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- [00:00]
A
This episode is brought to you by Nordic Naturals. Did you know that only 20% of Americans get enough Omega 3s from their diet? Discover the power of Omega 3 with Nordic Naturals, the number one selling Omega 3 brand in the U.S. nordic Naturals has Omega 3 and more products to support your whole family, including kids and pets. Use promo code Amy for 15% off@Nordic.com. these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Hello, everyone. Welcome to another episode of Good Hang.
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B
Ugh.
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A
What a lovely guest we have today. Olivia Colman, an incredible actress, just a dear, tender, beautiful person. And we are gonna talk about a lot of great things today. We're gonna talk about whether or not it's important to fight in relationships. We're gonna talk about playing the queen. We are gonna talk about her new movie, the Roses, and all the hilarious people that she got to be in it with. We're talking about today. But we always. Wanda, start these episodes by bringing in someone who knows our guest, who helps us ease into our guest who gives us a question to ask our guest. And we got a big star today. We have an actor who was in Doctor Strange. He was Sherlock. He is in the Roses. He is also famously in a Key and Peele sketch where they name football player names. He is the one, the only Benedict Cumberbatch from Oxford University. Benedict. Hello. This message is brought to you by Apple Card. Each Apple product, like the iPhone, is thoughtfully designed by skilled designers. The titanium Apple card is no different. Apple, it's laser etched, has no numbers and earns you daily cash on everything you buy, including 3% back on everything at Apple. Apply for Apple Card on your iPhone in minutes. Subject to credit approval. Apple card is issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA Salt Lake City Branch terms and more@applecard.com get up. What do you say? And I have a one who was really good.
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B
Hey.
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C
Hey, Amy.
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A
How are you? Hi. It's good to see you.
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C
I don't think it has gotten. Because I can't see. So.
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A
Okay, you can just hear my voice.
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C
I can see you now because I'm wearing these glasses like this. You're a beautiful blonde blur, but like that. You're a very sharp blonde.
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A
Now, what's your prescription? Because are you new to glasses?
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C
1.6, something like that. I'm. I'm new to sort of giving into.
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A
Them, but same I'm just. I like need them for reading, but not yet for driving.
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C
It's so boring. Isn't it? And I'm not one of those people who get my. I can't get them lasered. It's very boring.
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A
Is not boring. Because I feel like now that I can hide behind glasses, my life has changed. And also, people think I'm smarter. Anyway, hi. Nice to see you. Thank you for doing this.
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C
See, you're so welcome.
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A
Okay, I know you're in the middle of a giant press thing and we are talking to Olivia.
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C
Yeah, I'm a little hurt, but there we go.
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A
I know. Sorry we couldn't get you, but you. You signed a restraining order against me many years ago, and you don't let me get close to you, so.
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C
That's true. After the Golden Globes. That's right.
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A
Okay, so question for you. Before we get to your question, we're asking. We like to do this thing when we have our guests on, where we talk to people who know them and kind of talk well behind their back. And the first thing I just wanted to say is that when I was doing some research on the film the Roses that you're promoting, and also you and Olivia, you guys haven't worked together as much as I assumed you would have.
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C
We've never worked together.
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A
Never?
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C
No. And we've been friends for a long time and always said we should work together. And this is what was sort of born out of that conversation.
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A
What kind of friend is Olivia?
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C
Incredibly loyal. Ridiculously good. Fun. She facilitates naughtiness. She's just sort of. Is it preternaturally. Is that the phrase upbeat? I mean, it's kind of. That's the one. If there's a critique of her, it's like, how the fuck is she doing this authentically? I don't understand how this person can be so good at being just upbeat and just delightful. And she literally, she. This is veering into work rather than friendship. But it's the same with friendship. But she can go into work environment any moment that we were in the studio together and just. You just see everyone, all the crew, everyone going, ah. Everyone just feels lifted and brightened by her being around.
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A
It feels. It feels that way when you watch her work and then also be herself. Like. And I have. You know, we kind of get this. We kind of came or I came onto upon this theory when I was at snl, which you were so brilliant on, is you have all these people come through and you realize that usually the most talented people are the easiest to work with.
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C
Kind of. The older I get, the more I just. That's sort of I can't be doing with people who are hard to work with.
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B
God.
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C
I just. That's my one sort of curmudgeonly kind of thing. It shouldn't have to be hard.
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A
Okay. And then the other thing I wanted to ask you, and then we'll get to your question. There's nothing like more satisfying than when somebody has a sense of humor about themselves. Like, it's such a sign of intelligence. Like, and you and Olivia in this movie really go at each other. Your characters really go at each other. But do you feel like there's also just a way in which Brits are allowed to kind of tease in a heartier and more sharp way than Americans?
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C
I don't know. Personally, I think there's often a very barbed, cruel and slightly pinched aspect to British irony. I think it could get a bit too much, to be honest, as an English characteristic. The sharpness of it isn't something I find that pleasant. It's very funny in this film, I think also Americans, and this is obviously played up in the kind of cultural difference. One of the key differences between our version and the original Michael Douglas, Turner and Danny DeVito film is that they're. They're an English couple in an American world. And that much later the culture clashes and misunderstandings to great effect, but they start roasting each other. And actually you as a culture, I think, have completely one upped it.
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A
You're right. We have passed you in the mean Olympics.
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C
You've gone. The dialogue, you've broken. There's a good trade, I think, which evens us out, both in the gross out humor and also the very sort of well thought through, ironic, witty, intellectual humor. And we play up to the difference, but I don't think there is so much of a difference anymore. It's very interchangeable.
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A
I agree. I think it's very hard to pull off both physical comedy and really sharp and sarcastic wit. Both of those things are hard to do well.
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C
Yeah, I think if you do that, you could do anything. I grew up with two parents, both actors, my mom in particular doing, you know, sort of End of the Pier kind of whoops, they go, my knicker, Vickers knicker, Vickers knickers, vicar kind of farces. And to the point where I was like, mom, you, you've got to do something else now. I can't watch in an audience as you as it was a surly teenager. I can't watch you come into a room where your politician husband is having his pants pulled down because of something and it looks like his male assistant. And you turn to the audience and go. And then walk off. So, you know, having grown up with that kind of humor, if you can do comedy, is my point, you can do anything. I really do believe that. And I'm not.
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A
Just, of course, I feel I. You don't have to tell me, babe. Every single year at the Oscars, everybody gets blanked. And all the serious people get up and accept and accept and accept.
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C
I know it's true.
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A
And it's some hot bullshit because comedy is not easy. And I gotta tell you, both you and Olivia can do both.
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C
Oh, well, thank you.
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B
Thank you.
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C
That's very kind.
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A
Okay, so do you have any question for Olivia today?
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C
Yeah. Okay. Is she wearing any under. No. Is there something she's afraid of? Because I think she's one of the most fearless performers that I know. I don't see her being afraid of anything. But I wonder if that's. I wonder.
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A
Oh, that's a great question.
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C
Yeah. How would you do it? That's the other thing. What are you most afraid of? And would you be any good at facing that fear?
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A
Deep question.
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C
I should be doing this interview.
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A
Deep question. Yes. I mean, do you want to switch places here?
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B
No.
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C
Because everyone wants to hear you do the interview.
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A
Okay. Well, I know you are an hour or two of a 12 hour marathon. Congratulations on the film. Thank you so much for doing this. I hope we get to see each other not in full form, normal wear someday, but at an actual.
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B
I do too.
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C
That'd be lovely. Much love.
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A
Thank you so much, Benedict. Appreciate it. Thanks for your time. This episode is brought to you by. Visible. Visible is the ultimate wireless hack. And now with the new Visible Inner Circle, you can forget about family phone plans with no flexibility. With Inner Circle, you can connect accounts with whoever you want. Friends, family, neighbors, you name it. Unlock savings together with the freedom to leave, switch, or change your circle anytime. Join for just $25 a month and personalized payments. Paying together or keeping it separate is up to you. Plus, it's all powered by Verizon with unlimited 5G data, so you get reliable coverage and a connection you can count on. Join now at visible.com and save on wireless month after month. $25 per month rate on the Visible plan. Hello, hello, hello, hello. Okay. Thank you for coming and being here.
