Richard E Grant says meeting Barbra Streisand was better than being in Star Wars
Actor met his idol after sharing a childhood letter he wrote to Streisand when he was 14, inviting her to stay at his family home
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Richard E Grant has confirmed that meeting Barbra Streisand was the highlight of his year, after being asked to choose between that moment, his Oscar nomination, and being in Star Wars.
The actor, who landed a role in The Rise of Skywalker, told Sky News that it was "very emotional for me to see it and to be in it, in the best possible way".
However Grant is also a noted Streisand fan, and was moved to tears in January after the singer replied to a letter he sent her 47 years ago.
He shared the childhood letter on social media, revealing how he had offered Streisand a "two-week holiday, or longer" at his family home.
"I read in the paper that you were feeling very tired and pressurised by your fame and failed romance with Mr Ryan O'Neal," a then-14-year-old Grant wrote. "I would like to offer you a two-week holiday, or longer, at our house, which is very beautiful with a pool and a magnificent view of the Ezulwini Valley.
"No one will trouble you and I assure you you will not be mobbed in the street as your films only show in our one cinema for three days, so not that many people will know who you are, so no chance of being mobbed. Please consider this respite seriously. You will always be welcome."
At the time, Grant was living with his family in Swaziland, which is now called eSwatini.
Streisand replied to the tweet and thanked Grant for the "wonderful letter" he sent when he was 14. In response, he said he was "overcome with emotion" and called the moment "my message in a bottle miracle".
Grant has since revealed that he had a two-hour, one-to-one conversation with Streisand at Donna Karan's home over the summer. "That pretty much did it for me," he said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments