Richard E. Grant has enjoyed somewhat of a renaissance in his sixties due to several high-profile roles, his love of celebrity selfies and his surprise catwalk appearances.
The actor, 67, who lost his late wife Joan four years ago, has had a long-running career since he first appeared as the inebriated title character in Withnail and I (1987).
Subsequent roles included How to Get Ahead in Advertising (1989) and Dracula (1992) with steady TV and film parts throughout the noughties and 2010s.
While he has always been a notable name, Richard’s Oscar-nominated performance as Jack Hock in Can You Ever Forgive Me? (2018) shot him back to the forefront of the public eye, thanks to his witty and tragic role opposite Melissa McCarthy.
The Doctor Who star’s recent resurgence is a perfect example of how acting careers can have new peaks later in life, both artistically and in terms of recognition.
As well as his on-screen revival, Richard has also found his place in the nation’s heart thank to his reputation as the ‘nicest guy in showbiz’, often affectionately lauded by his colleagues as being ‘terrific’, ‘weird’ and ‘funny’.
Richard E. Grant has enjoyed somewhat of a renaissance in his sixties due to several high-profile roles, his love of celebrity selfies and his surprise catwalk appearances
His close bond with many household names has been documented through his love of selfies, regularly sharing his showbiz exploits on his social media page.
Following Richard’s rise to the top, here’s a breakdown of how his career took off again, what contributed to it, and what makes this phase special.
At the top of his game
After working solidly since his cult comedy appearance in Withnail And I, it wasn’t until he appeared in Can You Ever Forgive Me? that Richard received Oscars buzz.
The Swaziland-born star took on the role of rogue Jack Hock, who helps his friend played by Melissa McCarthy sell letters from ‘literary greats’ that she has forged.
He was nominated for a BAFTA and an Oscar and admitted at the time he was ‘having a ball’, as his work was recognised after years in the industry.
He said: ‘You know, I’m about to turn 62. I remember I was researching a novel that I wrote 16 years ago, and I met with Roddy McDowall shortly before he died, to interview him about what very old people in Hollywood do on a day-to-day basis.
‘He said: ‘How old are you going to be?’ And this was 20 years ago. I said: ‘I’ve just turned 40’, then he asked: ‘How do you see your old age?’ and I said: ‘Well, I hadn’t really thought about it.’
After working solidly since his cult comedy appearance in Withnail And I (pictured 1987), it wasn’t until he appeared in Can You Ever Forgive Me? that Richard received Oscars buzz
The Swaziland-born star took on the role of rogue Jack Hock, who helps his friend played by Melissa McCarthy sell letters from ‘literary greats’ that she has forged
‘He replied: ‘Well, do, because from now onwards, whatever roles you have, and whatever money you’ve got and whatever recognition you’ve garnered will be diminishing returns.
‘And you’ve got to either choose the bitter-and-twisted route, which is 98 per cent of our profession, or go: ‘I cannot believe who I’ve worked with, where I’ve been and the opportunities I’ve had.’
Richard admitted that once he got to his mid-fifties he began to feel like it was probably ‘all over’, before picking up some of the biggest gigs of his career.
Shortly after working on Can You Ever Forgive Me? he began filming for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and The Nutcracker And The Four Realms.
In 2023 he played wealthy and eccentric Sir James Catton in Saltburn, owner of the sprawling estate where a series of tragic and wacky events unfold.
Other notable appearances include as Henry Flowers in A Very English Scandal (2018), Jonathan in Inside No. 9 (2020) and as Alan A. Allen in Hang Ups (2018).
Praise from other stars
As well as impressing viewers with his performances, Richard has also left a lasting impression on his co-stars – including several household names.
Richard has been a lifelong fan of Barbra Streisand, 83, and when he was 14 he even sent her fan mail, which she replied to many years later.
In his later career, Barbra responded, ‘What a wonderful letter you wrote me when u were 14! And look at u now!
‘You’re terrific in your latest movie with Melissa congratulations and love Barbra’, Richard called her reply a ‘message in a bottle miracle.’
Richard has been a lifelong fan of Barbra Streisand, 83, and when he was 14 he even sent her fan mail, which she replied to many years later
Recently, Richard had a friendly reunion with Victoria Beckham on the Amalfi Coast after previously working together on the Spice World movie
Pictured together in the 1997 film Spice World
Meanwhile, his Can You Ever Forgive Me? co-star Melissa also spoke warmly of him, revealing that she found him ‘weird and funny’ right away, in a way that she found charming. In response, Richard called Melissa a ‘five-star treat’.
At the SAG Awards in 2019, she said of Richard: ‘He’s tremendous, he’s always amazing but to watch him play Jack was really something – something just clicked. It clicked the second I saw his sweet face.’
Nicole Kidman apparently approached him once and said: ‘I hope you win every award coming your way, cos you’re heartbreaking and brilliant.’
Recently, Richard had a friendly reunion with Victoria Beckham on the Amalfi Coast after previously working together on the Spice World movie.
