The friendly rivalry between Hugh Grant and Colin Firth has a long history, and Grant recently threw in another jab at his colleague during a promotional interview for his new horror film, The Heretic. When asked to describe his vision of perfect happiness, the ever-witty English actor replied, “I’d have a pint of London beer, some snacks, and an article on Colin Firth’s disastrous critical and box office flop.”
The two British actors have starred in multiple films together, including as Bridget Jones’s rival love interests, and both played leads in Love Actually. At the 2003 premiere of the Christmas rom-com, Grant interrupted a red carpet interview with Firth, dramatically yawning to show his “interest” in Firth’s remarks. Of course, after the tease, he clarified it was all in good fun.
“I’m never very kind to Colin, but the truth is he’s the only actor I honestly like and admire,” Grant said at the time.
Years later, Firth admitted in an interview that despite Grant’s relentless jabs, they actually get along well. “We’re fine. I like him despite his outrageously rude remarks toward me. It’s just a constant joke between us,” Firth explained, adding that he often hears Grant claim that he’s “too old to be in movies.”
But Grant doesn’t just settle for verbal digs. At the 2022 BAFTA Awards, he placed a plaque on the back of a chair that read: “In memory of Colin Firth. He’s not dead yet, but he looks like it. Sponsored by: Hugh Grant.”
