Bob Hoskins 'stalker' Career

3 weeks ago 27th Oct 13:30

Bob Hoskins became a "stalker" to help him act.

The British actor - who is famed for his London cockney accent and hardman characters - learnt the profession by watching groups of women going about their daily business and trying to copy their expressions.

He explained: "I started my career by becoming a stalker, watching women in the street, the way they greet each other. I thought if I could capture come of that expression, that depth of emotion, it will make me interesting to watch as an actor.

The British actor - who is famed for his London cockney accent and hardman characters - learnt the profession by watching groups of women going about their daily business and trying to copy their expressions

"I fit into this business like a sore foot into a soft shoe. But when I started I thought, 'Christ I ought to learn to act now I'm doing this for a living.' I was a completely untrained, ill-educated idiot. So I read Stanislavski, but I thought it was all so obvious. Same with Strasberg. He just seemed to be saying look busy, impress the boss. I soon realised actors are just entertainers, even the serious ones."

However, the 'Christmas Carol' star says he has mastered acting so well the lines between reality and work are blurred.

He said: "Can I express emotion in private? No, I'm terrible. I can only do it on screen. My dad died recently at the age of 93 and I found myself crying, then I stopped and thought, 'This is acting. This isn't honest. You're not giving him the honest emotions he deserves.' But the truth is, I didn't know how to anymore. I was completely confused. It had become a curse. I can turn the tears on professionally."