Interview with Poirot star David Suchet
by ELEANOR GLOVER - November 2007, Dailymail.co.uk
Most famous for his role as Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, actor David Suchet has been entertaining viewers over four decades. Eleanor Glover caught up with the 62-year-old to discuss his love of London, how he hates the idea of celebrity and why the character of Poirot is still a challenge...
Hope you had a good weekend. How are you today?
I am very well thank you and I had a lovely relaxing weekend.
Have you any plans for fireworks night?
My plans are completely boring for fireworks night as I am staying in. You see I finished filming part of the new series of Poirot on Friday, Mrs McGinty's Dead, and am starting on the next episode on Monday so I'm having a night off and taking the opportunity to relax.
Playing Agatha Christie's Poirot is still a challenge for the David Suchet
Are you looking forward to reprising your role in the new series of Poirot?
Yes, very much so.
Does it feel like you are returning to an old comfortable friend or do you still find it a challenge?
No. Poirot is still such an enormous challenge for me. I am not like him in many ways so I always go back and research the old films. I don't want him to become boring, plus, I'm always doing other things in between so I need to get to know the role again. It's not a glove that fits my hand. I am always caught out by it.
You were not the first to play the famous detective. How did you ensure you played the role differently from your predecessors and did you feel under pressure seeing as the book and previous filmed productions were so well known before?
Yes, at first I was under pressure but then I recalled how I'd spent 15 years at The Royal Shakespeare Company where I'd had to play roles following in the footsteps of many famous actors. I did what I do with all my roles - not what I'll do but how it's written. I went back to the books and I did not recognise the character from anything I'd seen before so I just lifted it straight from the pages. I think about how the viewer sees the character.
You were praised for your role as Robert Maxwell. Were you nervous about taking on such a role?
Yes, very nervous indeed. I remember saying to a friend about playing such a big role I just won't win either way as people have different perceptions of Robert Maxwell. I wanted to show the powerful man that he was but also the many facets and weaknesses in his character.
Meaty role: Suchet received critical acclaim for his part as Robert Maxwell
So you're starring in a new DVD game but what games do you and your family like to play when at home?
We don't play games - we're not really a game playing family - but I am proud to be in a game for children that families can play together rather than violent war and explosive type computer games. It's great with Christmas coming up and I'm very proud to be part of it.
What are you doing for Christmas?
I'll be relaxing.
How do you relax away from your busy public life?
I'm really into my photography and am trying to catch up with digital generation - I was used to the old 35mm cameras. I also love my work as the face of, and supporting, the canals and waterways. I'm very thrilled to have just started working with Wilton's Music Hall. I love music, especially classical like Verdi; it's a great way to relax.
No stranger to the stage: The award-winning actor in the recent production of The Last Confession
Do you consider yourself a celebrity?
I never think as myself as that although I'm told I am. I think it's very dangerous, the idea of celebrity - you have to be constantly controversial to maintain the status of celebrity. Reality TV is the death of entertainment - it's just mindless TV but popular because of its voyeuristic nature and people are very voyeuristic. It's very easily marketable.I would never appear on anything like Celebrity Big Brother.
With such a successful career you could probably live anywhere in the world, so why do you choose London?
Because as Samuel Johnson said in 1777 "When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford."
There is nowhere to compare the art, theatres, the music, the galleries, and the river. I love the river and always take the Thames bus around town as I don't like the other public transport in London. I have been to many cities in the world and none have such rich history, architecture and culture.
Cities are always changing. Back in the 1970s New York was considered aggressive and London a city for pussycats. Now the face of London has changed and it has become overcrowded and aggressive. I'm sad about the crime and road rage but still love the place.
Poirot - After the Funeral DVD Game is out
now
Do you prefer to play a goodie or a baddie?
Both. Poirot is a goodie so I like my other parts to be bad to strike a balance.
Now you have reached your sixties are thinking about retiring?
No. (He answers abruptly)
Just time for one last question. At this very moment in time what are your three favourite things?
Dinner for two.
Lovely theatre tickets.
Visiting the Tate Gallery - I particularly like the Impressionists, Matisse, but I also adore the National Gallery.
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