Dame Harriet Walter - ‘I wish I’d had all this attention when I was 40’
Jan 29, 2025
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Dame Harriet Walter, an Olivier and Emmy-award-winning actress known for her roles in 'Killing Eve' and 'Ted Lasso', reflects on her storied career and the struggles she faced in the acting world. She shares humorous anecdotes about audition rejections and the complexities of embodying iconic characters. Walter also opens up about her battles with anorexia, loneliness, and her complicated relationship with food. Finally, she discusses the bittersweet nature of fame, revealing her desire for deeper fulfillment beyond recognition.
Dame Harriet Walter emphasizes the struggle for women's representation in Shakespeare's works, advocating for their voices to be heard and valued.
She candidly discusses loneliness as a universal experience and highlights the importance of self-reliance and emotional well-being in overcoming it.
Deep dives
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The Journey of Dame Harriet Walter
Dame Harriet Walter, a highly acclaimed actress, shares her unique journey into the world of acting, marked by an early fascination with storytelling and performance. She turned down a place at Oxford University to pursue drama, which reflects her deep commitment to the craft despite facing numerous auditions and rejections. Walter’s notable achievements include her work at the Royal Shakespeare Company and memorable roles in popular series such as 'Succession' and 'Ted Lasso.' Her experiences on stage and screen emphasize not only her talent but also her insatiable curiosity about the human condition and the intricacies of female characters.
Reimagining Shakespeare's Female Characters
In her latest book, 'She Speaks,' Dame Harriet Walter critically examines the representation of women in Shakespeare's works, highlighting that only a small fraction of female characters receive significant lines. She expresses frustration about the limited opportunities for women's voices in these plays, describing how this drove her to imagine what these characters might have said if given the chance. Walter's writing reflects her passion for giving a voice to the voiceless, as she challenges the historic narratives surrounding characters like Lady Macbeth and Ophelia. This desire to express the complexity of these roles allows her to connect deeply with the struggles and aspirations of women, both onstage and off.
Exploring Loneliness and Self-Reliance
Dame Harriet Walter discusses the often-taboo subject of loneliness and the importance of cultivating self-reliance in combating this profound human experience. She acknowledges that loneliness can affect individuals at any stage in life and emphasizes the need for open conversations regarding this feeling. Walter reflects on her personal journey, particularly after the loss of her first partner, indicating how these experiences shaped her perspectives on love and connection. Through her insights, she encourages listeners to embrace self-love and maintain friendships, recognizing that emotional well-being plays a crucial role in navigating life's challenges.
Olivier and Emmy-award-winning Dame Harriet Walter must have acting in her blood: her uncle is the legendary horror star Christopher Lee, she turned down a place at Oxford in favour of drama school, and began her career at the Royal Shakespeare Company. On screen you’ll know her from Killing Eve, Ted Lasso, The Crown or as Lady Caroline in Succession - plus films including Sense and Sensibility, Atonement and The Last Duel. On stage she’s embodied everyone from Prospero to Elizabeth I.
Her failures include failing to master the piano or music theory, failing to get roles that she auditioned for, and finally failing to cook. I absolutely loved talking to this unbelievably smart and astute woman. Enjoy!