David Suchet, the beloved actor who portrayed Hercule Poirot for 24 years, has opened up about the heartbreaking moment he said goodbye to the iconic detective. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Express, Suchet described Poirot as his 'best friend' and admitted that filming his death in the 2013 episode Curtain: Poirot's Last Case was the saddest day of his acting career.
A National Treasure
Suchet first took on the role of the Belgian detective in 1989, becoming synonymous with Agatha Christie's creation. Over the years, he became a household name, with his portrayal of the meticulous mustachioed inspector earning him a place in British television history. In 2012, he told Radio Times: 'As a human being, losing your real family is always painful, but my saddest day as an actor was filming Poirot's death. I miss him in my life because he was my life for 25 years and I've lost my best friend.'
Reflecting on the Role
In his recent interview, Suchet expressed his everlasting love for the character, calling him a 'wonderful gem' to play. He acknowledged that other actors have taken on the role since his departure, comparing it to the ongoing reinterpretation of Shakespeare's plays. 'They have remade Poirot with other actors, and so they must – just as they must keep staging Shakespeare's plays with different actors. I've taken over hundreds of roles that have been played by other people,' he explained.
Suchet admitted he has not watched any of the more recent Poirot adaptations, saying: 'I don't want to because people will always ask me about them, hoping I will criticise them. But that's not my nature. Every actor I've ever known always tries to do their best. So I wish all those who play Poirot now and in the future the very best of luck because the character is such a wonderful gem.'
Gratitude and Legacy
The actor expressed profound gratitude for the role that changed his life. 'I'm just beginning to realise that the character I finished playing in 2013 will have a life after I've gone and it is such a privilege to know that. None of this was planned, but I just feel eternally grateful for what I've been given,' he said.
The Next Poirot
Following in Suchet's footsteps, actor Edward Bluemel, known for his roles in My Lady Jane and Agatha Christie's Seven Dials, has been cast as the new Poirot. The BBC and BritBox have confirmed a six-part series is in development. 'I feel very lucky to have been trusted with such an iconic character who has been played by so many great actors. I can't wait to continue Hercule's legacy,' Bluemel said in a statement.
James Prichard, executive producer for Agatha Christie Limited, added: 'My father had the privilege of working with David Suchet for nearly 25 years, and I now have the good fortune of being able to share my great grandmother's brilliant stories with a new generation of viewers. Edward Bluemel is an extremely talented performer and will make a great addition to the long line of actors that have played this celebrated character, aided and abetted by Benji Walters' thoughtful scripts.'