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B
Thank you so much for having me.
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A
You know, I was looking over your. Your life like your timeline. Cause we're the same age. About the same age.
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B
You look much younger than me.
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A
No, you.
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B
No, no, you do, actually, I'm 50.
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A
Hold on. I have to remember, I was born in 71, so I'm 50. You were born in.
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B
I'm 74, so.
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A
Yeah, well, so you're a little younger than me, so.
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B
Well, I look older.
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A
No, you do.
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B
Americans just look better, do you think?
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A
Yeah, well, British people seem smarter, so everything is out.
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B
You'll find out that's not true and.
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A
You'Ll find out when you get a little closer. Okay, so. But we. But, you know, we kind of have some parallels. Because you met a lot of your friends and co workers at Footlights. Yeah, kind of. You know, you went to this very important place that we Americans used to hear about.
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B
Yes. I wasn't actually at the university. This is something that gets regularly.
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A
Right. You were not at Cambridge?
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B
I was in the town of Cambridge working as a cleaner and.
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A
Very interesting.
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B
So. Yes. How did you get into Footlights? Well, I did. I was at the teacher training college for about a term, I think, and left. And then no one questioned me because I had a bicycle and I looked the same as everyone else, same age. So I just would turn up to things and they'd.
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A
And was there like an auditioning process to get into Footlights?
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B
Yes, and that's where I met my lovely friends who then basically were responsible for me getting work for years afterwards.
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A
Yeah, because.
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B
But I just feel very. It feels like a big lie if I. Guys at Cambridge. Absolutely.
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A
This is already very British, the distinction that you didn't go to school there is an important one for you.
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B
Yeah, well, I feel like people who were there would go. No, she didn't. And, you know, I think it's so impressive to have worked so hard and be so clever to get there. It would be a bit much if, with my terrible A levels, I suggested that I got in.
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A
So people that were not going there could go. Could be in the. Could perform there.
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B
Yes. I think I just. I didn't lie, but I just certainly didn't tell anyone.
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A
So it can be taken back. You could be technically arrested for. Yeah, at some point, maybe. So you go. And you. Do you remember how you had to audition for.
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B
I do remember going. I was in. There was a building called the Union Society and this is when I did have my student card, because I was actually at the teacher training thingy and there was a sign, it was handwritten in biro on the audition arrow. Oh, fun. So I went along and I didn't know it was the Footlights and. I know, and I'm pleased I didn't know. Yeah. And there were boys looking bored, sitting behind a desk and said, entertain us or sell something to us that looks like this isn't food. I went, okay. So there was a disgusting ashtray, which must have been there for years. And I picked up a frag, but that sounds weird in American English. Cigarette butt, cigarette end. And I tried to sell it and it wasn't going very well. No one was laughing. So I ate it out of desperation. And they still didn't laugh. They just looked absolutely horrified. But they let me in with it. Well, she's game. She's gonna do some funny stuff.
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A
What is it gonna take to get those guys to laugh?
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B
Yeah.
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A
That is so. That's so. That's such a great story. And then you got in and then you met all these, like, what. You know, that time period in my life. I know. Doing sketch and improv and all that stuff for a small number of people with friends in the hopes that someday you could do more of it.
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B
Yeah.
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A
Like, what do you remember of those times?
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B
Well, I. Because obviously, as you know, you all had to help write and everything. I was terrible at the writing. I just really enjoyed performing and being on stage and making people laugh was like the best. Like crack. Like the best thing it is.
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A
I said it. To me, it was the closest feeling to being a vampire, where you're just like, I'm becoming a vampire. Yeah.
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B
Well, I've got goosebumps. I totally understand.
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A
Just, you're like, look what I've done.
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B
Like this.
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A
This weird, powerful, in control flush of excitement.
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B
Yeah.
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A
Yeah.
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B
And so desperate to get that back. And.
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A
Yes. Your whole life is chasing it again.
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B
Yeah.
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A
What was the first. You remember the feeling of, like the first big laugh, you know, where you. Where you did something and you watched people laugh at you and you thought, oh, I love this feeling.
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B
I don't know if I can remember that. No.
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A
Were you in plays as a kid?
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B
I did my first ever school play when I was 16 and that was the prime of Miss Jean Brodie. So not a comedy. But I just remember people clapping at the end. And I'd always been so rubbish at school. I'd never. Oh, I couldn't wait for it to finish. And it doesn't really. I didn't look out the window and found it really hard to concentrate. And then suddenly I committed to learning all of these lines. Suddenly I. Why couldn't I learn other stuff? But I would do that. And then when they clapped, that was the moment when I went. I loved it.
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A
It was like it was like electricity coming out of your fingertips.
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B
Yeah. They're going, get off.
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A
Get off.
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B
No. Loved it. Yeah.
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A
I mean, do you consider yourself a. Were you an extroverted kid? Like, were you. Were you. Are people not surprised that you ended up being an actor or.
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B
I don't know. I think it's quite. I think as I got older, I've got more and more shy in a way. And I think people knowing your face and you not knowing their face.
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A
Yes, yes.
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B
Puts you in a. You know, it's not an equal footing.
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A
I really relate to what you're saying about. Even though I think people might think that it's funny that both of us are saying this, but getting a little shyer as you get older.
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B
Totally.
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A
I really relate to that.
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B
Yeah.
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A
What do you think that is?
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B
I think it is. Well, as, you know, as I said that, it's. It's an unequal thing. So I love. I don't know if you ever go to a country where maybe your shows aren't seen.
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A
Oh, yes. It's called the uk.
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B
That's not true. But, you know, if. Well, if. If you can walk. Feel like you walk down the street and no one has done a double take or a nudge or a secret photo.
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A
Yeah.
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B
It feels amazing.
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A
Yes.
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B
I love that.
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A
Yeah. Being observed is weird because especially it sounds like you're, like, you are an observer. You like to observe people. So when you're being observed, it's a strange feeling.
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B
Yeah. I find it discomforting and it means I don't want to go anywhere with my children. I don't want people to see who they are because it's their decision to do what they want to do with their lives.
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A
And kids don't, like. You don't even have to be an actor. Kids just don't like sharing their parents with people.
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B
Yeah, I do understand that.
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A
I know. And it's hard to explain to them that that is your work, but it's a universal feeling. Kids want their parents when they want them mine.
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B
Yeah. And I've been lucky compared to many people in our industry. I haven't had to be away from home that much.
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A
Yeah.
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B
And my youngest. So in recent years, I've had to be way a bit more. And she hates it. I sort of love it that she hates it, but, yeah, she's still missing you.
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A
How old is your youngest?
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B
Yeah, youngest is 10. Okay.
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A
Okay. Right. So you still have some sweetness.
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B
Yeah. Yeah. And really, she's really lovely. They're all lovely. I know.
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A
Does anyone, Any of Them want to be an actor?
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B
No. Furious. Yeah. Livid with them. Yeah.
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A
You know, I'm like, get up there and earn some money for this family.
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B
Just. They laugh at me because. Yeah, it's a bit, you know, ab fab. And my big boy wants to be a physicist. Wow. I mean, just incredible.
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A
He can also be a. That's the only way he can rebel. Why can't he be you and your husband?
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B
Totally. He goes, mum. No one says, oh, why can't you be a rock star? I do. Why can't you? They're all so sensible.
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A
Yeah.
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B
Physicist is physicist.
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A
That's smart.
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B
I mean, who employs physicists these days?
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A
No one.
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B
No one.
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A
See, with long hair, forget it. He's never gonna get through the door. Okay, so your outfit, you're at Footlights. You're making all these friends. You're deciding, you know what I love about your career and you is that you are the ultimate to me. Proof that when someone can do comedy really well, they can do anything. And I guess you came into the business doing comedy. When was. Was it Tyrannosaur that switched? Was that.
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B
Yeah.
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A
Can you talk about that film and getting cast in that?
