Richard Grant British actor and director Date of Birth: 05.05.1957 Country: Great Britain

1. Biography of Richard Grant
2. Early Career
3. Television and Voice Work
4. Directing and Writing
5. Personal Life and Other Endeavors

Biography of Richard Grant

Richard Grant, born in 1957 in Mbabane, Swaziland, is a British actor and director. His father, Henrik Esterhuysen, was the head of an educational organization in the British protectorate of Swaziland, while his mother, a South African native, taught ballet. After attending St Mark's public school, Grant transferred to Waterford Kamhlaba United World College of Southern Africa following his parents' divorce. He later pursued higher education at the University of Cape Town, where he studied English and drama.

Early Career

Upon graduating from university, Grant joined the Space Theatre Company in Cape Town. In 1982, he moved to London, England. Despite facing a language barrier, Grant persisted and landed his breakthrough role in the film "Withnail & I." His portrayal of a character mistakenly drinking a pitcher of kerosene, which was actually filled with a mild vinegar solution, was hailed as flawless. This success opened the doors to Hollywood for Grant, and he quickly established himself as a versatile and talented actor. He appeared in several notable films, including "Henry & June," "L.A. Story," "Hudson Hawk," and "Player."

Television and Voice Work

Grant also made appearances in various television shows, most notably in the popular series "Doctor Who." He showcased his vocal talents in projects such as "Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties," "Viking Boat Race," "BBC: Bears of the Big Blue Planet," "Patrick Hamilton: Words, Whisky and Women," and "John the Baptist."

Directing and Writing

In 2005, Grant directed his first film, "Wah-Wah," which was loosely based on his own childhood and youth. The production of the movie took seven years, primarily due to the lack of a definitive script and Grant's reluctance to rewrite his personal diaries, upon which he relied during filming. The film starred Gabriel Byrne, Miranda Richardson, and Emily Watson.

Personal Life and Other Endeavors

In 1986, Grant married vocal coach Joan Washington, with whom he has a daughter named Olivia. He is an avid supporter of the football club West Ham United and appeared as a guest on the show "Soccer AM" during a championship. Grant has openly declared his atheism and authored three books: his autobiography "By Design: A Hollywood Novel," and two memoirs, "With Nails: The Film Diaries of Richard E. Grant" and "The Wah-Wah Diaries: The Making of a Film."