People can’t believe Richard E Grant’s story of emigrating to London over 40 years ago-Laura Harman-Entertainment – Metro

Richard E Grant has surprised fans with his emigration story that took place 42 years ago (Picture: AP/Instagram)

In an incredible throwback photo on social media, Richard E Grant revealed what his life looked like when he emigrated to London more than 40 years ago.

The Saltburn star, 66, looked adorable in a photo from 1982 that showed him aged 24 wearing a bobbly jumper with a red scarf and grinning broadly as he prepared to move to the UK.

Along with the image, he explained that he moved from Swaziland (now the Kingdom of Eswatini) exactly 42 years ago.

The actor revealed in the post caption that he came from very humble beginnings and managed to make his way to the big screen by waiting tables and living in a bedsit with a single suitcase.

‘42 years ago today, I emigrated from Swaziland to England with 1 suitcase, box of cassettes, Sony Walkman, a head full of dreams & a 5 year plan to try & make it by 30!

‘Worked as a waiter in Covent Garden for 6 months, rented a bedsit in Notting Hill for £30 a week & started getting small acting roles.

‘Like Dick Whittington, I found my fortune in London. 🎶SWEET DREAMS ARE MADE OF THIS🎶 truly came true!’

The actor moved to London when he was just 24 years old (Picture: Instagram / Richard E Grant)

The Persuasion star was complimented by A-lister fans and fellow actors who commented on this post.

The Gentleman actor Joely Richardson commented: ‘Oh this is great ❤️❤️,’ while comedian Alan Carr also commented: ‘So glad you made that decision ❤️.’

Fans were delighted by this post but many were surprised to learn about his start in the industry. Quambuschkim commented: ‘What a wonderful and inspiring story. I had no idea. ❤️❤️👏👏’

Richard pictured as Withnail and Paul McGann as I in the 1987 film Withnail and I (Picture: PUBLICITY PIC)

Others were more taken aback by the incredible cost of rent for Notting Hill at £30 a week. Today, the average property in that location costs considerably more at £732 per week. Claire.cochy.jones wrote: ‘Wonder what the rent is today 🤪 👏👏’

‘I hope your bedsit in Notting Hill wasn’t anything like Withnail’s! 😂’ another fan joked referencing his early work in Withnail and I in 1987 which was set in a messy flat occupied by two unemployed actors.

Another commenter was more focused on Richard’s interesting choice of clothing. Sophiewindhamart commented: ‘Great outfit and full of optimism ❤️❤️’

‘Brave, inspiring….what a breakthrough when you landed Withnail and I,’ added another fan, rdwrer_, reflecting on the actor’s incredible success.

Richard acted in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie in 2021 (Picture: AP)

Richard is now a dual citizen of the UK and Eswatini (Picture: Fred Duval/FilmMagic)

The actor first made a name for himself in Withnail and I in 1987, and has been a busy and much-loved television and film actor since his debut best known for roles in; The Lesson, Jack and Sarah, Gosford Park, and The Little Vampire.

The actor was nominated for an Academy Award in 2019 for his role in Can You Ever Forgive Me? but lost out to Green Book’s Mahershala Ali.

Although the actor has lived in the UK for decades, he has used his childhood memories from growing up in Swaziland to inform his work. Writing a comedy film Wah Wah in 2005 based on his youth in Swaziland and a book, A Pocketful of Happiness about his life.

The beloved actor grew up in Mbabane with a younger brother named Stuart who now lives in Johannesburg.

In later life, the actor was close with his mother who died last year, but revealed that he had a fractious relationship with his parents who divorced after he witnessed his mother having an affair. 

The actor’s wife, Scottish dialect coach, Joan Washington died in 2022 after being diagnosed with lung cancer. Joan is survived by her son Tom and her daughter with Richard, Olivia who are still based in the UK.

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