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B
Yeah. So comedy, I'd never intended. I just found a place there, and I really loved it. And I'd always imagined maybe from that first play at school, I thought maybe I could be an actor. But you didn't dare say it out loud. And then it felt like there were two lists of actors as funny ones, not funny ones. And you can't cross over. It's absolutely not allowed. And it takes someone to really put their neck on the line to go, no, I would like them to do that. So it was Paddy Considine I met when we were doing Hot Fuzz.
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A
Yes.
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B
I was so excited to meet him. And I opened the door and grinned at him. Hello. And he decided in that moment, oh, she'd be right for my film. Wow. I know. So always open the door, people always be nice. You never know.
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A
Wow.
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B
And it totally changed the trajectory. Some word I find hard to do of my career because it went to.
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A
Sundance and it was like this very lauded performance, and people saw this version of you, basically, and they said, oh, we can. I know. It's very. Isn't it interesting how life is just the smallest changes and moves in your life and you're on another track?
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B
Yeah, totally. And so often having to wait for someone else to. To let that happen for you, which is frustrating, but I'm so grateful to Paddy.
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A
Do you ever think to Yourself. Like, I'm in the mood right now to do something heavier. I'm in the mood right now to do something lighter. Do you think about that when you're picking stuff?
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B
I don't know if I might do subconsciously. I always used to rely very much on gut feeling, and I feel a bit like I've lost that ability. I've gone a little bit. I don't know if that happens as well as we get older, but I sometimes think. I think I've. I can't tell now if my agent has a great litmus test. So if you read it and you're unsure if your nemesis gets the part, are you going to want to, you know, pull your hair out?
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A
And that's so funny. I think about that, too. If I saw it a year later, like a trailer for it, and I was jealous.
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B
Yeah.
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A
If I thought, if I saw something.
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B
That'S best way to go, okay, I can let this go, or, no, I have to fight for it.
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A
Yeah. Yeah. But.
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B
Sorry, I didn't answer your question at all. Did I. Did I go somewhere else?
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A
Well, why I ask is because you've been in all of my favorite things. When we look at all of the stuff that you've been in, your career is incredible, Olivia. Like, you have done. Okay. But I want to stay with comedy for a second just because I feel like. And I kind of made a joke about it earlier, but there is this thing with people our age where the US and UK were so connected in so many ways, but had completely different comedic experiences. There were only a few shows, in my opinion, that came over to us.
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B
Yeah.
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A
Like, it wasn't until I was in my 20s and 30s that I learned about all this great British comedy that I never got to see.
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B
Okay.
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A
And I, you know. You know, we got kind of the big ones, right? Growing like Monty Python and, you know, Ab Fab and stuff like that. But then there was this huge amount of shows that we never saw that you had to kind of search, find out and watch on, you know, VHS and, like, trade with your friends.
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B
Yeah.
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A
Did you have shows here in states that you didn't know about or didn't watch that you had to kind of catch up and know about once you.
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B
Started becoming weirdly sort of snl, which is a. You know, it's like a little comedy heaven. I didn't know about that for so long. Cause I don't think it was shown on television in the uk. No. And it was only funny friends who were obsessed with it and went, what what is it? And then started to look at it.
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A
Because this is pre Internet. Like we couldn't google anything. We didn't have this high tech stuff that I have. I have a laptop on my.
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B
Yeah, that's very cool.
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A
And I can type in anything. Anything you want to know. And you want to know the recipe to something. But. Yeah, but you couldn't clip anything. You couldn't watch it. So I remember watching like Alan Partridge and all this stuff on VHS, but 10 years after it was on.
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B
Yeah, yeah. Well, it's the same. Well, we got. And we still have, which I love every weekday Morning on Channel 4 they have starts with Cheers, then King of Queens, then Everybody Loves Raymond, then Friends. No, sorry, Frasier, same four shows. Yeah, I love it.
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A
Oh my God, Cheers.
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B
Oh my God, Cheers.
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A
How good is that show?
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B
Oh, it's so good. Ted Danson at his hottest best.
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A
And Sam and Diane. I mean, actually there's a. We'll get to your film the Roses, but there's a lot of that kind of like that kind of back and forth repartee of I love you, I hate you, I love you is so satisfying.
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B
So good.
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A
And when they kissed for the first time and millions watched. I know. And also that lovely Woody. I loved Woody. And Woody, who had the hardest job in the world. Cause he took over for Coach, who.
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B
Oh yes, of course, yes.
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A
Who was an amazing character, sadly passed away year one or two. And you thought, well, they're just can't cover that.
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B
Yeah.
- [24:06]
A
And then they bring in Woody who just crushes it. And then the pilot of Cheers, if you've ever read, is just a perfectly written pilot. And we, and me and Mike Schur, the creator of Parks and Rec, used to talk about it all the time because you have like seven characters. You have to, you know, service really fast basically. And it's such a good pilot. I love that.
- [24:27]
B
Oh my God, I've got to watch the pilot. I'm gonna find it.
- [24:29]
A
It's so good. And the ending of Cheers. Yeah, okay. Everyone Loves Raymond, Frasier and what was the other one?
- [24:39]
B
King of Queens.
- [24:39]
A
King of Queens, Yeah. And you're like, what is this Queens?
- [24:44]
B
What do I need to know about Queens? I've got no idea what that is. But he is king of it.
- [24:52]
A
Yeah, there was a few things that came over to us, but not a lot. You know, it took me and Sketch was one like I didn't know about French and Saunders until 10 years after. You know, then everyone same like funny people and I was meeting funny people and they weren't talking about shows that I, like, had to research. But I just think it's very interesting because that we are. We are so alike. But our comedy was very specific and different.
- [25:21]
B
We had the premiere last night in New York with the Roses. And then we've got London premiere on Thursday and lots of. I wonder if audiences will laugh at different things. And I feel like that's not true anymore.
- [25:31]
A
I agree. Yeah, I don't think that's true.
- [25:34]
B
No. I think we all totally understand each other and we'll find the same shit funny.
- [25:37]
A
We were laughing when we were preparing for this interview. We were saying, like, how it is true. We believe that the Brits are smarter. They just sound smarter. Yeah, they do.
- [25:47]
B
That's not true.
- [25:48]
A
I know. And you know what taught us? Love Island.
- [25:52]
B
I've said that's the first time I've ever been grateful to Love Island.
- [25:56]
A
They taught us that.
- [25:58]
B
Because I can see people look disappointed when I open my mouth and I go, oh, you think I'm clever? I'm really not. But thank God, Love Island.
- [26:04]
A
Yeah, Love island really leveled the playing field. We were like, I see. Okay. We're all the same. This episode is brought to you by Mott's Applesauce. Every parent you know has got to have snacks ready at all times. And those snacks have got to be something kids love. But you're happy to give them too. Which is why Mott's no Sugar Added Applesauce pouches are so great. They're made from real delicious apples and are a good source of vitamin C too. Perfect for tossing in a lunchbox or grabbing for on the go. Mott's Real Apples make real good applesauce. Learn more about Mott's no Sugar added applesauce@mott's.com this episode is brought to you by BMW Certified. These days, it's getting harder and harder to know the real deal when you see it. Luckily, some things are verified to be exactly what they claim to be. Like BMW Certified Pre Owned Vehicles. They're equipped with genuine BMW parts, an additional three years of roadside assistance, and a BMW certified Warranty. Visit BMW USA.com certified-pre owned to learn more.
- [27:13]
C
Mike and Alyssa are always trying to outdo each other. When Alyssa got a small water bottle, Mike showed up with a 4 liter jug. When Mike started gardening, Alyssa started beekeeping.
- [27:24]
B
Oh, come on.
- [27:25]
C
They called a truce for their holiday and used Expedia trip planner to collaborate on all the details of their trip. Once there, Mike still did more laps around the pool.
- [27:35]
B
Whatever.
- [27:36]
C
You were made to outdo your holidays. We were made to help organize the competition. Expedia. Made to travel.
- [27:46]
A
But a show that I've since now seen, that I didn't know at the time was Bruiser, which was like your.
- [27:52]
B
Have you seen Bruiser?
