Richard E. Grant

Actor, director and author Richard E. Grant stars as Professor Higgins in Opera Australia’s production of My Fair Lady.

Born and raised in Swaziland, Richard wears a watch on both wrists. One belongs to his late father and is set to Swaziland time.

After studying drama at Cape Town University and co-founding the Troupe Theatre Company, he moved to London in 1982 and worked in theatre until his big break playing the world-weary, drug-loving Withnail in the 1986 cult hit Withnail and I.

Richard has appeared in numerous movies with Hollywood’s leading directors, including Robert Altman, Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese, in films such as Gosford Park, Colour Me Kubrick, L.A. Story, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, The Portrait of a Lady, Pret-a-Porter, The Age of Innocence and The Player. Not to mention playing the Spice Girls’ manager in their 1998 film Spice World.

He’s written three best-selling books, appeared in many theatre productions, and directed Wah-Wah, a movie loosely based on his childhood in Swaziland. He lives in London with his wife, dialect coach Joan Washington, and their daughter Olivia.

Richard E. Grant is in no way related to Hugh Grant, though they are quite good friends.

Richard makes his Australian stage debut in Opera Australia’s production of My Fair Lady on 9th October.

Visit the official website at www.myfairlady.org.au