Olivier and Emmy-award-winning Dame Harriet Walter must have acting in her blood: her uncle is the legendary horror star Christopher Lee, she turned down a place at Oxford in favour of drama school, and began her career at the Royal Shakespeare Company. On screen you’ll know her from Killing Eve, Ted Lasso, The Crown or as Lady Caroline in Succession - plus films including Sense and Sensibility, Atonement and The Last Duel. On stage she’s embodied everyone from Prospero to Elizabeth I.
Her failures include failing to master the piano or music theory, failing to get roles that she auditioned for, and finally failing to cook. I absolutely loved talking to this unbelievably smart and astute woman. Enjoy!
She Speaks by Harriet Walter is out now.
✨ IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 Intro
01:25 Acting Journey
04:38 Exploring Shakespeare's Women
08:22 The Challenges of Acting
09:29 Family Background and Influences
14:17 Succession and Intimidating Roles
17:59 Failures and Reflections
25:38 Pursuing Drama School Dreams
26:34 Influence of Family and Early Inspirations
28:04 Facing Rejection and Audition Failures
31:58 Portraying Historical Figures
33:45 Playing Margaret Thatcher
37:56 Personal Loss and Love
41:45 Fear of Loneliness and Self-Reliance
45:53 Struggles with Food and Anorexia
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