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ITN
Fry criticises British actors
Fry criticises British actors
Stephen Fry has branded British actors over-rated in Hollywood.The comedian claims Americans are "fooled by our accent into detecting a brilliance that may not really be there".He made the suggestion after seeing a "blitz of Brits" take the prizes at this year's Golden Globes.Among the British award-winners were Dame Helen Mirren, Jeremy Irons, Bill Nighy, Emily Blunt and Hugh Laurie.Fry said: "I shouldn't be saying this, high treason really, but I sometimes wonder if Americans aren't fooled by our accent into detecting a brilliance that may not really be there."I mean, would they notice if Jeremy Irons or Judi Dench gave a bad performance? Not that those two paragons ever would, but it's worth considering."Fry, who recently filmed a cameo in US forensic science drama Bones, also said US actors were natural in front of the camera while their British counterparts were more "artificial".He added: "I've always believed Americans have one huge, ready-made gift when it comes to acting in front of a camera: the ability to relax."American actors are good at playing an Ordinary Joe. Can you imagine Ben Kingsley playing 'like, this guy, you know...?' No more than one could picture Tom Hanks playing Hannibal Lecter."© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.
ITN | March 19, 2007
