Billy Crudup Embraces London Life On And Off Stage

Billy Crudup, the acclaimed Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor, is making London his home once again as he stars in the West End production of High Noon at the Harold Pinter Theatre. For Crudup, London is more than just another city on his work itinerary—it’s a place that has captured his heart over the course of more than three decades, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and personal nostalgia that few other places can match.

Currently residing in an executive-style apartment near Bond Street Tube station, Crudup’s connection to London runs deep. As reported by The London Standard, he reflects, “I love London. I’ve been coming here for 30 or 35 years or so to see plays, and I’ve worked here many times before. As a New Yorker, I feel very at home here.” That sense of belonging is hardly surprising, given the city’s vibrant energy and its parallels to his native New York.

Crudup’s first foray into London living was in a flat near Heathrow Airport while filming the movie Charlotte Gray. He recalls the location with a certain fondness, despite its proximity to the airport rather than the city’s more glamorous neighborhoods. Over the years, he’s found comfort in areas that might seem gritty to some, admitting to The London Standard, “Some of my favourite places in New York are some of the more seedy areas, and it’s the same here. When I was doing a play in London a few years ago, they put me up in Camden, and that was as comfortable as anywhere else to me.”

Crudup’s appreciation for the city extends to its very streets. He’s an avid walker, often pausing to read the blue plaques that dot London’s historic architecture. “In New York, we don’t have the same history in our architecture. In London, I’m constantly stopping by some plaque or another about who has lived in this townhouse,” he muses. This habit isn’t just idle curiosity—it’s part of how Crudup weaves himself into the fabric of the city, connecting with its stories and the people who came before him.

When it comes to recommendations for newcomers or would-be romantics, Crudup is quick to suggest a stroll through some of London’s most picturesque spots. He tells The London Standard and Filmogaz, “London is a fantastic walking city. You’d have to assess your date properly, but I would suggest a walk through Kensington Gardens or Hyde Park or along the canals by Camden Lock.” For Crudup, these routes are more than just scenic—they’re emblematic of the city’s openness and charm, providing the perfect backdrop for meaningful conversation.

Crudup’s London isn’t all about history and romance, though. He’s also a self-confessed foodie, with one particular meal standing out in his memory. As recounted in Twasl News and Filmogaz, he once enjoyed a “remarkable chicken tikka masala from a corner restaurant,” a dish so memorable that its taste lingers even if the restaurant’s name does not. It’s a testament to the city’s diverse culinary scene and Crudup’s willingness to explore beyond the obvious.

Shopping in London has its own appeal for Crudup, who recalls picking up durable shirts from a nearby Marks & Spencer—simple, practical, and enduring, much like his approach to city living. For grooming and relaxation, he favors The Bath House by Banya London, known for its sauna and unique dining experience. And when he seeks peace, he finds it on a quiet bench in Hyde Park, just west of the Royal Albert Hall—a spot he’s grown so attached to that he jokes about it being his ideal final resting place.

Not all of Crudup’s London secrets are so serene. With a mischievous grin, he confides in The London Standard and other outlets that he’s left his mark—literally—by carving his initials into a bench in Hyde Park. “I have a secret graffiti piece with my initials etched on a bench in Hyde Park,” he admits, blending a sense of playfulness with the city’s storied tradition of eccentricity.

Crudup’s social life in London is as lively as ever. He enjoys spending time in Notting Hill, a favorite retreat where he catches up with friends. He’s particularly looking forward to reconnecting with fellow actor Matthew Goode, as both share a passion for the city and its theatrical scene. Their camaraderie, as highlighted in Twasl News, promises plenty of laughter and good company now that Crudup’s show is underway.

For all his professional focus, Crudup knows how to indulge. Golf trips with friends are, by his own admission, his biggest extravagance. “Golfing trips are a luxury indulgence,” he shares, acknowledging that these outings are a bit of a splurge but well worth it for the camaraderie and relaxation they provide.

Beyond the stage and the golf course, Crudup reveals another, perhaps more surprising, obsession: The Simpsons. Over the years, he’s amassed a collection of memorabilia from the beloved animated series, some of which were gifts from admirers or acquired through his connections in the entertainment industry. He even had the chance to meet Dan Castellaneta, the voice of Homer Simpson, while doing voiceover work—a highlight for any fan. The collection once had pride of place on a shelf in his home, though he admits with a laugh that sharing space with a new partner led to a necessary decluttering.

At the heart of Crudup’s London experience is a sense of community. He believes that being a Londoner isn’t about where you’re born but about the time and involvement you invest in the city. “He believes being a Londoner is about involvement and connection to the community regardless of birthplace,” notes Twasl News. It’s a philosophy that mirrors his experience as a New Yorker and underscores his deep affinity for his adopted city.

As Crudup continues his run in High Noon—sharing the stage with Denise Gough and captivating audiences until March 6—his life in London is a testament to the city’s enduring appeal. From blue plaque strolls and clandestine graffiti to curry discoveries and golf getaways, Crudup’s London is a tapestry of memories, friendships, and quiet joys. For him, the city is not just a backdrop to his career but a living, breathing character in his ongoing story.

With each performance and every stroll through its historic streets, Crudup adds another chapter to his London tale—one marked by humor, heart, and the unmistakable spirit of a true Londoner at home.