Bill Bailey, the comedian and musician, has dismissed artificial intelligence as a creative dead end for comedy, while admitting he remains a hippy at heart. In an interview to promote the new series of BBC's Extraordinary Portraits, Bailey reflected on his evolving persona, from a long-haired Glastonbury enthusiast to a more suave and sophisticated figure.
Bailey, known for his absurdist musical routines and role as Manny in Black Books, recently cut his iconic long hair. He recalled a Tube incident where his hair got trapped in the doors, prompting him to think, 'Yeah, maybe this is a sign.' He added that his hair had become 'a bit unruly,' making him look like 'some dodgy old bloke from the fairground' at family functions.
Despite the haircut, Bailey remains genial and inquisitive, tempering whimsy with world-weariness. He is the perfect host for Extraordinary Portraits, a show that commissions portraits of everyday heroes. Bailey noted the democratising element of the premise, flipping the historical focus on the wealthy elite to celebrate ordinary people.
The new series opens with an affecting episode featuring Darryn Frost, a civil servant who tackled a terrorist with a narwhal tusk during the 2019 London Bridge attack. Bailey described Frost's trauma and the powerful moment when he saw his sculpture, saying, 'He became extremely emotional, and suddenly the whole weight of that was lifted.'
Another subject is Eddie Brocklesby, an octogenarian Iron Man triathlete who champions exercise for older people. Bailey, who thinks a lot about ageing, said, 'I'm just aware of the passing of time. And time is precious. I feel that more acutely now.'
