Hugh Grant, renowned for his charming roles in romantic comedies, has taken the opportunity to reflect critically on one of his most iconic characters: William Thacker from the 1999 hit Notting Hill. Despite the film's considerable popularity, Grant himself is anything but fond of the character, labeling him as 'despicable' during a recent interview on Vanity Fair's "Scene Selection."
Upon reminiscing about his role opposite Julia Roberts, who portrayed the glamorous movie star Anna Scott, Grant candidly revealed, "Whenever I’m flicking the channels at home after a few drinks and this [movie] pops up, I just think, ‘Why doesn’t my character have any balls?’" His sharp critique is directed toward one pivotal scene where he recalls the tension of the moment: the paparazzi ring his doorbell and, rather than assertively handle the situation, he simply allows Anna to pass by and answer the door.
During this flashback, Grant expressed his frustration, stating, "There’s a scene where she’s in my house and the paps come to the front door... it’s awful how I just let her go past me and open the door." This moment unveils the challenges faced by their characters, particularly for William, who struggles to navigate the chaos surrounding Anna's celebrity status. Grant conveyed his self-reproach, mentioning how this lack of action is something he has faced questions about from his partners: "I’ve never had a girlfriend, or now wife, who hasn’t said, ‘Why the hell didn’t you stop her? What’s wrong with you?"
His inability to provide answers emphasizes his perspective on the character’s weaknesses—traits he finds deeply regrettable. "And I think he’s despicable, really,” Grant reiterated, showcasing his dissatisfaction with the character’s passivity. It's surprising, considering the film has often been praised for its depiction of romance and the chemistry between its leads.
Grant’s admission not only sheds light on his view of William Thacker as insufficiently proactive but also reflects his broader feelings about past roles. His concerns stem beyond just Notting Hill. The actor has openly critiqued his performances across various films. He once reflected, "I’ve read I hate all my films. That’s not true; the films are often great. It’s just me I loathe. You never feel great about your own stuff, just like how nauseated you feel hearing your own voice on old answering machine messages—watching yourself on film is times fifty." This sentiment resonates with many performers who grapple with self-doubt and the struggle to appreciate their on-screen personas.
Interestingly, Grant's candidness offers a refreshing change of pace from the typically reserved narratives many stars maintain. Not only is this frankness relatable, but it allows fans to see the man behind the charm—the actor who is just as insecure and contemplative as anyone else. "It’s how it was written,” he mused, acknowledging the role’s script as partially responsible for William Thacker’s portrayal.
Yet it isn’t all critiques; Grant took time to praise his on-screen partner as well. Speaking of Julia Roberts, he mentioned, "All the time with Julia, you’re just thinking, ‘Oh Christ, she’s really good. I’m not gonna be as good as her.’" He admired her ability to convey emotions authentically, attributing it to her unique talent as one of Hollywood’s greatest actresses.
When reflecting on the role of Anna Scott, Roberts has also echoed feelings of discomfort stemming from the character's high-profile lifestyle. Earlier this year, she disclosed to the film’s producer Richard Curtis how she almost declined the part, stating, "One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do was your movie [Notting Hill], playing a movie actress. I was so uncomfortable!" Roberts conveyed how vulnerable she felt representing such public personas, illustrating the challenges of balancing authenticity against acting and star power.
The film successfully captured the whirlwind of romance met with celebrity pitfalls, making it highly relatable to anyone trying to navigate relationships under the pressures of public life. Therefore, the juxtaposition between Grant's self-reflection and Roberts' discomfort speaks volumes about the intricacies of performance and the personal identity challenges faced by actors.
Even as Grant transitions to new roles, such as taking on villainous parts, he appears to reflect on his past with humor and honesty. Recently, he has stepped out of his comfort zone to explore darker characters, including his role as the antagonist in the new film Heretic. Critics have praised this shift as it showcases his versatility beyond the charming protagonist.
His upcoming return to the Bridget Jones franchise only solidifies Grant's ability to evolve, both as a character and performer. One can’t help but admire his honesty as he navigates his artistic identity, reflecting both on his successes and shortcomings with grace. Grant's explorations of his past roles reveal how much distance can reshape one's perception of their work.
Through candid reflections, Grant offers audiences insight not only as Hugh Grant, the romantic lead but also as Hugh Grant, the multifaceted, introspective actor, highlighting the complexity and evolution of character portrayal. Those emblems are sometimes shrouded by the roles humanity's actors take on, which remains something for fans to appreciate, learn from, and, at times, challenge.
