Hugh Grant Once Revealed the Film He Regrets Doing Most

Hugh Grant once opened up about one of his earliest acting roles that he now wishes he could forget.

Speaking with James Corden in 2023, the actor didn’t hold back when discussing The Lady and the Highwayman, a 1989 British made-for-TV romantic adventure. Grant called the film, based on Barbara Cartland’s 1952 novel Cupid Rides Pillion, a low point in his career.

Reflecting on the production, Grant admitted, “I’m meant to be sexy, but I was undone by the bad wig, bad hat. I look like Deputy Dawg.” He joked about how his performance, combined with the low-budget costume choices, made the romantic hero far from convincing.

Grant described the experience as a dilemma because, while he could criticize his own work, he didn’t want to undermine the efforts of the other actors and crew involved.

In The Lady and the Highwayman, Grant played Silver Blade, a highwayman during the Restoration era, while Lysette Anthony starred as Lady Panthea Vyne. The film also featured Michael York as King Charles II, Emma Samms as Lady Castlemaine, and appearances from Oliver Reed, Robert Morley, and John Mills.

The story mixes romance, jealousy, and betrayal, drawing inspiration from historical figures, including Barbara Palmer, the 1st Duchess of Cleveland.

Grant humorously compared his early screen presence to a cartoonish character, saying, “When I’m tense, my voice goes up two octaves, so Deputy Dawg would come leaping out of trees when a carriage went past and go, ‘Stand and deliver!’” He emphasized that despite the film’s flaws, it was a learning experience that shaped his later performances. The actor even admitted he would erase it from his IMDb page if he could.

While The Lady and the Highwayman may not have received widespread critical acclaim, it remains a curiosity for fans of Grant’s career. Early TV films like this often faced mixed reviews due to budget constraints and over-the-top performances, which Grant acknowledges in hindsight.

It’s fascinating to see actors candidly reflect on their early missteps. Even stars like Hugh Grant have projects they wish had never been made, reminding us that every career has its learning moments. What do you think of actors revisiting their past work—do you enjoy hearing their honest opinions, or should some movies be left in the past? Share your thoughts in the comments.