“Mind your own business!” bellows Ray Winstone. “What are you, a policeman?” He’s joking, I think. As we sit down for an interview to promote Guy Ritchie's new Netflix series, The Gentlemen, the London-born star reacts to my inquisitiveness. With a little prodding, he is ready to share his thoughts on Jack Nicholson, the Oscars, and an actor who insulted him in front of 250 people, promising that this person will face the consequences. When it comes to banter, Winstone is in his element.
Winstone, who hails from an East End family, has been acting since his teenage years. With the help of directors like Alan Clarke, Gary Oldman, and Jonathan Glazer, he has altered the landscape of British cinema. Over the last two decades, big names like Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg have sought to collaborate with him. However, when I mention Ray Winstone at the Corinthia Hotel, the receptionist responds without a hint of excitement, “Sorry, I’m 21. I don’t watch old movies!”
Currently, Winstone is involved in several new projects, including Damsel alongside Millie Bobby Brown from Stranger Things and A Bit of Light with Anna Paquin from True Blood. The Gentlemen, a spin-off from Ritchie's acclaimed 2020 crime film, features Winstone as Bobby Glass, a sophisticated gangster from West London who must navigate business with an intelligent upper-class character played by Theo James.
Biography of Ray Winstone
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Ray Winstone |
| Birth Date | February 19, 1957 |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Notable Works | Scum, Nil by Mouth, Sexy Beast |
Insights on His Career Choices
Winstone has expressed his enjoyment in playing characters outside the gangster archetype. His versatility shines through in roles as dysfunctional fathers in films like Nil by Mouth, The War Zone, and Ashes. He is even considered a fitting choice for the role of King Lear, a sentiment he shares, stating he wouldn't alter a single word of the original text.
When asked about the possible direction of a film adaptation of Lear, he reflects on the differences between directors Guy Ritchie and Gary Oldman: “With Guy, who’s brilliant at what he does, he heightens everything. He’d give it pace. Someone like Gary would be much more into the reality side of things.” Ultimately, Winstone leans towards Oldman for the project but acknowledges Ritchie's prowess, adding, “If it was only offered by Guy, I’d go with Guy.”
Reflections on Collaborations and Conflicts
Winstone’s past experiences on set have included clashes, notably with Jack Nicholson during the filming of The Departed. He admits, “I have no idea, babe,” when questioned about Nicholson's dislike for him. “You always look at yourself on set and think, ‘Ooh, I’m alright. I get on with everyone.’ But it doesn’t worry me.” He expresses a desire to work with Nicholson again, affirming his respect for the actor's talent.
Delving deeper, Winstone articulates his aversion to arrogance, stating, “There’s no need for it. We all end up in the same hole in the ground.” He emphasizes the different ways to handle unpleasant encounters, whether it’s confronting someone directly or choosing to remain calm. “I’ve learnt to forgive and forget,” he confides, though he hints at unresolved tensions with certain individuals in the industry.
