In the realm of film, Richard E. Grant possesses an enigmatic quality, a certain darkness that lies beneath his characters’ expressions. There’s always something unquantifiable between the lines. In his new memoir, A Pocketful of Happiness, Grant succinctly describes his career as decades of “minimalist villainy.” From a hedonistic wastrel actor to an authoritarian girl-band manager to a charming criminal accomplice, Grant’s characters exude a sense of unpredictability. They’re the type of people who wouldn’t surprise you if they stole your wallet.
However, in real life, Grant has transformed honesty into an intricate art form. Almost two years ago, his wife of 35 years, Joan Washington, passed away from lung cancer. In the months following her death, Grant turned to Instagram as an outlet for his grief. Through videos, he captured fragments of his bereavement, expressing his pain and reflecting on the incomprehensibility of losing a loved one. These uploads became a source of solace for others, creating a sense of community amidst the isolating nature of grief.
Grant’s memoir, A Pocketful of Happiness, chronicles the last months of Joan’s life, intertwined with stories from his career. The book recounts both the highest highs, such as his Oscar experience and karaoke sessions with Olivia Colman, and the lowest lows, including Joan’s diagnosis and the unintentional use of the word “terminal.” Grant wanted to accurately portray the ups and downs of everyday life, acknowledging that disastrous news can disrupt even the most mundane tasks.
The heart of the book lies in Grant and Joan’s relationship, an enduring love affair between a private dialect coach and an exuberant actor. While their careers and status shifted over time, they maintained a deep connection throughout their 38 years together. Grant has taken his memoir on tour, incorporating videos and photographs of Joan, and inviting audiences to share their own grief. His decision to publicly perform such a private experience challenges societal norms surrounding grief and encourages open dialogue.
Grant’s candidness on Instagram has resonated with audiences, prompting reflection on why grief is often concealed and why people feel the need to grieve quietly. He believes that people’s fear of intruding or witnessing others fall apart prevents them from acknowledging loss. Grant himself experiences moments of debilitating grief, but also finds happiness and fulfillment in his work, including roles in upcoming films like Saltburn and Death of a Unicorn.
The recalibration brought about by Joan’s death has shifted Grant’s perspective on fear and ego. He recognizes that many of the things he previously feared, such as book tours and live events, are ultimately insignificant in the face of the cataclysm that is death. Through embracing his grief and sharing his experiences, Grant has found a newfound simplicity and clarity in life.
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