It occurred to me earlier that one aspect of my life I only intermittently embrace is my half-Welshness. And why is that? Perhaps it’s something to do with their comedic lilting accent or society’s obsession to connecting them with sheep. Or perhaps it’s the robust urban myth that Welshies are a bit dim? I’m not sure, but I do know there are some good bits that are often not noticed such as, Welsh cakes, serene countryside, strong rugby skills and their ability to create and use a language without vowels and much spitting.
So, I thought I should acknowledge my heritage and pay my respects to some reputable and sometimes overlooked Welsh actors:
Well, we must start with Richard Burton. He doesn’t fall into the forgotten category especially as he was nominated seven times for an Academy Award (without success) and was at one time the highest-paid actor in Hollywood. Just to recap, some of his highlights include Where Eagles Dare (1968), Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966) and Cleopatra (1963).
Burton and Taylor
Charlotte Church, the famous Welsh songstress who falls somewhat flimsily under the actor umbrella as well as singer and television presenter. Additionally, she’s largely known for her public shenanigans and plentiful bosom.
Charlotte Church
Sir Philip Anthony Hopkins. A fine and respected actor, best known for Silence of the Lambs (1991), The Elephant Man (1980) and The Remains of the Day (1993). ‘Hello Clarice’.
Anthony Hopkins
Griffith Rhys Jones, better known as Griff Rhys Jones, comedian, writer and actor memorably known for his comedy work with Mel Smith. He also looks like an older Hugh Grant to me.
Griffith Rhys Jones
Paul Rhys ,the film, theatre and televisioon actor is known for his intense and often volatile work. He is probably most branded for his role in Absolute Beginners (1986).
Paul Rhys
John Rhys-Davies, the English-born Welsh actor and vocal artist. He’s probably best known for playing the charismatic Arab excavator Sallah in the Indiana Jones films and the dwarf Gimli in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, in which he also voiced Treebeard.
Michael Sheen, the BAFTA- and Laurence Olivier Award-nominated Welsh actor is not related to any of the other Sheens, Charlie, Martin or Emilio. This Sheen is recognised for his portrayals of well-known public figures: Tony Blair in The Deal and The Queen, and in the upcoming The Special Relationship; David Frost in both the stage production and the film version of Frost/Nixon. He's also known for his role as Lucian in the Underworld film series. And just to blow him well into Hollywood fame, his next role is the menacing luminary Aro in The Twilight Saga: New Moon. An impressive résumé although he’s only really familiar to me because of his role as Miles in Bright Young Things.
And finally, Catherine Zeta-Jones, recognised for her Hollywood roles in The Phantom (1996), The Mask of Zorro (1998), and Entrapment (19999). She’s also known for her marriage to older dude Michael Douglas plus her achievement of magically losing her curves yet preserving her abundant mammary glands.
Catherine Zeta-Jones in her younger days
So, there we have it. The list isn’t too shabby after all is it? So let’s all get out our leeks and celebrate. And in case you feel like singing a Welsh tune, click here:
Well, it’s happened, I’ve given birth, I’m now a mum. Well, if you want to be technical I was one for nine months but I think you might know what I mean. Tracy Junior popped out on the 28th July at 6.55am. The labour was arduous, slightly traumatic but worth it. Our boy is gorgeous, healthy and cheeky. For the sake of internet security, I think we’ll call him LJ.
Now my life has moved into a loving haze of verbs: washing, napping, crying, feeding, tidying, burping, dancing, rocking, wiping and singing. Sometimes I even combine verbs, keeping in touch with my multitasking, time-efficient personality. Sometimes I sing and wipe, other times I dance and wash. A lot of times I pray and rock. It all means something to our little chap.
I’ve worked out how to keep my film zest active and flowing: mums and bubs sessions. Fortunately I live close to three cinemas so my aim is to make fine use of my local attractions. The trick will be finding the time to write anything, seeing how it’s taken me 7 weeks to shave my legs. But we’ll see how we go; it’s a good plan anyhoo.