- [27:53]
A
Well, I've seen clips of Bruiser. Okay, but Bruiser was like your first sketch show.
- [27:59]
B
First ever job. My first job?
- [28:00]
A
First ever job, yeah. And that was. How old were you? What year of the year?
- [28:03]
B
It was my last year of drama school. I have a weird thing where I can't do dates.
- [28:07]
A
Same.
- [28:08]
B
So I know I did my a levels in 1992 because I had to say it so often.
- [28:12]
A
Yeah.
- [28:12]
B
But beyond that, I'm not entirely sure what happened.
- [28:15]
A
So in the 90s. In the 90s, Bruiser comes out.
- [28:18]
B
Yes.
- [28:18]
A
And it's you and David.
- [28:21]
B
And David Mitchell, Rob Webb, Martin Freeman.
- [28:24]
A
Mm, yeah, that's right.
- [28:25]
B
Charlotte Hudson.
- [28:26]
A
And that's just like sketches and you're all look like babies and they're all doing like.
- [28:32]
B
Yeah, gosh, I haven't seen it. I bet lots of it's terrible.
- [28:37]
A
Well, sketch is 80% bad. Like, the batting average is. You have just like, hope for a couple of winners.
- [28:44]
B
Mitchell and Webb have just done a new sketch show and sketch shows just haven't happened for a long time.
- [28:50]
A
I know, I know, I know. I think about that a lot. I mean, for me, the best last sketcho other than SNL that I've seen is Key and Peele. Did you watch Key and Peele?
- [28:59]
B
My boys talking about that.
- [29:01]
A
I think that the Brits don't know about Key and Peele as much, but that was a big show over here and they were just like deeply funny and good. Like, they were really, really funny.
- [29:10]
B
I'm gonna find that.
- [29:12]
A
Okay. And so then. Okay, but then there's this. There's all this stuff you do between, you know, Broad Church, basically, there's all this stuff because that Broad Church for us is really, I think, when we really start to get to know you. I remember you from your little moment in the office. The UK office. Because I was obsessed with the UK office and the picture moment with David and just with Ricky. But we get to really know you and you and David at the same time.
- [29:44]
B
Oh, yeah. Lovely, Dee T. Lovely.
- [29:47]
A
Tell me about your relationship. You guys are buddies.
- [29:49]
B
Oh, I love David Tennant.
- [29:51]
A
No, he seems so nice.
- [29:54]
B
You love him.
- [29:55]
A
Tell me why he's so great.
- [29:57]
B
He is. There's nothing assholey about him at all. And he. We simply just would Sit and talk about. We'd do farts in the police car and he'd go, what? Jesus Christ, call him. And he was just like a buddy and we'd tell stories and he wanted to be at home with his wife and family and I wanted to be at home.
- [30:23]
A
Yes. Isn't that the best when you work with people who want to be at home?
- [30:26]
B
Yeah. Let's get this done. Get it done. Early and afraid he'd get home, get fuck off back home. And also he was so. Always knew his lines, was always on it. Always just beautiful at his fingertips. And then, you know when the ad comes to knock on the door. We had a two way. It's not as rude as it sounds. You know the van with. But also our loos were back to back and I could go, David, are you in? There you go. Stop listening to me. I'm doing the same as you. But when the ad would come and lock on doors, say it's time. We would try and race each other. He would always. Didn't want to delay anyone. He was never late. My favourite love and just gorgeous. Everybody loved him, but just real.
- [31:13]
A
And it proves my point. Olivia, I've said before, I find that for the most part, with the exception of a few eccentric original performers, the most talented people are often the most professional. Like they're the easiest to work with.
- [31:28]
B
Oh, the ease. And I've been so lucky to work with two of my gods, Meryl Streep and Anthony Hopkins. They never would have kept anyone waiting.
- [31:38]
A
Yes.
- [31:38]
B
And then you learn from that and you go see. No.
- [31:41]
A
And they set such a tone.
- [31:42]
B
Yes. They are polite to everyone. They know everyone's name, they know their job, they know their lines. They're always on time.
- [31:48]
A
I mean I have a. In any profession, I do have a theory that like people that are acting out of fear or are afraid that this is their last good idea or that you know it. A lot of people act out for a lot of reasons. But.
- [32:00]
B
And I do understand that.
- [32:01]
A
I do too. And as I get older also people just work differently. But the professional part, when you meet your hero and they also are that way. It's just the best.
- [32:10]
B
It's so important. Yeah. And just a friend recently did a show and I don't want to sort of. There are some of the younger people who I don't know where it comes from but if they have a little bit of a cold, they won't do the show. And I don't understand right when we.
- [32:30]
A
Were told this is very Gen X Of us.
- [32:32]
B
You know, that I'm aware that I'm doing that same.
- [32:35]
A
Which is the way.
- [32:36]
B
And people think it's their fault, but someone's told them wrong.
- [32:39]
A
Well, okay, let's get into this because. Oh, no, no.
- [32:43]
B
I'm gonna be canceled.
- [32:44]
A
No, I agree. And I'm trying to work on it because here's the two things. I think that we were sold a productivity myth. Right. Like hustle, hustle, hustle. And it's really ingrained in us. Like, there's no way I would have ever called in sick. I mean, I remember doing a scene with Alec Baldwin for a movie, and I had, like, 104 temperature, and I had to cry.
- [33:07]
B
I thought, paracetamol.
- [33:08]
A
And I was like, I was on another planet. And he was like, wherever you are, stay there.
- [33:14]
B
Perfect.
- [33:14]
A
And I was like, I'm in a fever dream. I have 104. And I remember just being completely. But never in a million years, ever would I.
- [33:22]
B
Yes. In retrospect, potentially, maybe that was a data. Not potentially. Yeah.
- [33:26]
A
Potentially not a good.
- [33:27]
B
Yeah.
- [33:28]
A
So I kind of understand that this idea of, like, maybe take care of yourself, Gen Xers a little bit more than you did and not pressure everybody to hustle, but perhaps we've overcorrected.
- [33:39]
B
I think there's a happy medium, isn't there?
- [33:41]
A
Agree.
- [33:42]
B
But a little bit of a tickle in the back of the. And you go, I don't think I can. That's. I don't think that's okay.
- [33:50]
A
Yeah.
- [33:50]
B
I've had pneumonia twice. Never missed a day of work while filming.
- [33:53]
A
Okay.
- [33:54]
B
But also potentially stupid.
- [33:56]
A
You've had pneumonia while filming?
- [33:58]
B
Yeah. Yeah.
- [33:59]
A
You're my kind of gal.
- [34:00]
B
Thank you.
- [34:01]
A
I never missed one day of work on Parks and rec. I did 120 shows.
- [34:08]
B
Fuck.
- [34:08]
A
Yeah. And that's weird. And people think that's a weird statistic because they're like, well, okay, maybe not something to brag about. And I'm like, is it not? I think it is. I agree. But perhaps I was setting an example that was. You know. Both are true. Both are true. But I know what you mean. I just love a pro. I love a nice pro.
- [34:32]
B
Yeah.
- [34:33]
A
Because a working environment should be. It's just hard enough to just do life. It's hard enough to do life without somebody being difficult.
- [34:45]
B
And we're lucky to have the work beyond. You know, don't be sort of overly cocky with that.
- [34:52]
A
Yes, agree. And, Broadchurch, it makes sense to me that you and David loved each other because you can really feel it in the show, like, it's just. You feel like true partners in that show. And even though in the show you're getting to be partners, but there was such a feeling of mutual respect on that. It was so good. And what was it like to have that blow up? It was a huge hit.
- [35:16]
B
Yes. That was very odd because no one knew who had done it. That was what they wanted. Although when I went for my first audition, my sort of meet with the producers and I said, who did it? And they told me and I went, oh, and cried. And they went, that's great. That's what you want. And then on the way home, 20 minutes after I'd left, they phoned and went, can you pretend that we didn't tell you? We've realized we don't want anyone to know. We wanted to. I went, oh, okay. So I had to lie. And David was so cross with me. One day his agent accidentally let slip right near the of months of filming, and he flew onto my van and went, you fucking didn't tell me? And I knew what he meant. Unless I couldn't look at him. Oh.
