FROM Fawlty Towers to Eastenders, where he starred with his ex-wife Una Stubbs, Nicky has acted for 55 years, only giving up live theatre after being diagnosed with cancer.
His films include Oscar-nominated Vera Drake and Syriana, and his latest, a psychological thriller called The Holly Kane Experiment, is out on digital formats this week.
Did you enjoy the Holly Kane Experiment?
It was great filming with young people. My character is in his late seventies and flirts with someone in her twenties, which could have been uncomfortable. But the team made it easy.
It’s out on digital formats. Do you “get” technology?
Holly Kane’s had great online reviews already, but I don’t trust that kind of thing because I hate the internet. It bullies and puts people out of work, and it stops creative people making money.
How does the web stop creatives making money?
My son Keaton is a musician who has made six albums. He has crippling stage fright so can’t tour to earn a living, yet he won’t make money from record sales because of illegal downloads.
How have movies changed for you over the years?
I wasn’t good at movies in the sixties. Too theatrical. But I’ve learned. We have to know our scripts quicker now too because, like on Holly Kane, modern equipment means directors can shoot without lots of hanging around.
Do you miss theatre?
I thought I’d be suicidal as all my favourite work memories are tied up with theatre. But I just go to watch now, and I’m never jealous. More and more I say to myself “I couldn’t do that.”
What’s it like working with George Clooney?
I acted with him in Syriana. He was great but it was terrifying as I played an American, with an American accent, surrounded by a cast of Americans.
What’s the difference between American and UK actors?
They don’t get our team spirit. Americans learn their lines alone in their hotel bedroom the night before. Here we all mess around, have a laugh, then immediately switch in when we need to.
Do you collect anything?
I have around 2000 vinyl albums and the same number of CDs. I love reading the sleeve notes and discovering new musicians.
Favourite artist, dead and alive?
No one can beat the late Buster Keaton for comedy. And alive, I’d go for jazz guitarist John Scofield. I met him in New York and told him.
You have 24 hours left to live. How do you spend it?
I’ve worked all around the world, so I wouldn’t do any more travelling. Just a nice meal with my wife Marguerite, then we’d watch the movie Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri again. And again.
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