Dame Harriet Walter - ‘I wish I’d had all this attention when I was 40’

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 Have something to share of your own? I'd love to hear from you! Click here to get in touch: howtofailpod.com Production & Post Production Coordinator: Eric Ryan Studio and Mix Engineer: Gulliver Lawrence-Tickell Senior Producer: Selina Ream Executive Producer: Carly Maile Head of Marketing: Kieran Lancini How to Fail is an Elizabeth Day and Sony Music Entertainment Production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email [e-mail] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices