As a lifelong fan of British comedy, I can’t help but feel like I’ve stumbled upon a golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. The news that Nicholas Lyndhurst, the beloved Rodney from Only Fools and Horses, is joining the cast of Frasier has left me absolutely gobsmacked!
In the popular British series “Only Fools and Horses,” Nicholas Lyndhurst became a comedy icon in the United Kingdom, known particularly for his endearing character, Rodney.
As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at the trajectory of an actor whose stardom has soared even higher. Roles in beloved sitcoms such as Goodnight Sweetheart, The Two of Us, and Butterflies were just the beginning for him, with subsequent appearances in more serious dramas like New Tricks and the comedy-drama Rock & Chips. Now, at 63 years young, this talented individual has swapped the streets of Peckham for the glamour of Hollywood. He’s back on our screens as a slightly tipsy Brit abroad, gracing us once again in season 2 of Frasier, the highly-anticipated return of the classic US sitcom starring Kelsey Grammer.
From one classic sitcom to another — how did you end up working on Frasier?
Kelsey and I teamed up for Man of La Mancha at the London Coliseum back in 2019. He was nothing short of exceptional. The Coliseum can accommodate around two thousand five hundred spectators, making it the largest stage in London. Witnessing his performance eight times a week left me speechless. During rehearsals, he asked me, “If Frasier ever returns, would you be interested?” To which I replied, “Of course! Duh!” It’s been brewing for quite some time, but I’m thrilled to finally say that I’ll be involved in it.
Did the two of you hit it off immediately?
I’d say so. We come from similar histories, so we have a lot in common.
Frasier is filmed with a live studio audience. Do you get nervous?
I’ve become accustomed to performing in front of a live audience, which hasn’t caused any issues. However, the style of Frasier’s scriptwriting and filming differs significantly from what I’m used to in the UK. The writing team here is quite large, and there are daily revisions to the script.
On Sundays here, I usually receive the script as late as Friday, giving me a weekend to prepare. However, unlike in the UK where the script remains constant, here it can change daily, and sometimes even while the audience is present!
How do you cope with that?
Stay alert and ready for changes, as I often find it challenging to let go of memorized information. One part of my mind is constantly reminding me that things might not stay the same.
What sort of feedback do you get from the studio audience?
As a film enthusiast, there’s an undeniable warmth and affection for Kelsey that permeates throughout the studio each week. It’s truly heartening, and it makes my job easier because everyone is so pleasant and cooperative. It feels fantastic to be part of such a team once more.
Your character Alan Cornwall is incredibly English. Are you a Brit consultant for the writers?
As a cinephile, I might find myself gently suggesting to an American screenwriter, “Perhaps we could adjust that line to sound more familiar here.” On occasion, I’ll adapt some of the dialogue to fit our linguistic landscape, but it’s quite uncommon. These writers are skilled professionals who understand their craft well. They know what they’re doing and I have great respect for their work.
So, have you made the move to Hollywood for good?
I’m only here for as long as the show lasts, after which I’ll be heading back to the UK. It’s truly delightful being here in the meantime. I must confess that, at my age, I hadn’t anticipated finding myself at Paramount Pictures every day. This job is almost too good to be true, and I can hardly believe it as I find myself working alongside Kelsey and within these hallowed walls. It’s an experience that leaves me in a state of constant wonder.
How do you like to unwind in Los Angeles?
As a devoted fan, I’ve been absolutely thrilled by the sunshine and beach visits; it’s a stark contrast to the dismal weather back home. The ambiance here is simply breathtaking, and if you dig deep enough, there’s an abundance of captivating history waiting to be discovered. It’s been a dream come true for me to explore the places where Stan Laurel resided – he was always a personal idol. And just a stone’s throw away, Buster Keaton’s studio stands as a testament to their groundbreaking work. I can’t help but feel that without these pioneering comedians, we might not have found our way here today. Their influence has been nothing short of monumental.
Do you have any more work lined up in LA?
frankly speaking, this consumes a significant portion of the year. At present, I’m not making any other arrangements.
Do you keep up with television back home in the UK?
For quite some time now, I’ve been avoiding television in my home. Instead of having it face the living room, it overlooks the garden as I find watching TV a bit too reminiscent of work. While I do catch up on news and documentaries, I rarely tune in to the TV for other programs. Streaming or binge-watching are not part of my routine – though I know this may not be the expected response!
The latest issue of TopMob is out now – subscribe here.
A new episode of Frasier is released on Paramount+ every Thursday.
Read More
- DOGS PREDICTION. DOGS cryptocurrency
- SQR PREDICTION. SQR cryptocurrency
- LDO PREDICTION. LDO cryptocurrency
- KNINE PREDICTION. KNINE cryptocurrency
- JASMY PREDICTION. JASMY cryptocurrency
- EVA PREDICTION. EVA cryptocurrency
- METIS PREDICTION. METIS cryptocurrency
- HI PREDICTION. HI cryptocurrency
- STG PREDICTION. STG cryptocurrency
- UXLINK PREDICTION. UXLINK cryptocurrency
2024-09-23 17:40