Richard E Grant, one of the UK's most beloved actors, has revealed that King Charles made a heartfelt visit to his late wife Joan Washington just weeks before her death, bringing along an unusual gift: a bag of mangos. The King knew mangos were her favourite fruit, and he sat beside her, saying it had been an honour to know her.
New Film 'Savage House'
Grant stars in the new comedy 'Savage House' as Sir George Chauncey, a drunken nobleman who loses an arm in a duel. The film, set in 1715, follows the Savages as they try to impress the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire while living beyond their means. Grant's character is a natural fit, having played boozers for decades, despite being allergic to alcohol.
Grant shares the screen with Claire Foy, who plays his wife Lady Savage. The two had never met before but quickly bonded. 'Clare and I had chemistry by the bucket load,' Grant says. 'Life is about having an adventure with somebody.' Foy praises the script by director Peter Glanz, calling it the funniest she has ever read. 'There was searing honesty, followed by ridiculousness, which I find true to life,' she says.
Hilarious Scenes and Memorable Lines
The film features several risqué scenes, including one where Foy's character instructs a footman to 'lick my bum.' Grant chuckles, 'I loved that line. I will take it to my grave.' The film is being described as 'Downton on Acid' and premiered in London this week, hitting UK cinemas on Friday.
Meeting Donald Trump
Grant recalls interviewing Donald Trump in 2012 for his show 'Richard E Grant's Hotel Secrets.' Trump was a germaphobe, so Grant offered an elbow instead of a handshake. Grant describes Trump's hair as 'spun gold' smelling of Elnett hairspray, comparing him to a 'Teflon coated circus master.'
Royal Connections and Personal Loss
Grant has a close bond with King Charles and Queen Camilla. The King visited Grant's wife Joan, a dialect coach, before she died of lung cancer in September 2021. Grant recalls Joan's response: 'She went all EastEnders on him instantly and said, “I am still eere!”'
Awards and Cynicism
Despite buzz about his performance, Grant remains sceptical of the showbiz world. At the Governor's Honorary Oscar Ball, famous faces praised him, but he notes, 'You may have liked me since then, but you haven't employed me since then!'
Spice Girls Memories
Grant played the Spice Girls' manager in the 1997 film 'Spice World.' He recalls having his bum pinched by Mel B, who said, 'You aren't bad for an old bloke.' He calls it 'absolutely fantastic.'
'Savage House' opens in UK cinemas on Friday.