- [36:01]
A
Cause he didn't know either.
- [36:02]
B
He didn't know. No one knew. But they'd accidentally told me.
- [36:05]
A
You knew. What a burden to carry.
- [36:06]
B
She had faces, you know, all the 10 by 8 faces in the makeup van and everyone was putting a sticker on who they thought it was. And I was also going, is it. That might be me trying to. Terrible at lying. Wow.
- [36:18]
A
So you were reading the scripts in real time, basically, and. Oh, that's very fun.
- [36:23]
B
It was really fun.
- [36:24]
A
And what a great way to be able to. And kind of what a bummer that you knew because we would have been, you know, like everyone else, but you had that secret.
- [36:32]
B
Yeah.
- [36:33]
A
Oh, that's fun.
- [36:34]
B
It was fun.
- [36:34]
A
Oh, that's good.
- [36:35]
B
But David. Yep. Said, you can't believe you didn't tell me.
- [36:38]
A
And you're like, I'm a pro, babe. Yeah, I'm a pro.
- [36:40]
B
And also, I'd lied so much, I'd almost forgotten that I knew.
- [36:45]
A
Do you think you would be good convincing a. Are you a good liar? Like, do you think you'd be. Yeah.
- [36:51]
B
Without a script, I'm appalling.
- [36:54]
A
Yeah, they can. I don't know. I think I'm okay. Like, I think sometimes. Could I convince a jury?
- [37:02]
B
Like, if I. Oh, wow, that's an excellent.
- [37:04]
A
Could you convince a jury? I feel like I could convince a.
- [37:06]
B
Jury that you didn't do it.
- [37:08]
A
Yes.
- [37:09]
B
I feel like as long as my kids weren't in the jury. I think I'd be fine.
- [37:13]
A
Your kids would know.
- [37:14]
B
They go, you totally did it.
- [37:17]
A
Do you have a tell when you lie? I'm sure I do too. I'd like someone to tell me what it is so I can work on it. But I think I over explain. I think I say too many things.
- [37:27]
B
Oh, you know when you watch Traitors?
- [37:30]
A
Yes.
- [37:31]
B
Oh, I love it when. I love it when they ask someone something, they go, what? They have to.
- [37:36]
A
They say, what are you stalling?
- [37:38]
B
Yeah. And they do it subconsciously. It's amazing.
- [37:41]
A
They always do it. Any of those body language things where they show, you know, if you look up to the right or if you.
- [37:48]
B
One's recalling information, one's lying. Yes. Yeah.
- [37:51]
A
Or if you touch your face or like, I know if you touch your neck, it's because you're about to say a lie. All these kind of.
- [37:58]
B
Wow.
- [37:58]
A
Yeah. All these small things. That is. I love when people stall. When someone. And you go, what are you. What did you say?
- [38:07]
B
Yeah. I'm so sorry. What?
- [38:10]
A
Didn't hear you. But I also get sweaty when you have to play those games. Like, have you ever played that game Mafia?
- [38:17]
B
Oh, yeah.
- [38:19]
A
I don't like that game.
- [38:19]
B
I love it.
- [38:20]
A
You love it?
- [38:21]
B
I love it.
- [38:22]
A
Okay.
- [38:22]
B
Because we play it almost every night on holiday and we've discovered as well, any parents that get killed, it's always their kids that have done it. Always. Or spouse. Yep. And one family that we go on holiday with every year, their kids are terrifying at it.
- [38:44]
A
Really good.
- [38:45]
B
Oh, my God. So good. And the youngest one got so cross with everyone accusing her that we went. Of course she's not. She was over explaining. She's doing what you say. Yes. Just. I'm not. I literally, I had to move because really angry. And she's only 13 and she was. Oh, God, no, she's probably not. Just maybe don't give her a chance. She was absolutely killing everyone. She was doing that at night when everyone had their eyes closed.
- [39:07]
A
Kill that. Amazing. I get very stressed. I get very giggly when I get accused and very stressed. And also I feel like maybe I feel like I act the same when I'm the murderer or not. But I must not. But I don't think I would pass a lie detector test. Let me just say that.
- [39:27]
B
Yeah, I don't think I would.
- [39:29]
A
My heart would beat.
- [39:30]
B
Yeah.
- [39:30]
A
But I think I could win over a jury.
- [39:32]
B
Yeah.
- [39:33]
A
I think I would say, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, why would I want to kill my spouse or whatever? And I'D be able to cry. You're a good crier and you love to cry.
- [39:44]
B
I do. One of my great skills. Well, in everyday life, I don't cry so much.
- [39:54]
A
You have tricks for crying?
- [39:55]
B
No, if it's sad, I'll cry. Yeah, if the script is sad. So Broadchurch, that first day, it was filmed chronologically, which was just a gift. Amazing. But Nick, they were saying, no, she's a police officer. She's probably a bit little harder than that one. Absolutely. There's no way. I'm sorry, I can't. This is a dead child. And so. Oh. Making me. So it's that if it's good script, it's impossible not to.
- [40:25]
A
But in your life, you're not the biggest crier, really.
- [40:28]
B
Oh, in the Crown as well, there was this. Because the Queen famously was able to be there for other people and not cry, and I couldn't do it. There's a scene where Helena Bonham Carter is telling me about Aberfan, which was a terrible, terrible thing that happened. Terrible. And I couldn't hear her. Yeah, it was beautifully done, but I couldn't hear her talking about it without crying. And they kept going, okay, no, no crying. No, I can't. So the sound department gave me an earpiece and I listened to the shipping forecast. So in my ear I was hearing south at Sura. North at Sura. Weatherford. Middling. And I was just listening to that and zoning out while Helena and Helen said, I can't believe our first scene together. And you're not actually listening to me.
- [41:16]
A
Wow.
- [41:17]
B
And it's really. That's a good tip, though.
- [41:19]
A
That's a great tip.
- [41:20]
B
Listen to something else. Don't listen to your act of.
- [41:23]
A
I mean, I always say half of acting is like, just keeping your face still, which is almost impossible for me.
- [41:27]
B
To do, but Botox helps enormously. I find that.
- [41:32]
A
But the way in which everyone just projects everything on your still face. You and Helena in the Crown are, I mean, so wonderful. And I know you're really good friends, too. And did you meet on that journey? Yeah, we did never work together before.
- [41:46]
B
No, I think we'd met once at a do and I'd sort of curtsied to her and. Yeah, she's just lovely.
- [41:59]
A
I mean, I know people have asked about meeting the Queen and playing the Queen, but separate from the actual Queen. The character of that woman is so interesting.
- [42:12]
B
I know. Fascinating.
- [42:14]
A
You know, forget. You know. I know you're playing a version of real person and you're playing a real person, but Just the legacy of that. Just one. Just the idea of one life spanning. That much.
- [42:30]
B
Yeah.
- [42:31]
A
It's so amazing.
- [42:33]
B
I totally agree. It's an extraordinary. Literally. Well, most people. There's someone else in the world who has a similar experience. No one.
- [42:41]
A
No one.
- [42:41]
B
That's one person standing on their own. I know. Sitting every week to various prime ministers, you know, listening to them, having the hearing everything and just having to keep it together.
- [42:54]
A
Practice in restraint. Just some life of restraint. And also to your point, being around while everyone else comes and goes.
- [43:01]
B
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- [43:03]
A
While. I mean, I loved the way that that show took on the width and breadth of that life.
- [43:10]
B
The crown, that person is the crown.
- [43:13]
A
And the way you take it from Claire that you take over that moment when you show up in season two, three, four.
- [43:22]
B
Three and four. Yeah.
- [43:23]
A
When you show up and we think, oh, my, Olivia is now the Queen, like, it's exhilarating.
- [43:30]
B
It's terrifying. Following on from Claire, was it? Yeah, yeah. Because I loved it. It was so highly advertised that I didn't want to like it in that sort of.
- [43:40]
A
Yeah, everyone likes it. Oh, okay. Yeah, thanks.
- [43:43]
B
And then I accidentally watched it with one eye open. Went, oh, no, I love it. Love Claire.
- [43:48]
A
So good.
- [43:49]
B
Couldn't stop watching her. And so then Nia got the. Got a call so that they would like to meet you for. I think my agent said, for the Queen. And I thought that was the play. And. Oh. And she said, no, no, I didn't mean that. I didn't mean. That meant the crown. And I went, oh, my God, yeah. Fuck, yeah, Absolutely. Yes, please. And she goes, I think you're not meant to say that yet. You're meant to just wait.
- [44:11]
A
Cool. Put your sunglasses on.
- [44:12]
B
Yeah, try and be cool. But I was such a huge fan of it.
- [44:17]
A
Yes, yes.
- [44:18]
B
And also it came at the point where I just spent all my tax money.
- [44:22]
A
So you're, like, really handy. Let's go. And did you. Did you talk to Claire? Did you talk to Claire? Were you. Did you two talk about, like, handing off the torch?
- [44:34]
B
So obviously it might be a good idea, if you want to, we can give you Claire's number. And so I did speak to Claire and said, really, honestly, truthfully, it's a long commitment, long job. And she went, I've absolutely fucking loved it. It's a happy job and everyone's nice.
- [44:50]
A
Yes.
- [44:50]
B
But. Okay, that's great.
- [44:52]
A
I mean, there is a whisper network among actresses especially, I think, when you're gonna try to take a job when you're lucky enough. Have the choice to take a job where you call other people to say, should I. Is this okay?
- [45:05]
B
I love that code as well. And amongst them we do go. Or there's a. The word tricky. They can be tricky. I got on quite well with them. But I know that some other people. So sort of politely letting you know, maybe this isn't a simple decision.
- [45:22]
A
Another code is like, well, the hours can be kind of long, which is a code for. Or the director's a little unorganized. Like, I think that's.
- [45:30]
B
And the scripts aren't ready.
- [45:31]
A
Yeah. And the scripts can come in a little late. And I cried a few times. But as far as the job.
- [45:39]
B
Yeah.
- [45:40]
A
And Helena and you. I just want to stay there for one second because I love watching you work with everyone, but I especially love watching you work with other super talented women. And you've worked with a lot of really great women.
- [45:55]
B
Been really lucky.
- [45:56]
A
Yeah. You just. Who are when you meet each other on screen.
- [46:00]
B
I love women.
- [46:01]
A
Me too. I mean, it's honestly hard to work with men. I'm so sorry. I'm sure it was easy with Benedict, but, like, I mean, we have to. But fuck.
- [46:12]
B
I know it's hard, Bessem. It's just not as good.
- [46:15]
A
Just not as good. But I do too. I love working with women and I can tell you do, too. Who are some women that you've worked with that you. Helena, I'm sure, is one. But like Helena, who. That you just worked with and you said, oh, I'm gonna have the best time.
- [46:29]
B
I mean, Jodie Whittaker on Broadchurch, Helena on the Crown, and Marian, who played the Queen Mother on the Crown, just loved her. Loved her almost. I always take a good girlfriend with me from almost every job.
- [46:44]
A
What do you mean?
- [46:45]
B
Like who? Well, Helly. Jodie is now godmother to my youngest. We had our youngest at the same time while on Broadchurch and. And Phoebe. Phoebe Woolerbridge and Amy Morgan, who you probably won't have heard of, but I think she's extraordinary. And we met doing a play and so there's always one. And on the roses, there's Zoe, Sunita, Alison, Jenny, Kate McKinnon.
- [47:15]
A
We have Kate coming in and Kate is such an.
- [47:17]
B
Is she coming in?
- [47:18]
A
She's coming to dinner.
- [47:18]
B
Tommy's Day. While I'm here.
- [47:21]
A
It is.
- [47:22]
B
Are you lying?
- [47:23]
A
I'm not lying, but you're not going to be here. We're not going to make you wait for Kate because we have a little bit of a, you know, you got to get on that plane. But you can leave. You want to leave a note for her?
- [47:34]
B
Yeah.
- [47:34]
A
She's coming in today.
- [47:35]
B
Okay.
- [47:36]
A
And she's so. Isn't she such a wild, interesting, eccentric bird.
- [47:41]
B
She came. So we had a girls trip to where I live in the countryside in England while we were filming, and Kate came along. She's the most fun grownup you've ever met. My daughter couldn't believe her luck.
- [47:53]
A
Yes, she is fun.
- [47:55]
B
She's fun and she played. She was a. I think a peahen or something for about three hours. Fucking hell. It's amazing. My little girl's going.
- [48:13]
A
Phoebe, Fleabag. Huge. Another huge show.
- [48:16]
B
Yeah. And, I mean, she's an amazing woman and she's. She's brilliant at what she does and she works hard and she's really driven and kind to everybody and. Yeah, just another fucking fantastic woman. And that first episode of the second season of Fleabag, which was with Andrew Scott, and sitting around the dining. That restaurant table felt like the most brilliant play.
- [48:44]
A
Yes.
- [48:45]
B
And just that whole episode one dinner scene, I just. I love the way she writes and she gives everybody.
- [48:53]
A
So many good. You have also so many good jokes in that show. Yeah, great jokes.
- [48:58]
B
Yeah.
- [48:58]
A
That character is hilarious and deeply disturbing.
- [49:02]
B
Yeah. And I got it wrong. Initially. I was playing her sort of quite evil. And I was going, phoebe's like, it's not what you meant, is it? Well, she is the most charming person in any room. She'll be vile to you. And you sort of. Thank you. Sort of being grateful for the. You know, it's so vile.
- [49:24]
A
I mean, it's like. Yeah. She's like the ultimate narcissist.
- [49:28]
B
Yeah. Yeah.
- [49:29]
A
And when you're that way, you're usually quite charming.
- [49:31]
B
Yeah. Yeah.
- [49:31]
A
You're not usually, like. There's a way in which you draw people in and then you slowly kill them. And then. And before we get to the roses, I just. I feel like there was this beautiful couple of years where America said, I just realized.
- [49:53]
B
I just said how much I love women. And I've just done a film with Benedict as well.
- [49:57]
A
But Benedict feels like he's sensitive enough that he counts.
- [50:00]
B
Oh, my God, he does. He really does. I feel awful that I just. I loved working with Benedict.
- [50:04]
A
Well, we're gonna talk about working with Benedict. He's gonna be fine.
- [50:07]
B
Okay, good. Great.
- [50:07]
A
Benedict can handle it.
- [50:09]
B
Yeah. Yeah, he can handle. And Andy was. I love Andy.
- [50:11]
A
Andy's fine.
- [50:12]
B
And Jamie, of course, you love all.
- [50:14]
A
Of the people they know.
- [50:15]
B
I do love the people they know. Sorry to interrupt You.
- [50:18]
A
No, no, not at all. But I'm not worried about Benedict.
- [50:20]
B
Okay. Okay, good.
- [50:21]
A
He's so tall. We don't have to worry about him.
- [50:23]
B
No, he'll be fine. He will be fine. Yeah.
- [50:27]
A
But no, but we will talk about that because. But there was this, like, amazing couple of years where we got to see a lot of work being congratulated when you won that award, when you won the Academy Award. Right. And you've won a lot of awards. And what I loved about that moment was what I felt in that moment, and tell me if I'm wrong, is that you probably feel about awards the same way I feel about awards, which is, like, lovely, but, like, also, who cares?
- [50:59]
B
Yeah. I don't. That's a little awkward thing. Yeah, I.
- [51:02]
A
Okay, maybe I should say it less bluntly.
- [51:04]
B
Like, well, I feel like, oh, my God, it is the most lovely. If your peers have said seal of approval, there's nothing better.
- [51:14]
A
Yes.
- [51:15]
B
But I think also give yourself a few days to feel pretty thrilled with yourself and then forget it ever happened. Go back to work.
- [51:26]
A
That's right.
- [51:26]
B
Yeah. It was amazing. And it might never happen again. And weren't you lucky? Are now head down.
