Let's talk about: Hugh Grant

Hugh Grant was born September 9, 1960 in Hammersmith, London, England. 

His mother was a teacher and his father was an artist and carpet salesman. 

His grandfather was in the British Army during World War 2 and he has often said that he dreams of making a movie about his escape from a prisoner of war camp. 

Hugh was always fond of literature and acting. 

He won a scholarship to Oxford and went to New College in 1979.

While there he was involved in drama and was considering a career as an art historian. 

After graduating from Oxford with a degree in English, he turned down a scholarship to do postgraduate studies in Art History at the Courtauld Institute in London. 

He decided to focus on acting. 

 He got his start by performing in a British comedy sketch group, The Jockeys of Norfolk.

In 1982 he made his big screen debut in Privileged.

His breakthrough performance wasn't until 1994 when he starred in Four Weddings and a Funeral. 

This role won him a Golden Globe Award and a BAFTA Film Award for Best Actor. 

It was during the 1990's that he finally established himself as a well known actor. 

He became known for his good sense of humor, his ability to project warmth and happiness into his characters, his stuttering, and his floppy hair. 

He, unfortunately, also made the news for some drama in his personal life but was able to pull through the scandal. 

"I think I'm rather young and sprightly, but then you see pictures of yourself and think, 'Who is that old man?' and I realize I'm not as young as I thought I was."

Hugh is also a good athlete. He played cricket and football when he was younger. 

He enjoys golf and often participates in Pro-Am tournaments. 

He has been an avid art lover his whole life, probably because of his father, and collects fine art.

While filming Mickey Blue Eyes, James Caan gave him the nickname of Whippy,

because Caan said he worried about everything like "the little whippet dogs that get nervous and you got to put a sweater on them when they're cold".

My five favorite Hugh Grant films are: 

#1: Nine Months

I haven't watched this movie for years and I don't know if it would still hold the same appeal to me or not. But I had to add it because when I was in my late teen years it was one of my favorites. 

It was the first movie I saw Hugh in and I thought he was perfect. 

I watched this movie over and over again for a few years. 

(Honestly, it didn't hurt that it had Jeff Goldblum in it as well.)

#2: Sense and Sensibility

Hugh was so good in this movie as Edward Ferrars. 

He was so earnest and he came across so innocent. 

Since I already had a crush on him from Nine Months, when this came out I loved everything about his performance in it. 

My favorite part-

#3: Two Weeks Notice

I really liked the chemistry between Hugh and Sandra. They really played well off of each other and this movie had many laugh out loud moments. 

Hugh has said that Sandra is his favorite co-star and I think that shows. 

He just delivers those dry, funny comebacks so well. 

 

#4: Love Actually

I really love this movie. I already said that on this blog when talking about Emma Thompson! But really, everyone in this show adds to it in such a great way. 

Hugh plays the Prime Minister. 

I think he does a wonderful job. 

Yesterday when I posted the picture of him dancing it was from one of my favorite scenes from Love Actually. 

Here is a look at that scene-

And #5: Music and Lyrics:

 This was one of those movies that I didn't go into thinking I would like that much but I watched it because of Hugh. 

And I loved it. 

Maybe because I was a child in the eighties, but I laugh so much every time I watch the POP! video.

  Hugh plays Alex Fletcher. Hugh had to be convinced to sing and at first he didn't want to do it. But after practicing and performing in the studio, he finally felt comfortable enough with it. 

As a child he took piano lessons from Andrew Lloyd Webber's mother but at some point he stopped playing and forgot what he learned so for the film they re-taught him for the portions when his hands would be visible on the keys.

This is just a real feel good type of romantic comedy and Hugh is utterly charming in this role. 

He plays really well off of Drew as well. 

*Do you have a favorite Hugh Grant movie?