interview
Eddie Redmayne
“I’m actually color blind”
© David M. Benett / Getty Images
In GALA, Hollywood star Eddie Redmayne talks about his love of unusual outfits, his wife and his unusual handicap.
He attended posh Eton College with Prince William, 40, before studying art history at Cambridge. But luckily Eddie Redmayne, 41, then decided to act. At the latest after his Oscar role as Stephen Hawkins, †76, in “The Discovery of Infinity”, he is considered one of the most talented actors of our time. In an interview in London, he tells us what else his heart beats for.
Eddie Redmayne in the GALA interview: why his wife had to help him with his outfits
For some time now we’ve been encountering a very extravagant Eddie Redmayne on the red carpet. Are you reinventing yourself?
A wonderful side of my job is dressing up. That’s one reason I got interested in acting as a kid. Fashion has always fascinated me and I took care of my styling myself for years. Now I have two young children and an amazing stylist, Harry Lambert, who brings out a whole new side of me.
Does your wife have a say in what you wear?
She has been doing this for many years as I am indeed color blind! I picked outfits thinking it would be a cool color, but in fact it was often an absolute disaster. (laughs)
Public relations expert Hannah Bagshawe and Eddie have known each other since school. In 2014 they got married. They live in London with their two children.
© Dave Benett / Getty Images
Are you a watch fan, are you sometimes late?
My wife is the one of us who is always late. When we got married, I specifically chose a spot close to the church where she could get ready.
For these things he burns next to acting
You and your wife share a passion for craftsmanship, art and architecture.
We have just bought an old 18th century Gregorian house in London and renovated it together with lots of love and respect. My wife is very knowledgeable about antiques and taught me a lot.
If I could buy you an extra lesson, what would you do with it?
Play piano. I’m not very good at it, but when I practice it gets so consuming that I can’t think about anything else. That is good for me.
Is it true that you paint during breaks in shooting?
Yes, that relaxes me too.
Between James Bond and the perfect gentleman
You are a big Bond fan. Does this role appeal to you?
Not at all. It would be like meeting and playing my own hero.
What do you think it means to be a gentleman today?
My father is definitely one. He has such a classic elegance, never gets loud, is modest. And he has a very good tailor! (laughs)
How do you protect yourself from stress?
After each shoot, I take time off, spend time with my family, live a normal life, and replenish my soul before moving on to the next job. I allow myself this luxury.