Podcast Summary: "ROB BRYDON: I CRIED FILMING THE GAVIN AND STACEY FINALE"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Great Company with Jamie Laing
- Host/Author: Jampot Productions
- Episode: Rob Brydon: I Cried Filming the Gavin and Stacey Finale
- Release Date: December 23, 2024
Introduction
In this heartwarming episode of Great Company with Jamie Laing, host Jamie Lang welcomes the multifaceted entertainer Rob Brydon. The conversation delves deep into Rob's experiences filming the much-anticipated finale of the cult classic series Gavin and Stacey, his journey in the entertainment industry, personal anecdotes, and reflections on fame and vulnerability.
Reunion and Emotional Impact
[05:26] Jamie Lang initiates the discussion by asking Rob about the overwhelming success of Gavin and Stacey during its initial run. Rob responds with humility, acknowledging the show's strength without anticipating its massive success.
Rob Brydon:
"I always say that the fact is, most things are not hits... But then on this. So the script, you go, so being Welsh, I look at its portrayal of Wales and I go, oh, yeah, yeah, that chimes with me. These characters are terrific."
[05:30]
Rob further elaborates on the seamless chemistry among the cast, highlighting characters like Dave Coaches and Dawn, suggesting that each could easily stand on their own in separate shows due to their strong characterization.
Jamie Lang:
"They're so well written and they're such good characters that you could see everything branch out."
[06:40]
The emotional crescendo of the episode comes when Jamie inquires about Rob's feelings during the reunion. Rob shares that reuniting with the cast after nearly two decades was profoundly moving.
Rob Brydon:
"It felt beautiful, really. It felt so emotional... Floods of tears."
[11:01]
He reminisces about the enduring friendships formed on set, the passage of time, personal growth, and the bittersweet nature of revisiting cherished memories.
The Challenges of the Entertainment Industry
Transitioning from the reunion, Jamie probes Rob about the difficulties inherent in the acting profession. Rob candidly discusses the relentless cycle of rejection and the necessity of perseverance.
Rob Brydon:
"You can only do it if you have to do it. So it has to do."
[31:58]
He recounts his stint in telesales during a financial downturn, illustrating the humbling experiences outside the limelight and how those moments reinforced his passion for voice acting and entertainment.
Rob Brydon:
"I had a very limited palette... but I started to blitz voice agents, production companies, trying to get voice work. And eventually, I did, and then everything was okay."
[35:05]
Rob emphasizes the importance of viewing his career as a vocation rather than just a job, underscoring the deep-seated love for entertaining others as the driving force behind his resilience.
Personal Insights and Vulnerability
Jamie deepens the conversation by exploring Rob's personal vulnerabilities and self-perceptions.
Jamie Lang:
"Do you find it easy to get emotional?"
[12:11]
Rob admits that he does not shy away from emotions, both on and off the screen, revealing a softer side that contrasts with his often comedic public persona.
Rob Brydon:
"I genuinely mean well. I don't really wish anybody any harm... I like that I'm able to do that."
[52:09]
He discusses the balance between maintaining authenticity and the pressures of public expectations, highlighting moments where vulnerability has played a crucial role in his personal and professional life.
Humorous Anecdotes and Improv Moments
Throughout the episode, Rob's quick wit and penchant for improvisation add a layer of humor and relatability.
During a segment on his role in the Barbie movie, Rob shares a humorous behind-the-scenes moment where he improvised his lines, leading to a memorable and spontaneous performance.
Rob Brydon:
"I'm not a sugar daddy and I hold the dog up. I say, this is sugar and I'm her daddy."
[41:14]
His ability to infuse humor into everyday situations shines through, making the conversation both entertaining and insightful.
Q&A Session: Eight Personal Questions
Towards the end of the episode, Jamie engages Rob in a rapid-fire Q&A segment, uncovering more personal facets of his life and personality.
-
What's the saying or phrase that always makes you smile or cheers you up?
Rob Brydon:
"Anything that might. Whenever my kids say anything to me that makes me think I've done something right as a dad. That's a fantastic feeling."
[45:44] -
Best compliment anyone's ever given you?
Rob Brydon:
"Billy Connolly once paid to come and see me do standup and that blew me away... Billy Connolly is like Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy... these are special people."
[46:22] -
What scares you most about yourself?
Rob Brydon:
"We have nothing to fear but fear itself. When fear gets a grip of me, I hate that. I hate that."
[46:47] -
What's something you can't let go of?
Rob Brydon:
"Love Elvis."
[47:35] -
What's something that you'd be embarrassed for people to know you like or want?
Rob Brydon:
"I don't like acne scars. I'd like nicer skin. I'd like skin like yours."
[47:55] -
What turns you off?
Rob expressively shares his pet peeves, ranging from inconsiderate behaviors like littering or blocking views at football matches to the annoyance of modern vaping practices.
[48:03] – [50:09] -
What turns you on?
Rob Brydon:
"I see trees of green and skies of blue and I think to myself what a wonderful world... The natural world."
[50:53] -
What do you like most about yourself?
Rob Brydon:
"I genuinely mean well... I like that I'm able to do that."
[51:37] -
Favorite swear word (Bonus):
While Rob hesitates to perform in his Uncle Bryn's accent, he shares his humorous side by explaining how he swears playfully during his workout sessions.
[52:43] – [53:55]
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with Jamie and the production team sharing their excitement for the upcoming Gavin and Stacey Christmas special. Rob's genuine appreciation for his work, the enduring friendships formed during the show's run, and his reflections on personal growth provide listeners with a heartfelt and inspiring narrative.
Jamie Lang:
"Whether you were born to do it or not, I think we've all been thoroughly entertained. You're amazing. You're inspiration to me and so many other people."
[56:07]
Rob’s closing remarks reinforce the themes of gratitude, resilience, and the enduring power of storytelling in connecting with audiences.
Key Takeaways
-
Emotional Depth: Rob Brydon's reflections highlight the profound emotional connections formed during the filming of Gavin and Stacey, underscoring the show's legacy and impact.
-
Resilience in Entertainment: The discussion sheds light on the challenges of the entertainment industry, emphasizing perseverance and passion as essential traits for success.
-
Authenticity and Vulnerability: Rob's openness about his emotions and vulnerabilities offers a relatable perspective, breaking the stereotype of the unflappable entertainer.
-
Humor as a Coping Mechanism: Throughout the conversation, humor is portrayed not just as a profession but as a personal coping mechanism, showcasing Rob's innate ability to find lightness in various situations.
-
Personal Growth: The episode illustrates the balance between personal life and professional commitments, highlighting how responsibilities and relationships contribute to overall stability and groundedness.
Notable Quotes:
-
Rob Brydon on Show Success:
"Most things are not hits... But then on this. So the script, you go, so being Welsh, I look at its portrayal of Wales and I go, oh, yeah, yeah, that chimes with me."
[05:30] -
Emotional Reunion:
"It felt beautiful, really. It felt so emotional... Floods of tears."
[11:01] -
On Entertainment as a Vocation:
"You can only do it if you have to do it. So it has to do."
[31:58] -
Personal Vulnerability:
"I genuinely mean well. I don't really wish anybody any harm... I like that I'm able to do that."
[52:09] -
Favorite Swear Word Humor:
"I have a trainer, right. And when I train... I will, I, I can act. I, I can make people laugh."
[53:07]
This episode of Great Company with Jamie Laing offers an intimate glimpse into Rob Brydon's multifaceted life, celebrating his contributions to entertainment while exploring the personal experiences that shaped his career and character. Listeners are left with a deeper appreciation for the man behind the laughter and the enduring bonds formed through shared creative endeavors.