Bill Nighy, the 75-year-old actor known for his distinctive style and roles, has taken on a new role as an agony uncle in the podcast 'Ill-advised'. The podcast, which launched last month, has quickly become a cult hit, with listeners from Italy to Mongolia tuning in for his advice and personal stories.
Nighy tackles a wide range of questions, from how to avoid parties to 'Why doesn't my horse like me?'. His advice is conversational, generous, and self-deprecating, often starting episodes with reasons not to listen to him. Callers stay for his digressive life stories, such as how he left home after a Bob Dylan album and later acquired Dylan's harmonica.
Ben Kerr, chief executive of Cold Glass Productions, notes that celebrity podcasts allow stars to control their narrative. 'The best celebrity podcasts put you in an intimate space,' he says. For Nighy, his unique personality shines through, described as a 'stylish guy with a weird authority'. Actor Johnny Flynn calls Nighy 'viscerally honest and kind'.
The podcast's success reflects a broader trend of celebrities hosting or guesting on podcasts. Kerr suggests people are looking for company in an age of loneliness and change. Nighy's 'Ill-advised' offers a refuge for the clumsy and awkward, with the actor even threatening to release merchandise.
