The handsome son of British actress and national treasure Patsy Palmer talks to Bernie Katz, the legendary Prince of Soho about acting opposite a double Tom Hardy in the upcoming movie Legend, and the joys of London life.
What’s your earliest memory?
Breastfeeding.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Quite soon after the breastfeeding I used to love blow-drying my mums hair. She was convinced I was going to be a stylist. Sadly she was wrong, I shaved my hair off and started playing football! But at about age 14, after having had few failed trials for a couple of clubs, I let go off that as well. It took me a while to realize that I wanted to be an actor.
What advice would you give to yourself as a child?
Figure it out all by yourself.
What’s on your Christmas present wish list?
A ZOOM H4N 4track recorder – hopefully Santa’s up to date on his recording equipment. I’ve started to pretend to be DJ lately and I want to start recording everything. I also would like to make a quick few films with Lars Von Trier, Rebecca Thomas or Nicolas Winding Refn. I’ve been a good boy this year, sort of.
Do you ever get nervous going to auditions?
If I’m not prepared, then yes.
Can you tell us about the last film you made?
I’ve just finished filming ‘Legend’ which is a new film about the Kray Twins. Brian Helgeland was directing and none other than Tom Hardy is playing both the twins. I play Leslie Holt, a young gay burglar/croupier from Hoxton who introduces the Krays to the Aristocracy. It was a dream job for any actor, especially me. I have been such a big fan of Tom and Brian since I entered the film world and to be honest I never thought for a second that I would actually work with them.
Do you have any phobias or fears?
Dying!
Which actor would play you in the movie about your life?
I would like Matthias Schoenaerts please! He is a real actor and I would like Thomas Brodie-Sangster to play the young me, his performance in ‘Death of a Superhero’ is inspiring.
What would be your last meal be?
Pie Mash.
What’s your favourite London spot?
I guess it depends on what I’m doing. If I have work to do thenI like going to Soho, in particular the Groucho club. There’s an abundance of creativity and interesting conversation there and being surrounded by that inspires me. If it’s sunny then either I either visit the London fields BBQ or Franks bar in Peckham. Also Pellicci’s cafe on Bethnal Green road has been the place my family has frequented for a few generations, so you may find me sitting on the tables outside with a strawberry milkshake. Straight ballin’.
What’s you favourite drink?
White Russian or a Rum and Ginger with a splash of fresh lime from a reasonable height.
What’s your favourite holiday destination?
New York, Ibiza, Brazil, Berlin. I couldn’t decide between them.
What super hero would you be?
Iron Man.
If you could choose from any era, what guests would invite to a dinner party?
Jim Morrison, Brittany Murphy, Bob Marley, Van Gogh, Hitler. I would release all my anger on Hitler, give Brittany Murphy all my loving and then sit back and chill with Bob whilst Jim and Van paint and play all night
Last question, what does your day hold for you today?
Working for the man, the god damn man.
Interview by Bernie Katz
Photography by Andrea Vecchiato
Grooming by Gloria Penaranda