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A: Is this a question from a fan or a rival? Should I have changed?
I had oppotunities to do other things - and indeed have other interests - but always wanted to be an actor. It really is the only thing I ever wanted to do as a profession.
2. More about Your background, perhaps You have any siblings? If so - who are Your siblings by profession?
A: I have a sister two years older than me. Her name is Anne and she lives in Denver, CO. She works in a company which funishes executive rental apartments.
3. Did You get married with Diana?
A: Not yet. We are quite happy as we are - being engaged.
4. How the movie production is going?
A: Oh dear! Things have come to a bit of an impasse for lack of funding at present. 4,5million pounds is a very large sum to raise right now and alas - romantic comedy is difficult to fund. I`m not giving up but the project is, as we say here, "on the back burner".
5. Which role was Your life role (breakthrough role)?
A: Lt. Gruber
6. Was it hard to play a Hubert Gruber?
A: "Hard" may not be the word. After the first few episodes the writers began to know me and wrote to my strengths. That said - comedy is a very serious business and never easy.
7. If You eve had any adverse reactions from vieers hen You played a Nazi?
A: At first there were some complaints in the press about "making fun of the war". But after a while even the complainers began to see that we were making fun of everyone - French, German and English alike. One of our favouite "fan letters" was a lettr written to the Times newspaper by the widow of The White Rabbit - a famous (English) hero of the French Resistance who was murdered by the Germans. She said he would loved the show. That was how he survived as long as he did - humor. Most who lived though that time say the same thing.
8. How do You see your acting career (and now that You are a producer)?
A: Difficult. Frustrating. Very exciting!
Q. Would You recommend it to someone?
A: Not unless they had enormous talent.
Q. Do You have any fond memories from where You were educated?
A: Mmmm. I was quite happy at prep school (7-12) but absolutely miserable at my public school (Wellington College) where I was bullied by both the boys and the staff. Some kids are. That`s just the way it is.
Q. How You were seen by everybody else - both at school and at casting in 'Allo 'allo. Maybe You had a rival?
A: I was reasonably clever at school. And quite athletic. But I had a very independant streak which was not appreciated by he "system". For instance - I had a quite succesful pop group which was not approved of at that time.
My rivals for `Allo `Allo? Probably every actor in England.
Q. You were educated in England, right (under the English system)? Well, students there have to take O levels and A levels from certain subjects so they can continue into uni-versities. What subjects You chose and if You did well in them (although that was a very long time ago)?
A: A long time ago indeed! Thanks for reminding me.
I did reasonably well in exams and could have gone to university but chose drama school instead. I new from age 11 that I was to be an actor. My A levels: English, French and Ger-man. You really need to know how well I did? Somewhat embarrassing.... English: Fail (Overslept and missed exam!) French: Pass. German: Distinction at S level (scholarship).
Q. Have you ever traveled around? Where have you been and where would you like to go? Which country / place you would like to wisit again?
A: I have travelled quite extensively. Europe, the Middle and Far East, Australia, Russia, Canada and all over America.
I would like to see Japan. And some of the South American countries. Peru, Argentina. And some of the Pacific islands. Tahiti, Fiji.
Q. Do you like reading books? How often you read?
A: I love books but don`t read as much as I used to. My eyes aren`t so good any more! I love many writers.
Q. Who is your favorite writer? Favorite book?
A: P.G.Wodehouse. His books are ALL my favourite. There is always at least one by my bed.