For more than four decades, Rupert Everett has remained a fixture of the international cultural landscape, evolving from a leading man in seminal 1980s cinema to a seasoned character actor who approaches his craft with a refreshing, unvarnished perspective. Now 67, Everett is currently navigating a prolific chapter of his career, balancing high-profile screen roles with a continued commitment to his work as an author. As he steps into the role of a butler in the upcoming feature Madfabulous, Everett reflects on a career defined by transition, the liberation of shedding vanity, and his enduring passion for the written word.
Everett first rose to prominence in the 1980s, notably in the film Another Country, before cementing his status as a household name with performances in major productions such as My Best Friend’s Wedding, The Next Best Thing, and An Ideal Husband. His transition from the romantic lead to a character actor is not merely a byproduct of age, but a conscious, liberating choice. “I’ve enjoyed myself much more as I’ve got older,” Everett notes, adding that he finds the process of shedding the pressures of physical vanity to be a significant release that has made him a more focused and excited performer.
The Shift to Character Roles and ‘Madfabulous’
In his latest project, Madfabulous, Everett portrays Gelert, the butler to the 5th Marquess of Anglesey, Henry Paget. The film explores the life of the Marquess, a historical figure recognized for his eccentricities and his disregard for societal norms. For Everett, the role of the butler offered a distinct appeal. “The butler is always a great part in things like this because you’re an observer, and that’s always quite cinematic,” he explains. He found the character of the “faithful retainer”—a man who has spent his life in service and is beginning to fray at the edges—to be a compelling narrative element.
Everett’s approach to acting now emphasizes the quality of the writing over the status of the role. He posits that even the most talented performer is limited by the script, noting, “A good actor is only as good as the role.” This philosophy has led him to seek out parts that allow for depth rather than just screen time. Interestingly, he has adopted a strategy inspired by Shirley MacLaine, who famously pivoted to playing characters significantly older than herself rather than attempting to maintain a youthful image. Everett finds this approach both practical and creatively rewarding, joking that his own “weathered skin” allows him to convincingly inhabit characters in their nineties while retaining his ability to memorize lines.
Literary Success and Personal Reflections
Beyond the screen, Everett has found a unique form of validation in his writing. Having authored several memoirs, including Red Carpets and Other Banana Skins, he describes the process as a more consistent experience than the often volatile nature of acting. “I haven’t had the same kind of bumpy, up-and-down experience in my writing that I had in my acting,” he reflects, acknowledging that he is currently working on two additional projects: a new memoir and a novel.
This commitment to storytelling extends to his recent involvement in the television series Rivals. A long-time admirer of the late author Jilly Cooper, Everett was eager to join the project. He speaks of Cooper with deep respect, describing her as “clever, humble, funny, curious, great fun and a hard worker.” For Everett, participating in the series serves as a tribute to her legacy, ensuring that her creative spirit continues to reach audiences.
A Legacy of Collaboration
Everett’s career has been marked by a diverse array of co-stars and collaborators, including a memorable turn opposite Bob Dylan in the 1987 film Hearts of Fire. Recalling the experience, Everett describes Dylan as a “very warm character” who operated on a highly idiosyncratic schedule. He vividly remembers filming concert scenes in Toronto before a Bon Jovi show, an experience that remains a highlight of his earlier career. These varied experiences—from the stadium rock scene to the quiet, observational roles of his later years—have shaped his current outlook on the industry.
As he continues to balance writing with his evolving acting career, Everett remains focused on the craft itself. Whether he is portraying a 19th-century butler or documenting his own life experiences on the page, his objective remains constant: to find the truth in the character or the narrative. With two books currently in progress and a new film hitting screens, Everett shows no signs of slowing down, proving that his transition into character-driven work has only deepened his connection to his audience.
As production schedules for upcoming projects continue to evolve, fans of Rupert Everett can look forward to further updates on the release of ‘Madfabulous’ and his forthcoming literary works. We invite you to share your thoughts on his transformation as an actor in the comments section below.