Few players in the entertainment industry can adequately perform varied roles and excel at them perfectly. For Richard E. Grant, he’s just a perfect magician for any role, be it cop, father, or doctor. Just name it. He started his career in the early 80’s and has managed to build his own empire in the American entertainment industry.
Interestingly, the actor gained wide popularity thanks to his remarkable performance in the blockbuster fantasy TV series. Game of Thrones in 2016. He portrayed the role of Izembaro in the sixth season of the series. The actor received several award nominations for his stunning performances and picked up a few awards on his behalf. The Thespian has an interesting CV so join us as we take you through his Biography and other fun facts.
Who is Richard E Grant? (Biography)
Often referred to as a Christmasaholic, RichardEsterhuysen Grant is a Swazi-born British actor, director, screenwriter and perfumer. His nickname Christmasaholic came from the fact that he fell in love with Christmas just because his father consumed alcohol that day. Richard was born on a Sunday, May 5, 1957 in Mbabane, Eswatini to Leonne and Henrik Esterhuysen. He holds dual citizenship of the UK and Swaziland, as well as being of English, Dutch/African and German ancestry. He grew up with his younger brother Stuart.
While growing up, Richard had a troubled childhood; He watched his mother cheat with his father’s best friend, a sad event that later led to his parents’ breakup. As a result of his mother’s infidelity, he used to keep a diary of his childhood experiences, which he adapted into a semi-autobiographical film in 2005. To his father’s benefit, his mother’s misconduct pushed him closer to him. To this day he wears two wristwatches, one from his dying father which is permanently set to Swaziland time and the other which he obtained for himself.
The prolific actor is well educated, having completed his undergraduate education at St Marks Primary School before attending Waterford Kamhlaba United World College in Southern Africa. He then earned a bachelor’s degree in English and Theater from the University of Cape Town.
Career and Rise to Fame
Richard E. Grant began his acting career with Space Theater Company in Cape Town before moving to London in search of greener pastures. He made his film debut in the British black comedy film, Withnail and I in 1987. His brilliant role in the film helped him land much bigger roles later on. He has made outstanding and mind-blowing performances in a handful of television series and films to date.
The movie star burst into the limelight in 1995 after appearing in the award-winning comic film. Franz Kafka’s It is a Wonderful Life e. The film received positive reviews and won the 1995 Academy Award for Best Live-Action Short Film. The following year he played the role of Sir Andrew Aguecheek in the film adaptation of William Shakespear’s Twelfth Night. He then released his first music single and video. To be or not to be with Orpheus in 1997.
He starred as the Doctor in the 2008 science fiction TV series, Doctor Who and later that year he made his Broadway debut with Opera Australia. The following year he appeared as Alain Reille in the play, God of Change. In addition to his acting career, Richard appeared in a music video alongside the band group Bristol in 2010.
The pinnacle of his most popular films include Hudson Hwak (1991), The Age of Innocence (1993), The Little Vampire (2000), Gosferd Park (2001), Wah Wah (2005), Logan (2017) and The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018) . After his appearance in the 2018 American biographical film Can You Ever Forgive Me? Richard has been nominated for multiple awards including the Academy Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Awards. His latest film is the 2019 epic film Star Wars: Episode IX.
Family: wife and children
Taking a look at his personal life,Richard E. Grant has an amazing love story. While the Hollywood industry has become a hotspot for broken celebrity marriages, the movie star is among the few whose marriage has stood the test of time. Grant is happily married to his longtime sweetheart and lover, Joan Washington. Joan is a well-known art lover and voice coach. The two met in the early 80’s and after a few years of a successful relationship, they tied the knot in 1986.
Together they have a daughter named Olivia Grant, as well as a stepson, Tom from Joan’s past relationship. The couple have been together for over three decades and there is no sign of marital problems or controversy between them.