to extraordinary lengths

If you enter a room similar to this, it’s likely that the people inside might respond with something like, “Go ahead, give your presentation,” or simply nod in agreement. Yes, that’s correct.

The individual departing is well acquainted with the casting director, casually mentioning, “Sweetheart, I’ll reach out to you next week for dinner, sweetheart.

You should step inside and repeat the exact phrases they’ve recently used… Their laughter from the last speaker seems to create a similar atmosphere for you.

‘It’s soul destroying…So it’s better to self-tape for me.’

Richard also revealed that he never watches back films he is in he finds it ‘horrifying’.

Inquired about his habit of self-viewing, he replied: “I never do. Thirty-seven years ago, I watched the first movie I ever starred in, and I attended a screening of it. However, I was so displeased that I offered to return the director, Bruce Robinson, the payment for my role…

I was absolutely shocked, as there seems to be no solution, leaving me thinking something along the lines of “oh my goodness, is that truly how you appear?

As a die-hard fan, I adore diving into performances just like you, yet there’s one thing we seem to differ on – watching replays post-performance. While I find joy in reliving those moments, it seems you prefer to move forward, which is totally cool! Different strokes for different folks, right?

Richard E. Grant reveals why he only auditions from home and NEVER watches his own films back - as Saltburn star reflects on taking his Barbra Streisand obsession to extraordinary lengths
Richard E. Grant reveals why he only auditions from home and NEVER watches his own films back - as Saltburn star reflects on taking his Barbra Streisand obsession to extraordinary lengths

Richard has a notable fascination with Barbra Streisand’s singing talent, as demonstrated by his acquisition of a large, two-foot tall statue of her to place in his garden.

On the podcast, Richard mentioned that he had discussed his sculpture with Barbra five years earlier during their chat.

Five years back, he engaged in a heart-to-heart chat with her for two hours straight, all taking place at the residence of Donna Karan…Simply astonishing, he remarked.

In the conclusion, I shared with her, “I’ve just blurted out,” followed by, “I’ve ordered a two-foot tall sculpture of your likeness for my yard.” To which she replied, “You’re out of your mind.” And I responded, “Yes, I am aware.

‘She said, “No, no, you are meshuga, you are crazy”.’

In the year 2020, the Star Wars actor stood next to his grand statue and titled the picture: “Paying tribute to @BarbraStreisand, who prefers to be captured on camera from her left side.

I recently purchased a two-foot tall sculpture depicting Barbra Streisand, as I’ve been a devoted fan for more than fifty years. I finally got to bring it home today!

Richard E. Grant reveals why he only auditions from home and NEVER watches his own films back - as Saltburn star reflects on taking his Barbra Streisand obsession to extraordinary lengths
Richard E. Grant reveals why he only auditions from home and NEVER watches his own films back - as Saltburn star reflects on taking his Barbra Streisand obsession to extraordinary lengths

In a separate clip, the Logan star explained the inspiration behind the sculpture as he said: ‘I’ve been a Barbra Streisand fan for 50 years, and when I saw her last summer, I told her I was having a sculpture made of her face.

She conveyed to me that I was out of my mind… she expressed: “Absolutely not, not at all, you are out of your mind!” In fact, I couldn’t be more content.

At the 2019 Academy Awards, the actor from Downton Abbey not just spotted Barbra on stage, but also had the pleasure of meeting her in person – an exciting event he happily posted about on his social media platforms.

He had voiced his excitement over meeting the award-winning musician, who he wrote a fan letter to aged 14, before sharing a series of snaps with various fellow stars at the award show. 

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2024-11-06 03:49

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