Jeremy Northam Chat
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    Counter: 1 minute in the mind of Jeremy Northam Archived Message

    Posted by Joan aka HazelP on October 7, 2009, 1:54 pm

    It appears that JN has changed his mind about moving to LA permanently.

    Counter: 1 minute in the mind of Jeremy Northam
    Independent, The (London) > Oct 29, 2000

    What have you been up to lately?

    Unpacking boxes. I've just moved from Finsbury to Marylebone, so I've been rediscovering all my books and old plays as I fill up my shelves. I'm very fond of the area. It has an ironmonger's that's been there since 1874 and a wet fish shop, quaint little places that give Marylebone a real village atmosphere.

    Ever been tempted to move to LA?

    Never. I've enjoyed working in Hollywood, but I always feel a long way from home when I'm there. I don't mean that in a homesick sense, I just wouldn't like to live somewhere where the industry is so central to people's lives. The movies are all about fiction - I like to have some ordinary reality around me.

    Know any good party tricks?

    No. But when I was a drama student in Bristol I used to sing upstairs at a Renato's. It's a late-night bar near the docks where all the actors hang out. I used to be foolish enough to think I could carry a tune. The management didn't mind - they'd always ask me for a song when they wanted to clear everyone out.

    How do you rate in the matrimonial stakes?

    Well, I'm not married so I'd have to say nil out of 10 so far, although, ironically, a lot of my characters recently have been good husband material - Mr Knightley in Emma, Sir Robert Chiltern in An Ideal Husband. But my latest character, Prince Amerigo [in Henry James's The Golden Bowl] isn't - he marries for money and has an affair, but he tries to do the right thing by learning to love his wife.

    How do you relax?

    I've got a little place in Norfolk so I tend to head up there. I like ordinary things like going to the cinema, cooking and entertaining. I go to a gym in Belsize Park to keep fit and I enjoy jogging in Regent's Park when I have the time.

    You've been mentioned as a possible James Bond. Are you tempted?

    I don't know where these rumours come from, but I find them terribly amusing. To me, James Bond is still Sean Connery, the same as when I first saw him in Dr No at the age of 10. I'm very flattered by the fact that people equate me with that role, but it's a fantastical idea that I can never imagine happening.

    Come now, you're a sex symbol aren't you?

    When I hear that, I look in the mirror and laugh hysterically. It makes me feel like a complete impostor.

    The Golden Bowl opens nationwide on 3 November.

    Copyright 2000 Independent Newspapers UK Limited

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