Penelope Wilton, a versatile actress with a graceful presence, shares her thoughts on her career and personal experiences.
The Art of Transformation
Some actors undergo remarkable transformations, like Al Pacino's iconic portrayal in Scarface, while others, like Jim Broadbent, seamlessly merge with their older selves. Wilton, however, has maintained her own unique style, exuding grace and eloquence throughout her career. When asked about this, she humbly responds, "I have no idea how I come across. I'm just delighted that others see me this way."
A Director's Perspective
Michael Grandage, a director and a close acquaintance of Wilton's, once commented on her timelessness. He observed that while her physical appearance may have changed, her essence remained unchanged. Wilton finds this observation intriguing, wondering if it's a compliment or a subtle critique.
Temperamental Triggers
But here's where it gets controversial... Wilton, known for her calm demeanor, has her fair share of pet peeves. One such trigger is impatient drivers, especially motorcyclists, who honk before the lights change. She confesses to deliberately slowing down when confronted with such impatience. On a larger scale, Wilton's temper flares when listening to the news, particularly regarding the situation in Gaza. She expresses frustration towards politicians who fail to act in accordance with the will of the people.
The Dame's Dilemma
And this is the part most people miss... Wilton, despite being a Dame, chooses to keep her title private. She sees it as a recognition of her past work rather than a label for her current endeavors. Wilton shares a funny anecdote about an Uber driver addressing her as "Hello Dame," assuming her name is Dame, which she finds amusing yet annoying.
Playing the Baddie
When asked about her dream role, Wilton reveals her desire to play a villain in a Bond movie, specifically mentioning the character Rosa Klebb from "From Russia with Love." She draws inspiration from a personal story, where her father's friend, a renowned bachelor, married late in life and unfortunately ended up with a wife who was, in Wilton's words, "half Rosa Klebb, half Rose and Crown." Wilton believes she could bring a unique intensity to such a role.
Forgiveness and Fear
In a lighter moment, Wilton discusses her experience on the set of "Shaun of the Dead." She reveals that Simon Pegg, the director, initially had reservations about shooting her death scene, as it was "too upsetting and frightening." Wilton, however, stood her ground, refusing to tone it down, and the result was a powerful and memorable scene.
Collaborations and Empathy
Wilton has had the pleasure of working with talented individuals like Ricky Gervais and Steven Spielberg. She praises Gervais for his empathy towards those who have lost loved ones, evident in their collaboration on "After Life." Similarly, her work with Spielberg on "The BFG" left her eager for future collaborations.
The Borrowers' Charm
Playing Homily Clock in "The Borrowers" brought Wilton delightful encounters. A young fan, upon recognizing her, asked how she fit into the television, a charming reminder of the impact her work has on audiences. Another encounter, with a tall Rastafarian man, further emphasized the show's lasting appeal.
Portraying Royalty
When it comes to playing iconic figures, Wilton's approach is meticulous. In "The BFG," she added personal touches to her portrayal of the Queen, including dog biscuits for the corgis. For the Queen Mother in "Backstairs Billy," she had to wear padding to match her bust size, a detail that helped Wilton get into character.
Working with Pinter
Wilton has had the privilege of working with the renowned playwright Harold Pinter on multiple occasions. She admits that performing in one of Pinter's plays is particularly nerve-wracking due to his reputation and initial intimidation, but their friendship grew over time.
Love and Loyalty
In a light-hearted moment, Wilton is asked to choose between Ann's two love interests in the sitcom "Ever Decreasing Circles." She playfully suggests that Ann, out of loyalty, would choose Martin, but deep down, she would always yearn for Paul. In real life, Wilton confesses she might have made a different choice.
The Future of Downton Abbey
As for the possibility of another Downton Abbey series or movie, Wilton leaves the door open for a prequel, acknowledging the show's enduring popularity and her recognition from fans of various ages and backgrounds.
