My childhood was characterized by cats, caravanning, and cakes. Both of my parents came from large families, but they chose to have only one child and devote all their love and attention to me. My father worked as a bricklayer, while my mother has always been my closest companion. My earliest memory is of her handing me over the nursery wall as I cried and protested, not wanting to leave her side.
From a young age, I showed a natural inclination for performing, often putting on elaborate cooking shows in the kitchen. My mom would play the role of my assistant, named Doreen. I would have her put all the ingredients into separate bowls, mimicking what I saw on TV. Though she complained about the dishes, she always indulged me.
I had a difficult time during my teenage years due to bullying, and it only worsened as I grew older. Although I enjoyed learning, my experience in secondary school was unpleasant. It was a constant battle to get by. I never felt like I belonged anywhere and endured a lot of suffering.
I have a terrible habit of biting the skin around my thumbs, not my nails because they are beautiful. I picked up this habit from a childhood friend, but while she stopped, I continued. It’s quite pathetic that I am still doing this at 44 years old.
At the age of 16, I left my hometown of Pontypool and relocated to Cardiff by myself. Having been raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, I had unresolved questions that the Bible could not answer. It was a difficult decision to distance myself from my community and loved ones. As a gay adolescent with no one to confide in, I had to start anew on my own. In hindsight, I admire the bravery and resilience of that teenage boy. Kudos to him.
It can be empowering to learn how to decline requests. It can be scary to reject opportunities, but it also shows self-worth. By being firm and patient, unexpected possibilities may arise.
In Hollywood, they initially try to flatter you with false promises. They claim that you will become hugely successful. However, having worked hard since the age of 16, I have not let it affect me.
I become emotional seeing dogs on Instagram. It’s heartbreaking. Recently, I saw a clip of a puppy being saved from a drain and given a better life. It deeply affected me.
I possess a natural talent for cutting hair, even though I have not received any formal training. As a child, I often observed my mother working in her salon. Eventually, I grew tired of watching the female hairdressers and began to sit with the male barber instead. Through this, I acquired the necessary skills and now I constantly practice my craft.
Becoming an actor on screen was never part of my plans. I spent years performing in theaters and working multiple jobs, such as waiting tables, working in retail stores, and even taking on a nightclub doorman role. At the age of 30, I unexpectedly landed roles in movies alongside big names like Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett. I stayed focused on my work and used my earnings to pay off my own debts as well as my parents’. I would have been thankful if it had only lasted a year, but I am still pursuing my career 15 years later.
I possess a tendency to get angry, but it is not often displayed. This typically occurs when I am in a situation that is out of my control and causes me stress. However, my anger dissipates quickly and I make a point to apologize rather than avoiding the issue.
Taking short naps has a calming effect on me. I am able to easily doze off, regardless of my surroundings, and wake up feeling completely refreshed. I make it a habit to take a nap before a performance.
Anyone who says they don’t get nervous before stepping out on stage is a liar. But I’ve never suffered with stage-fright, though: a crowd who wants to listen to me? Nothing could keep me from them.
The play “Backstairs Billy” is currently showing at the Duke of York’s Theatre in London until January 27th. More information can be found at michaelgrandagecompany.com.
Source: theguardian.com
