Preferring Generosity Over Romance Today.
On his 65th birthday, celebrated on September 9, 2023, British actor Hugh Grant steps into a new role in the highly anticipated A24 horror movie "Heretic." Directed by the duo behind "A Quiet Place," this film marks a departure from Grant's usual romantic comedy roles.
Grant, known for his memorable performances in films like "Notting Hill" (1999) and "Love Actually" (2003), has expressed his enjoyment of playing the villain. This isn't a new venture for Grant, as he played villainous characters in many movies in the 80s and continues to embrace such roles in his current projects.
Despite his association with romantic comedy roles in the 90s and 2000s, Grant has shown versatility in his acting career. He recently played an Oompa-Loompa in the movie "Wonka" and appeared in the fourth installment of the "Bridget Jones" series.
Grant's preference for villainous roles, however, does not mean he shies away from seemingly lighter films. His romantic gaze, characterised by surprised raised eyebrows with an inviting smile, was the same in "Heretic" as in his earlier romantic comedy roles.
The arrest after a tryst with a prostitute in the 90s and the phone hacking scandal in 2011 still haunt Grant, casting a shadow over his private life. Despite this, his current life is quiet and family-oriented. Grant has been married to Swedish television producer Anna Eberstein since 2018 and has three children with her. He also has a daughter and a son from another relationship.
Grant's mother wanted him to become Archbishop of Canterbury, but his path led him to Hollywood instead. His parents had little to do with film in his youth, and Grant had to navigate his career on his own.
Around the premiere of "Heretic," Grant was more eager to discuss his enjoyment of playing the villain, steering away from discussions about his romantic comedy roles. This is a testament to his growth as an actor and his desire to explore different characters.
In 2020, Grant was nominated for the Golden Globe for his role in "Heretic," marking his seventh nomination in total. This recognition underscores the depth and range of Grant's acting abilities, proving that he is more than just a romantic comedy star.
