Sir Derek Jacobi<\/a> believes he would have been much more successful if he’d “had the looks” to match his talent.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Sir Derek Jacobi has opened up about his career<\/p>\n
The 87-year-old actor has been a regular on stage and screen since the 1960s – appearing in blockbusters such as 2000 film Gladiator and its 2024 sequel – but Derek is adamant he wanted to be a fully-fledged “movie star” and he is convinced he never landed typical leading man roles because of his appearance.<\/p>\n
In an interview with the Guardian, he’s asked if he sees himself as “ugly” and the actor replied: “Oh yes. Oh, as a kid, yes. A ginger-haired, freckled-faced \u2026Acne-ridden, east London kid. Yes, absolutely. I can\u2019t look in the mirror.”<\/p>\n
Jacobi went on to add: “If I were honest, I\u2019d have liked to have been a movie star. I think I can act. But I didn\u2019t have the looks to go with my acting. <\/p>\n
“If I had had the looks as well as my acting ability I think my world would have turned out differently. But I didn\u2019t. And I never wanted to look at myself because I didn\u2019t like what I saw.”<\/p>\n
\nWhen asked who he would like to look like, Jacobi said: “Rock Hudson … When I was growing up he was the film star.”<\/p>\n
\nHe added: “Probably [I would have been bored as a movie star], but I would have been rich. And, for an East End kid, that matters.”<\/p>\n
\nJacobi previously confessed he’s always felt insecure about his career because he has constantly felt a need to prove himself since his childhood. <\/p>\n
\nAsked if the lack of work for actors has made him worry about his work, the actor told The Telegraph newspaper:”Always! Insecurity is the story of my life.<\/p>\n
\n“It goes back to my youth as an only child. If I’d had brothers and sisters I might not be so timid. In the big world of making your way I’ve always felt I’ve just got to keep at it otherwise I’ll slip off the ladder.” <\/p>\n
\nJacobi added that being “in awe of achievement” has contributed to him feeling a sense of underachievement. He explained: “I think I’ve always been in awe of achievement. When you are surrounded by a host of high achievers, I think that has an effect on you if, like me, you feel you’ve underachieved.” <\/p>\n
\nJacobi \u2013 who has been honoured with two Olivier Awards among other accolades \u2013 admitted looking in his cupboards helps to reassure him of his success.<\/p>\n
\nHe quipped: “These days I can always look in the cupboard and see an award or two if I need to.”<\/p>\n
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