Victoria responded on Instagram to his ‘delightful and warm’ description of their meeting.
Hollywood’s most joyful selfie-taker
Richard’s love of the celebrity selfie began during his road to the Oscars in 2019 after he was nominated for the first time.
He began enthusiastically documenting his journey to the night of the awards ceremony across Twitter and Instagram.
Much of this included sharing selfies with all of the greats, including Meryl Streep, Barbra Streisand, Lady Gaga and Glenn Close.
He also posted snaps with Timothée Chalamet, Spike Lee, and even his teenage crush, Julie Andrews.
Richard’s love of the celebrity selfie began during his road to the Oscars in 2019 after he was nominated for the first time (pictured with Lady Gaga)
He began enthusiastically documenting his journey to the night of the awards ceremony across Twitter and Instagram (pictured with Emilia Clarke)
During this period, Richard was dubbed ‘Hollywood’s happiest man’ and ‘Hollywood’s most joyful selfie-taker’ (pictured with Bradley Cooper)
During his younger years, Richard also wrote to Julie Andrews and shared a childhood photo of himself clutching a fan letter to her home.
Decades later he posted a selfie together, captioned: ‘Asked Julie Andrews for a selfie 49 years after writing her a fan letter. LIFE = COMPLETE.’
Richard posted each of his selfies with heartfelt captions full of warmth and gratitude with many of the stars in the images responding affectionately and many commented that his ‘delight was infectious’.
During this period, Richard was dubbed ‘Hollywood’s happiest man’ and ‘Hollywood’s most joyful selfie-taker.’
Hugh Jackman shared a selfie of them together, calling Richard ‘the most gracious, joyful man in showbiz.’
Catwalk king
Richard has delighted fans with a couple of runway appearances for top brands in recent years.
Just last week, Richard wore a leather apron to walk the Miu Miu catwalk on Monday with the likes of Kylie Jenner and Emma Watson all watching from the FROW.
He commanded attention in the number worn over a shirt and pullover and a colourful neckerchief for Paris Fashion Week.
The showcase of the Spring 2026 ready to wear collection saw models wearing geometric prints, florals and various embellished aprons.
The day before, Richard shared a video of himself in a cab in Paris.
He wrote: ‘Solo in Paris hearing Frank Sinatra in my head. Love how that short journey on Eurostar takes you from one culture so instantly into another.’
Just last week, Richard wore a leather apron to walk the Miu Miu catwalk on Monday with the likes of Kylie Jenner and Emma Watson all watching from the FROW
Just last week, Richard wore a leather apron to walk the Miu Miu catwalk on Monday with the likes of Kylie Jenner and Emma Watson all watching from the FROW
The latest high fashion moment comes eight months after he walked the Burberry catwalk alongside Downton Abbey‘s Elizabeth McGovern and Lesley Manville.
He sported a khaki green wool coat tied with a belt – as well as a pair of corduroy trousers and carried a yellow tartan umbrella.
For autumn/winter 2025, Burberry’s designer Daniel Lee said he had been inspired by classic British film and television themes, country house interiors, and Londoners who leave the city for a weekend away.
Richard took to Instagram at the time and wrote: ‘At 67, I reckon I’m the oldest male ‘model’ to walk the @burberry runway! alongside Leslie Manville, @therealjasonisaacs & @elizabeth.mcgov.
‘Was in Altman’s PRET A PORTER in 1994 with @naomi who quipped ‘I never thought we’d ever be on the same runway, Richard’! All thanks to @burberry_daniel.lee the Creative Director.
Richard previously revealed during an interview with the Telegraph that he stays catwalk ready by running every morning.
He said: ‘I run a couple of miles in Richmond Park every morning, shower…’
Richard the reveals he staves off old age with one top tip, saying: ‘Since being introduced to Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream, slather myself from top to toe in the hope that I can stave off looking like an old leather handbag for as long as possible!’
Devoted husband
Earlier this year, Richard revealed he’s in no rush to find love again following the death of his wife Joan.
He was married to the vocal coach for 38 years, before she tragically passed away in 2021 following a battle with cancer.
Speaking to The Sunday Times Culture Magazine, Richard admitted that he ‘hasn’t really thought about’ finding a new partner since Joan’s death.
He said: ‘The idea of being sixty-seven and three quarters and taking my kit off is so mortifying, I’d have to be in a Krakatoan cave without a crack of light
‘That may change. I’m hopeful-minded and open-hearted but I’m not looking for it.’
Richard added that he doesn’t feel ‘lonely’ due to his close relationship with his daughter Olivia and her husband, who both live with him.
Richard E Grant has revealed he’s in no rush to find love again following the death of his wife Joan Washington in 2021 (pictured in 2019)
The veteran actor had also previously shared that his ‘hilarious’ wife ruled out eligible women for him before she died.
Dialect coach Joan tragically passed away in September 2021 aged 74, eight months after she was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.
The Withnail And I star has been extremely candid about his grief in the years since Joan’s death. And Richard shared what made him realise his late wife really loved him.
Speaking on The Lulu Podcast: Turning Points, Richard said of Joan: ‘She was hilarious – a month before she died, she went through all the women, the women who were either single, divorced or available or widowed, that we knew, and she basically went through all of them like a lioness and gave me a reason why I shouldn’t pursue any of them.’
‘And I knew how much she loved me by doing that…’ he added.
The veteran actor had also previously shared that his ‘hilarious’ wife ruled out eligible women for him before she died
Of finding love again, Richard said: ‘I have no expectation that I will fall in love again, which is not to say that it couldn’t or wouldn’t happen, I’m not there on a dating app trying to find it.
‘I feel fulfilled and sustained without feeling like I’ve lost my better half, which I have.’
The couple met in 1986 and married later that year. They shared a daughter Olivia, 34.
Richard previously revealed he is still so in love with his late wife that he emails her each night.
Richard said: ‘I have no woolly spiritual delusion that she’s hearing this, or that I’m going to get a response, but it somehow keeps the connection going.
‘So I write to her – ‘Dear J, today would really have amused you…’ It makes it feel like that person is still there – it’s an ongoing conversation.’
Richard has been vocal in his grief since losing the love of his life and has admitted that he has lost friends as he battled heartbreak.
The pair had been together for 38 years at the time of her death.
‘Subsequent to her death, I have had people cross the road rather than talk,’ he said during a conversation at The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival last year.
‘Whether they think you’re going to fall apart and you’re an emotional wreck, I don’t know. But I will never speak to them again.’
He also recalled an occasion in which a couple who had lived near to his and Joan’s Provence holiday home ignored him when he waved to them.
He said: ‘As I walked towards them they both turned their heads. I thought, ‘F*** you.’ I felt I was being punished because Joan had died.
‘They had never acknowledged it. Maybe they didn’t know how to deal with it.’
In an interview last year, Richard said he writes to his late wife of 35 years every day as the thought of her not being here is too much to bear.
The actor added while he has tried dating but ‘nobody else has even come near’ to Joan.
Of his grief, Richard told The Telegraph : ‘I’ve now accepted that I will never understand it trying to imagine not being here is beyond my capacity for thinking.
‘So, I write a letter to Joan every night about what’s going on, and I find that it feels like I have a physical, tangible, ongoing conversation with her that’s written down, I’ve found that really, really helpful.
‘Anticipating what she might think about this, or what is her opinion about that? Even the most mundane things.’
Gavin and Stacey tour
He was overcome with emotion as he was treated to a tour of the Gavin & Stacey filming locations in Wales.
While working on a new period drama, Richard revealed his co-star had taken him out in Barry to show him where she had filmed her scenes as Nessa Jenkins.
In a sweet Instagram video, Richard gave fans a glimpse of their day out and revealed the show had special significance for him because he used to watch it with his beloved late wife.
Filming himself walking along the famous shores of Whitmore Bay in Barry Island, Richard looked sentimental as he confessed: ‘[It’s] really emotional to be here.
‘The last months of my wife’s life we watched Gavin & Stacey on repeat and it cheered us up endlessly.’
He was overcome with emotion as he was treated to a tour of the Gavin & Stacey filming locations in Wales
While working on a new period drama , Richard revealed his co-star had taken him out in Barry to show him where she had filmed her scenes as Nessa Jenkins
Richard’s video began by showing him walking down the famous street in south Wales that was the backdrop for Stacey’s (Joanna Page) home.
He panned the camera round while saying: ‘I’m in Barry with…’ as Ruth suddenly appeared in frame smiling.
The pair then posed outside the house – which has become a tourist hotspot since the series aired in 2007 and welcomes visitors from around the world.
Richard then walked across the street to get a glimpse at Uncle Bryn’s (Rob Brydon) home before heading to Whitmore Bay.
As he posed for snaps by the seafront, Ruth slipped back into her iconic character as she called out: ‘oh Rich, what’s occurin”
Richard finished his tour by visiting Marco’s Cafe – which frequently appeared on the show – and met with owner Marco Zeraschi, who has appeared on the programme as an extra.
Sharing the video with his 791,000 followers, Richard penned: ‘Am finally working with Ruth Jones in Wales and she generously gave me a tour of the @gavinandstaceytv locations this morning, helped by Marko! LUSH’.
He panned the camera round while saying: ‘I’m in Barry with…’ as Ruth suddenly appeared
The pair then posed outside the house – which has become a tourist hotspot since the series aired in 2007 and welcomes visitors from around the world
Richard then walked across the street to get a glimpse at Uncle Bryn’s (Rob Brydon) home before heading to Whitmore Bay
As he posed for snaps by the seafront, Ruth slipped back into her iconic character as she called out: ‘oh Rich, what’s occurin”
Richard finished his tour by visiting Marco’s Cafe – which frequently appeared on the show – and met with owner Marco Zeraschi, who has appeared on the programme as an extra
