SmartLess Episode Summary: "Hugh Grant" | Released November 18, 2024
In this engaging episode of SmartLess, hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett sit down with renowned British actor Hugh Grant. The conversation spans Hugh's illustrious career, his transition from romantic comedies to more complex roles, insights into his personal life, and amusing anecdotes from his hobby of golf. The episode is peppered with Hugh's characteristic wit and self-deprecating humor, providing listeners with both laughter and thoughtful reflections.
**1. Early Career and Transition from Romantic Comedies
[24:19] Sean Hayes opens the discussion by tracing Hugh Grant's career trajectory, highlighting his breakthrough role in Four Weddings and a Funeral.
Sean Hayes [24:43]: "We sort of came to know you, I think, through Four Weddings and a Funeral was the thing where we went, everybody went, oh, this guy is amazing."
Hugh Grant reflects on his earlier roles before his breakout success, humorously describing his participation in low-quality miniseries:
Hugh Grant [25:01]: "I specialized in really low quality miniseries like Judith Kranz's Till We Meet Again. I did hundreds of those parts and... get horsewhipped out of the house by Michael York."
Grant discusses his realization that romantic comedies, while beloved by audiences, may have pigeonholed his acting potential. He acknowledges the critical acclaim his rom-coms received but expresses a desire to explore more diverse and challenging roles.
Hugh Grant [35:52]: "The good romantic comedies I did were really about pain. It's about humor, dealing with pain, the pain of being in unrequited love, et cetera."
**2. New Project: "Heretic"
The conversation shifts to Grant's latest venture, a horror film titled "Heretic".
Hugh Grant [12:38]: "No, that is correct. We can call it horror or we can call it psychological thriller, perhaps for people who are frightened of horror films."
Grant shares his enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing its departure from his usual roles and its contribution to the evolving genre of cinematic horror.
Hugh Grant [48:19]: "Part of the reason I did it was because it was a 24 and... creating film after film that's fresh and new and often utterly fucking terrifying."
He praises the filmmakers, Scott and Brian, for their dedication and innovative approach, highlighting the film's rich dialogue and intricate production design.
Hugh Grant [48:52]: "It's got incredible production design, incredible photography, and it's daring. Because traditionally, as you know, films tend to try and keep their dialogue quite pithy and short. This is very dialogue heavy."
**3. Acting Philosophy and Industry Insights
Grant delves into his acting philosophy, distinguishing between mere delivery and genuine emotional engagement. He contrasts traditional methods with his approach of deeply internalizing his roles.
Hugh Grant [32:03]: "I have a theory that they're like dance steps and that the more you repeat your dance steps, the more you can't forget them on the day."
He critiques the current state of the film industry, lamenting the decline of intelligent, big-budget films that balance artistry with commercial success.
Hugh Grant [42:52]: "Rob Reiner... said there are $200 million movies in this country. One of them's moronic and the other is very bright. And you can make big successful films that are intelligent, smart, groundbreaking."
**4. Personal Life: Marriage and Family
The hosts transition to Hugh's personal life, specifically his marriage to a Swedish wife and fatherhood. Grant candidly discusses the dynamics of his relationship and the challenges of balancing fame with family life.
Hugh Grant [16:04]: "She's magnificent. To my great surprise, while I was being pretty drunk for a few years in London about 13 years ago, there was this hot Swede... we started breeding and then fell in love, and now we're married."
He humorously describes his wife's Swedish stoicism and their adopted children, adding a heartfelt touch to the conversation.
Hugh Grant [19:45]: "I know, it's a mystery. And she was married before to a very butch ski champion instructor or something. And there was an ugly moment when I was filming this film Heretic in Canada..."
**5. Golf Stories and Hobbies
Grant's love for golf provides plenty of comedic material. He shares several mishaps and humorous incidents from his golfing experiences, illustrating the lighter side of his personality.
Hugh Grant [57:15]: "I once lost a ball chipping from off the green on live Television. I was in a big Pro Am in Scotland, and all I had was the tiniest chip up onto this green... shanked it, went into one of those little streams and was taken out to sea, lost."
These stories not only entertain but also humanize Grant, showcasing his ability to laugh at himself.
**6. Reflections on Aging and Career Evolution
As the conversation progresses, Grant reflects on aging in Hollywood and how it has influenced his career choices. He speaks about embracing new roles and the desire to write, aiming to diversify his creative outlets beyond acting.
Hugh Grant [61:09]: "The fantasy, which is the same fantasy I've had for 40 years, is that I finally knock it on the head and write my novel or possibly a wonderful script, but I can't seem to get over that hurdle."
His openness about the challenges of maintaining relevance and the desire to explore new creative endeavors resonates with many listeners navigating similar transitions.
**7. Closing Remarks and Future Aspirations
In the closing segments, Grant expresses gratitude for the podcast experience and shares his hopes for the future, including the completion of a novel or script. The hosts commend his honesty and humor, wrapping up the episode on a positive and aspirational note.
Hugh Grant [62:14]: "Thanks. I've got better. And that is a mystery."
Notable Quotes
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Hugh Grant [35:52]: "The good romantic comedies I did were really about pain. It's about humor, dealing with pain, the pain of being in unrequited love, et cetera."
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Hugh Grant [48:19]: "Creating film after film that's fresh and new and often utterly fucking terrifying."
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Hugh Grant [42:52]: "You can make big successful films that are intelligent, smart, groundbreaking."
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Hugh Grant [61:09]: "I finally knock it on the head and write my novel or possibly a wonderful script..."
Conclusion
This episode of SmartLess offers a comprehensive look into Hugh Grant's multifaceted life and career. From his early missteps in acting to his current ventures into horror films, Grant provides listeners with a candid and humorous narrative. The discussion extends beyond professional achievements, delving into personal anecdotes and philosophical reflections on art and entertainment. Hugh Grant's authenticity and charm make this episode a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike, encapsulating the essence of SmartLess—thoughtful dialogue interwoven with organic hilarity.