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!

She Speaks by Harriet Walter is out now.

✨ IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Intro

01:25 Acting Journey

04:38 Exploring Shakespeare's Women

08:22 The Challenges of Acting

09:29 Family Background and Influences

14:17 Succession and Intimidating Roles

17:59 Failures and Reflections

25:38 Pursuing Drama School Dreams

26:34 Influence of Family and Early Inspirations

28:04 Facing Rejection and Audition Failures

31:58 Portraying Historical Figures

33:45 Playing Margaret Thatcher

37:56 Personal Loss and Love

41:45 Fear of Loneliness and Self-Reliance

45:53 Struggles with Food and Anorexia

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