- [51:31]
A
I find that Brits in general accept awards really well because they do just that, as which they kind of like, stay in the moment and say thank you and they're very polite. But also, you can tell, they're like, I can't internalize this or I'm in trouble.
- [51:46]
B
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- [51:47]
A
It is a little bit more American to be like, I made it to the top of the mountain and I'm here and I'm never getting off. And I knew it and I got it and I went for it. But they're completely different feelings.
- [51:58]
B
And.
- [51:59]
A
But that your speech was. Do you have a. You know, I know it's hard to, like, think about yourself and talk about yourself. It's always hard to talk about yourself. But do you have. Do you have a sense of why that speech was so well received? It just was this, like, everyone felt very with you in that moment. It felt like really organic. What was your memories of getting up and giving that speech and, you know, like, being inside of.
- [52:25]
B
What did it feel like so much? I don't really remember, but just beforehand in the build up to it, in the months, the buildup, people going, kept saying Oscars and I go, stop it. And I got furious. It was all too scary. Terrifying. Don't be ridiculous. And then on the evening, like, 20 minutes before we were meant to go, my husband went don't be cross. But just in case, I've just put some notes on a piece of paper and he went out and I went, just. Fucking wanker. Okay, that's quite good. Okay. So he just said, just remember, if it happens to say this or say that, say thank you. And so it was. I would have. Well, I'm stuttering now. I would have been so useless. It was absolutely real and shocking. But if it wasn't for him, just take five minutes, just in case, to think about it. I know.
- [53:19]
A
Writer, producer, director. He took care of you.
- [53:22]
B
General Hottie.
- [53:22]
A
Yeah, General hottie. And also the moment you guys had.
- [53:25]
B
Was so sweet too.
- [53:26]
A
I mean, you have a wonderful, long lasting marriage with Ed. And you met. Where did you meet?
- [53:33]
B
In the town of Cambridge. He was at Cambridge.
- [53:36]
A
Olivia's crying a little bit.
- [53:39]
B
Luna. Yeah.
- [53:42]
A
You love Ed, he's your best friend. Call him your best friend.
- [53:47]
B
He's my best friend and I fancy him. He's quite nice. Okay.
- [53:50]
A
How did you meet? You have his name.
- [53:52]
B
I do have his name. It's a bit like he's pissed on me. It was my choice.
- [53:57]
A
He just stamped it on you. Okay, how did you meet?
- [54:01]
B
We met in a play rehearsal and I'd gone to two of the rehearsals and there was no one particularly fanciful there. And I think. And then I walked in and I saw his left hand profile. And at the time he was smoking a ciggy, his feet were crossed and he's got this lovely bump in his nose. And I saw his side profiles went, oh, God, I'm gonna marry him. No, I had proper thunderbolts. That's him. That's him, yeah. Oh, I know. Poor thing. He didn't know.
- [54:36]
A
And what does he say about it the first time he met you?
- [54:40]
B
He genuinely can't remember.
- [54:46]
A
That's so great. I mean, what is the secret to a long lasting relationship? Any tips? Any advice?
- [54:52]
B
No.
- [54:52]
A
As you're making a movie about the opposite of that.
- [54:55]
B
Yes, that's true. Well, it's our 25th wedding anniversary next year. Wow. We've been together 31 years. Wow. I don't think it's. We're not big fighters. Which apparently isn't very healthy.
- [55:09]
A
Okay, can we talk about this for a second? I agree. I see a lot of. Of research that says you really should argue and fight. Okay. Like, it feels so. Like, what if you're not. I mean, I'm not afraid of conflict, but I don't necessarily, like, want to search it out and.
- [55:26]
B
Yeah. I don't want to.
- [55:28]
A
People that Argue.
- [55:29]
B
And I do think that it is. Okay. We have learned over the years, but really late on actually, to sometimes, if that was annoying, then just wait until it's. It doesn't work for everyone. I know that. But I think it's better to wait till the much calmer moment to go, can we talk about that moment? And I did find that a little weird. And is that okay that I'm saying this? And. Yes. No. I was a bit cross that day. And. Okay. But good. Okay. I'm so pleased. Thank you.
- [56:04]
A
That's the most British conversation I've ever heard.
- [56:08]
B
Yeah. Maggie Gyllenhaal stood when we did the Lost Daughter.
- [56:15]
A
Beautiful movie.
- [56:16]
B
Ed. Different Ed was the costume designer. And me, he's English, and I'm in English, and he was talking about a hat. And he said, I left the hat out. I didn't know if he would. I went, oh, I see. I didn't. I didn't know if. Did you want me to wear it now? But if you like it. No, I do like it. I just wondered because it's. And this went on for 20 minutes. And Maggie, at the time, it was Covid. She took a mask down, went, oh, my God. Nothing has been said here. 20 minutes. Yes. Yeah. And I'd never realized it before that moment when she just. Yeah. So that's how we argue. And.
- [56:53]
A
Okay. So it leads me really naturally into the film that's out right now with the great Benedict Cumberbatch and. What a pro. What a pro. And, you know, so I ask people before these podcasts to give me a question, to ask my guests, and we speak well behind their back, like I said. And he was, you know, of course, he's like, absolutely adores you. And you guys have never worked together before, which is really interesting. And like you, I think he's able to. He's shown that he's able to toggle between a bunch of different styles and genres. And also, it makes me think sometimes that, you know, there maybe is a bit more license to do that in the UK than the US I don't know.
- [57:44]
B
Well, to go between drama and comedy, maybe.
- [57:46]
A
I'm thinking about it now because, you.
- [57:48]
B
Know, Emma Thompson and Kathy Burke, and we do have a line of. Well, I'm just thinking of the women, but we do have a long line of people who've been allowed to do both.
- [57:58]
A
Well, I remember people talking about Hugh Laurie in House, and it was like, you know, Hugh Laurie started in sketch comedy. Sketch comedy. Yeah.
- [58:05]
B
Yeah.
- [58:06]
A
But he was asking me. He asked A very, like, sweet actor question, which is basically like, he is in awe of you and what you can do. And he was like, is there anything.
- [58:16]
B
You'Re afraid of, acting wise?
- [58:19]
A
Well, I couldn't really tell.
- [58:21]
B
Oh.
- [58:21]
A
I couldn't really tell what he was. What the question was. But let's say. Sure, let's say acting.
- [58:28]
B
Anything where I have to show any skin.
- [58:31]
A
No. I don't know.
- [58:32]
B
Thank you. Or pretending to have sex with someone. I don't like it. I don't like it. I feel like I'm being on Facebook and it just feels a bit.
- [58:45]
A
Yeah.
- [58:46]
B
Even when they go, you can wear your jeans or. And a cushion between you. I don't want to do that. That's not what. I don't know.
- [58:52]
A
I don't know the art. And by the way, bless the people that are good at it. The people that are good at it. I'm like, I'll watch it all day long.
- [59:02]
B
Yeah.
- [59:03]
A
And they are comfy, but.
- [59:05]
B
Oh, and they.
- [59:06]
A
On screen. Orgasm.
- [59:08]
B
No, absolutely not.
- [59:10]
A
Like, that's. That's what you have to do that day. Like, that's.
- [59:13]
B
That's tough. Thank God for intimacy coordinators.
- [59:16]
A
Absolutely.
- [59:16]
B
Ita o', Brien, who is. She told me, and I was with. To orgasm. Went, oh, God. How do you do that? She said, imagine the sun is hitting your face. That was great. So just be giving a yes.
- [59:29]
A
And you just go like this.
- [59:30]
B
Yeah.
- [59:33]
A
You just. You go, oh, my God.
- [59:35]
B
You just take.
- [59:36]
A
Put your sunglasses on.
- [59:40]
B
Should have done it like that.
- [59:45]
A
Yeah. Okay.
- [59:46]
B
All right.
- [59:47]
A
Well, you got your answer, Benedict. You got your answer. But what was it like working with him on the film?