Yes, I’m still burbling away but this time I decided I should balance my grumblings and tell you the parts of the pregnancy ladder I will never forget:
Seeing those six positive urine tests winking at me – I didn’t believe the first 5.
My husband’s face when I told him – and his eyes.
Our inability to stop smiling - especially hard in the first trimester when you can’t tell anyone, we must’ve looked like a pair of chirpy nutters.
My parents’ faces and exclamations - who cares if the neighbours heard.
The first spouting of my belly – a physical verification it was actually happening.
The first movement – indescribable.
Those unexpected reminders – a kick, a turn, a tidal wave, a football match.
Watching my body doing what it needs to do – all those parts that I thought didn’t do that much, all having a function. Amazing.
My beautiful friends' unending kindness, wisdom, generosity and love – that often seemed to come at those quiet, most-needed patches.
Our family’s kind, generous and loving thoughts and actions – we know we’re fortunate to have them.
I’ve been on Matted Leave for three weeks now and only have less than a fortnight to go and while pregnancy has been a brilliant experience, there are a few things I know I won’t miss:
It’s been a whirlwind sort of couple of weeks, but it seems I’m back in my blog seat. It feels a little strange and slightly lumpy but I’m sure I’ll get used to it again. I really wasn’t sure what was going to happen and it’s been distressing. So distressing that sometimes I even used clichés to help me through the crisis. But I’m here now and I wanted to say a massive thanks to those bloggers who supported and helped me thorough the mess, both publically and behind the curtains. It meant a lot to me and kept me sane. Well, as sane as I’m ever going to be
The irony is that you can do that here on Orble. But you can’t speak if you have a specific complaint. You get shifted to the Writers Forum...but does anyone see it there?
My blog is gone. Someone else has it. And all my work
‘Possible Worlds’ the Canadian annual film festival’s closing film, ‘Everything is Fine’ personifies a morose, introspective and atmospheric account of troubled adolescence with a fine craft. I am (extremely) behind with my write-up (and my blog in general), but I would still like to thank Mathieu Ravier, the artistic director of the festival for the chance to see his film and to meet him in person
Rourke is a bleached-blond heavyweight still wrestling twenty years past his prime who inhabits a dour, beige world. Apart from the momentary and intermittent camaraderie of his ring mates, Ram (Rourke) is essentially alone. Well-meaning but clearly life-damaged, living in a trailer in New Jersey, Ram struggles to survive doing wrestling gigs on the weekend and working in a supermarket through the week.
Wales is a truly beautiful place to visit, it’s often overlooked and forgotten which is a pity. Hope you get a chance to have an adventure there at some stage. And yes, the place wouldn’t be the same without the accent!
Tracy
PS I think you can see Entrapment anytime you’re brave enough!!
Great to see you. I hadn't heard of Gwen as I haven't really got into the recent Dr Who series. I looked her up and she's done quite a lot of television work including a stint on EastEnders (which I used to be addicted to).
I don't why I didn't get into The Twilight Zone...hmm. I think I missed out. But I was definitely into Alfred Hitchcock Presents. As Fogger said, I vividly remember Hitchcock's belly in the beginning.
Have you ever seen Tales of the Unexpected? It was also written by Roald Dahl. I used to watch it with my sister when I was about 11 years old and just the music would give us nightmares. The program wasn't graphic, more clever and wry than anything. Here's a clip of it..
I don't why I didn't get into The Twilight Zone...hmm. I think I missed out. But I was definitely into Alfred Hitchcock Presents. As Fogger said, I vividly remember Hitchcock's belly in the beginning.
Have you ever seen Tales of the Unexpected? It was also written by Roald Dahl. I used to watch it with my sister when I was about 11 years old and just the music would give us nightmares. The program wasn't graphic, more clever and wry than anything. Here's a clip of the music:
Comments (5)
Add Comments
Read More
Comment by Tracy
on Finally, an interview
Movies and Life