Fascination with Nigel Havers’ Radio 4 Show
I’m quite taken with the BBC Radio 4 show, Nigel Havers’ Ravers, where you share tales from the ecstasy-driven 90s summers of love. I’ve always wondered if it was a) real, b) a clever, bizarre spoof, or c) just a figment of my imagination. Can you clarify, Nigel? UncleMonty
I honestly don’t recall it, so I had to look it up… “Dermot O’Leary, Nigel Havers Ravers, the ultimate exploration of the 90s rave scene by someone who experienced it firsthand.” Raves are those wild parties where everyone dances all night on drugs, right? I don’t think I’ve ever attended a rave. Sounds like I was just making it up.
Memorable Encounter in Sydney
Once, you rode in my cab in Sydney, telling your companions you could pinpoint the drama school of any young actor on stage. That was 35 years ago. Do you still believe that? moodmeister
I’m not sure what I was trying to say back then, so I’m afraid that was nonsense too.
Environmental Advocacy on the Streets
Do you still approach drivers to turn off their idling engines? gregc1381
All the time. I tap on their window and politely ask, “Would you mind turning off your engine?” Most people are apologetic and comply, but a few will tell me to mind my own business. I carry a card explaining that an idling vehicle emits the equivalent of 150 balloons of toxic air every minute. If no one in Greater London idled their car for a day, we could reduce pollution by a third. I became an anti-idling ambassador for Westminster Council because I’m passionate about this cause.
The Secret of Eternal Youth?
Do you have a hidden portrait somewhere that ages for you? You look exactly the same as you did 40 years ago. Megatron66
Yes, but it’s our little secret.
Working with Michael Caine
Did you enjoy your time working with Michael Caine in the 1986 film, The Whistle Blower? Splutterer
He was fantastic. Before we started filming, he took me out for lunch and asked, “Nigel, will you be speaking like me, or should I refine my accent?” I suggested he should refine it. His idea of refining, as I discovered on the first day, was simply, “Hello, son,” in his usual accent. We still catch up regularly, and he affectionately calls me “son.”
Shooting Empire of the Sun in China
Empire of the Sun was one of the first Western films shot in China. What was that experience like? MarkFilmgoer
We actually spent very little time in China. The suburbs of Shanghai were filmed in Ascot, and the prison camp scenes were shot in Jerez, Spain. We were only in China for about 10 days.
Post-Oscar Career
Did Hollywood beckon after the success of Chariots of Fire at the Oscars? Galdove19
No, I didn’t expect us to win. After the ceremony, there were big celebrations, and producer David Puttnam wanted me to meet with three directors the next day. However, I had to fly back for a filming commitment with Jackanory, so I missed out, which is why I’m not residing in Bel Air today.
Recreating the Iconic Chariots of Fire Beach Scene
What was it like filming the famous beach scene in Chariots of Fire? DeborahGeller
It was an extremely long day. Each take required running a mile. A month later, David Puttnam told us there was a scratch on the film, so we had to reshoot it. Thankfully, the conditions were much better the second time around.
Chariots of Fire Theme Tune
Do you ever find yourself humming the Chariots of Fire theme tune? strcilovo
I hum it constantly, every single day.
Memorable TV Roles
You have a knack for making television characters memorable. Is that something you do intentionally? MountainAspect
Not at all. I’ve always said I’m a ‘letterbox actor.’ I receive a script, I perform it. That’s my approach.
Desire for Diverse Roles
If you could choose a project that’s completely unexpected, what would it be? SpoonfulMeshuggah
I’d love to play a villain in a gangster film, ideally one directed by Guy Ritchie. Although I’m often typecast as the affable English gentleman, I’m grateful for any roles that come my way. I did briefly appear in The Gentlemen… quite inebriated. I’ve played a villain before in The Charmer, and he was so evil that I wondered if it was a wise choice. When ITV wanted to continue the series despite my character’s demise, I joked, “But I’m dead! They hang me!” They replied, “We can work around that.” Many years ago, I even spread a rumor that I was going to be the next Bond villain, which caught on online until Barbara Broccoli called to clarify.
Football Allegiances
I’ve spotted you at Craven Cottage. Are you a Fulham supporter? ArthurScagfoot
Yes, I’ve been a devoted Fulham fan since my teenage years when I could walk to the stadium. Hugh Grant is also a fan, though we’ve never gone to a match together. I’ve invited him, but he’s always busy filming. The last time, he joked, “I can’t make it, but do throw another coin at the linesman for me.”
A Brief Stint in the Jungle
What drove you to participate in [I’m A Celebrity] Jungle? LeeBirch
It was a mistake. I hadn’t watched the show before, so I didn’t know what to expect. It’s even worse than it looks on TV. The boredom was unbearable. After a few days, I felt so frustrated with fellow contestant Lembit Öpik that I thought I might end up in jail for throttling him. Leaving the show seemed like the wisest decision.
Challenging Filming Conditions in Farewell to the King
What was it like working on Farewell to the King? It seemed quite arduous! writeronthestorm
John Milius is a fantastic writer and director, and I got along well with Nick Nolte. He enjoyed his drink and could outdrink just about anyone. His hangovers were so bad that he would have his makeup applied while lying down on a mattress in the jungle. He’s an incredible actor, but sometimes I had to ask him to repeat his lines because I couldn’t understand him through his mumbling.
Playing a Rock Star on Screen
How much fun was it portraying keyboardist Tony Pebble in A Life of Rock With Brian Pern? Aubrey26
It was a blast. People actually believed we were a real band. We even performed one Sunday night in the West End to a full house. Many actors secretly wish to be rock stars, and I got to live that fantasy. My brother and I had a band called January back in 1968. We embraced the long-haired hippie look, and though I hope no pictures still exist, I’m sure they’re out there somewhere.
Fond Memories of Don’t Wait Up
Watching you in Don’t Wait Up was a defining part of my childhood in the 1980s. No one has ever matched up to Dr. Tom Latimer. Did you enjoy working on that series as much as I enjoyed watching it? AtheneBergen
I must say, it was among the happiest times of my career. Unfortunately, they don’t seem to rerun it, possibly because the BBC considers it too elitist.
Who Might Play Nigel Havers in a Biopic?
Who would you choose to play you in a biopic? ThankYouJohn
I’d pick Theo James, because he’s incredibly handsome. I can take on the role of the villain.
The Impact of Nigel Farage on the Name Nigel
Has Nigel Farage spoiled the name Nigel for everyone else? PickleMan
No, because Nigel was already a terrible name. It’s been 20 years since anyone was named Nigel. More people are named Lucifer than Nigel these days. We Nigels don’t all hang out, but I did receive an invitation to a Nigel gathering once. The thought of a room full of Nigels was more than I could bear…
As told to Rich Pelley
Similar Posts:
- Morgan Freeman Reflects: Six Decades in Film, Mandela, and More
- Jaws Unleashed: How a Shark Movie Redefined Hollywood and Terrified Viewers
- AP Breakthrough Entertainer Tramell Tillman: ‘Severance’ Star Makes Major Impact!
- Alec Baldwin Film Tragedy: Director Joel Souza Breaks Silence on Fatal Shooting
- Earn £250 in Just One Day: Secrets to Making Money as a Film or TV Extra
Fatima Clarke is a seasoned health reporter who bridges medical science with human stories. She writes with compassion, precision, and a drive to inform.