- [59:52]
B
I loved working with him. And he sort of feels like one of life's innocents in a way, you know, because we had such fun. But when it started to get a little bit more cruel to each other, he did go. Can we pause for a minute? Are we okay? Yes, Ben. It's pretend. It's all okay. And, you know, he's so in it. And, yes, it's just lovely. But I felt like I wanted to hold his hand a lot and go, it's all. We're good. We're still friends. Yes. Yeah. And it's lovely to work opposite him because he's absolutely feeling it. It's all instant.
- [60:28]
A
I bet. I mean, even just seeing the way in which you. Watching the two of you spar is really exciting because it's two very good actors going really hard. And plus, there's just a ton of, like, dumb physical stuff, which is so fun. Do you like doing that?
- [60:44]
B
No.
- [60:45]
A
No, me neither.
- [60:45]
B
I don't.
- [60:46]
A
I don't want to.
- [60:46]
B
I'm not very physical.
- [60:47]
A
I don't want to do anything. Yeah, I don't want to.
- [60:49]
B
But he is really good at that, which is great. So I just had the gun and he just ran around.
- [60:55]
A
And you're like. I think my character would sit.
- [60:57]
B
Yeah.
- [60:59]
A
And then Jay Roach.
- [61:00]
B
Oh, my gosh.
- [61:01]
A
Isn't he a delight? The director? I love him.
- [61:04]
B
I love him.
- [61:05]
A
Same.
- [61:05]
B
And I felt bad for him every day because it was like trying to nail jelly to the wall, trying to get us all to. To stop giggling or stop doing bits and joking. Also, how often does he hit his head? Oh.
- [61:19]
A
Cause he's so tall.
- [61:20]
B
He wears a hat. Oh, isn't. He doesn't see the booms and the lights. And the crew ended up hanging sticky tape down from everything so that he would. He still did it 15 times a day.
- [61:31]
A
Oh, it's gotta be some kind of psychological thing that he's doing.
- [61:35]
B
He can't get across with us. He doesn't say about things.
- [61:39]
A
And then. Okay, we talked about. Kate, you worked with Andy. Okay. The movie is out. Okay. And then my last question is, I ask everybody, and it's kind of like a. Like the. The reason why I'm. I started doing this podcast genuinely was like, to try to, I don't know, make sense of this wicked world and find some solace in what everybody was doing to keep themselves laughing. What do you watch, read, do? What's making you laugh right now, today, big or small, A person, a video, a show, old or new, that you go to?
- [62:23]
B
The thing that makes me laugh more than anything, belly laugh, which doesn't happen often enough, is watching my husband fall over or hit his head.
- [62:32]
A
On purpose or by accident.
- [62:33]
B
By accident.
- [62:35]
A
You just love an accident.
- [62:36]
B
It literally makes me go weak. I collapsed. It's so.
- [62:39]
A
Did you ever watch America's Funniest Home Videos? Have you ever seen that show?
- [62:44]
B
Oh, that's the sort of standby.
- [62:47]
A
Just one second before you go.
- [62:48]
B
We're seeing that clip recently where people just lie down with their. Have you seen this? So I turn around and Ed's lying down. You just see his head there? And people go and they film. Oh, that. That's gorgeous.
- [63:03]
A
You love. Do you like being pranked?
- [63:05]
B
I've got to do that, haven't. I'm filming it. Yes. Okay. Don't tell him. Don't tell him.
- [63:08]
A
Do you like. Do you like being pranked?
- [63:10]
B
No.
- [63:11]
A
Okay.
- [63:11]
B
If someone makes me jump, I will Punch them in the face.
- [63:13]
A
Me, too. I don't like being surprised, but you like when people get a tiny bit hurt.
- [63:18]
B
Yeah.
- [63:21]
A
But they're fine, right? They have to.
- [63:23]
B
As long as they're fine. As long as they're okay. I don't. If it looks like. Oh, God. That looks like.
- [63:27]
A
Sorry, sorry, sorry.
- [63:29]
B
Fun.
- [63:30]
A
Okay, let's watch just two minutes of this, and we're gonna let you go. I mean. I know what you mean. Okay. These kind of things.
- [63:37]
B
Do I need my glasses?
- [63:37]
A
We're watching in America's Funniest Home Videos, that person's stuck in the ceiling. So that person doing something, and they're. And she. She's stuck in the ceiling. Okay. That might have been too hard to fall.
- [63:57]
B
Have you seen. Have you seen the two women trying to get into the window?
- [64:01]
A
Oh, yeah.
- [64:01]
B
Oh, God, I want her.
- [64:04]
A
That.
- [64:04]
B
That is.
- [64:05]
A
Let's watch the two women get. Trying to get in the window.
- [64:07]
B
Yes.
- [64:08]
A
That is so fun.
- [64:09]
B
And the other one is no help at all. Outside, clearly trying not to piss herself, going.
- [64:14]
A
Yeah. When they start. When they're sweating, stuck, and they start laughing. Yeah, that does. Two women trying to get into a window. Okay, here we go. Okay, okay, okay, okay. Okay, let's watch. Watch.
- [64:27]
B
Here we go. Here we go.
- [64:29]
A
Okay. They're trying to get in the window, and one of them is giving the other one a foot up.
- [64:33]
B
Wearing the right clothes for this. We know that already.
- [64:36]
A
She's wearing a. She's both barefoot here. That's right. Her shirt comes off, so she's outside.
- [64:50]
B
To hand with these boobs, which, you know, facing that way. And her mate.
- [64:58]
A
And her. And her gloves come off, and they're dying laughing. I mean, this is the kind of thing that Benny Hill told me would happen when I. And it did happen. It actually happened.
- [65:08]
B
Oh, my God. It's. That's. I love that.
- [65:12]
A
I do, too. There's not no better feeling that makes me want to watch that again.
- [65:18]
B
I'm hearing them weep, you know, when you can't speak.
- [65:20]
A
Oh, yes.
- [65:21]
B
I love it.
- [65:22]
A
And knowing that one person is peeing.
- [65:25]
B
Right. And if the upside down woman was also peeing, think of me.
- [65:32]
A
Well, Olivia, I love you.
- [65:34]
B
I love you.
- [65:35]
A
I love that you love me.
- [65:36]
B
Thank you so much for coming.
- [65:37]
A
And what I know is a long press day. And if you want to leave a note for Kate, let me know.
- [65:42]
B
Oh, yes, please. And has Kate seen that?
- [65:45]
A
I'm gonna show. She would enjoy that. She probably is. Like.
- [65:49]
B
They reenacted it. I was gonna say.
- [65:50]
A
She probably did. Thank you. So much. Thank you. Thank you for having me.
- [65:57]
B
I want you to come and stay.
- [65:58]
A
Okay. Can I come into your house, please? Thank you.
- [66:00]
B
Okay.
- [66:03]
A
Okay. Today's Polar Plunge is presented by visible. It's one line wireless running on Verizon's 5G network. For great coverage and a reliable connection, make the switch@visible.com. okay, for this Polar Plunge, I'm gonna say that every should check out a film that we briefly mentioned in this interview, the Lost Daughter. It is with Olivia Colman, directed beautifully by Maggie Gyllenhaal, and with the great Dakota Johnson, who came in here with her puppy just a little while ago to our show. Olivia and Dakota are so great together. It's such a meditation on motherhood. Jessie Buckley's so good in it. And it's just, you know, it's just one of those movies rarely like, damn, those ladies are good at acting. That's what you say. You say, wow, those broads are good at acting. But check it out. If you haven't seen it, it's a beautiful, beautiful film. But today's Polar Plunge was presented by Visible, the ultimate wireless hack. It's one line wireless with unlimited data, hotspot, talk and Text starting at $25 a month. Terms apply. See visible.com for plan features and network management details. Okay, that's the end of our show.
- [67:12]
B
Bye.
- [67:14]
A
You've been listening to Good Hang. The executive producers for this show are Bill Simmons, Jenna Weiss Berman and me, Amy Poehler. The show is produced by the Ringer and Paper Kite. For the Ringer production by Jack Wilson, cat Spillane, Kaia McMullen and Alaia Zaneris. For Paper Kite, production by Sam Green, Joel Lovell and Jenna Weiss Berman. Original music by Amy Miles.