From ageing rocker to suave spy

Bill Nighy has a face that is instantly familiar to most film-goers.

Blasting to international visibility and universal affection in 2003 as Christmas single-peddling rocker Billy Mack in Love Actually, in the last couple of years he's appeared in everything from Harry Potter to the recent Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. And yet just a decade ago it's doubtful he would have been recognised by many outside British theatre. In his early 60s, does he ever wish fame had arrived sooner in his career?

"No. I just wish that someone had whispered in my ear that at some point I would make some money - I would have arranged to be more cheerful."

It's the kind of dry, self-deprecating remark you might expect from someone who's finally reached the heights after decades of hard work, but Nighy also asserts there was life before he ever sang "Christmas is all around" in Love Actually (which made it to No 26 on the real British charts).

"I was doing OK. I was doing world premieres of plays by David Hare, Tom Stoppard, and I was working on TV, playing leading roles and working with some very good writers and actors."

Hare has written and directed Nighy's latest project, spy TV movie Page Eight, which also features Rachel Weisz, Judy Davis, Michael Gambon and Ralph Fiennes.

Page Eight examines the dilemma and danger Nighy's character faces when he uncovers evidence of a major political conspiracy, the consequences of which could bring down the British Government.

As Johnny Worricker, a jaded but still-principled MI5 operative, Nighy is immaculately dressed (he's apparently more likely to accept a role if he can wear a suit) and exquisitely reserved.

"It's a great part, and a great story, and because it's David he could attract Michael Gambon and Ralph Fiennes. So everything about it was attractive; it's kind of my favourite gig."

Two sequels are already being made for screening next year.

Nighy's trademark drawl almost masks his enthusiasm: "And the fact that Rachel Weisz's character seems well-disposed towards mine makes her a very discerning woman."

Acting was never on the young Nighy's agenda until a girlfriend encouraged him in that direction. Presumably she saw the potential in him?

"She probably saw desperation. I kind of got thrown out of school so I had no ideas apart from I was probably going to be a cross between F Scott Fitzgerald and Bob Dylan. She was going to Drama College and said 'You know, you could be an actor'. She could have said 'astronaut' and I'd probably have given that a try I was devoted to her."

His interest in music still managed to find an outlet. "I've always been able to, as my mother would say, 'hold a tune'. I've been obsessed with rhythm and blues and soul music all my life. I used to read every single music magazine and I studied the records. It's probably what I did instead of school.

"Don't you do that kids, don't be like me," he cautions, falling into Billy Mack mode.

Something many may notice about his performances is a repertoire of unusual hand gestures.

Nighy suffers from a condition called Dupuytren's Contracture, permanently curling the last two fingers of each hand. "It gives me a sort of mysterious handshake. When I first meet someone I'm always explaining that I'm not a member of any secret societies.

"And if it's a woman it doesn't mean: 'Do you wanna go round the back of the bike sheds?', because apparently in the old days it was a very vulgar proposition."

Inevitably, Love Actually will always loom large in Nighy's career. Was there anything about the script indicating what a breakthrough it would be?

"Well, Richard [Curtis] had written Four Weddings and a Funeral, which was extremely successful, so it was on the cards that it might get me a different level of attention should I play the part half decently. It seems old rockers are a new genre of character held in some affection by people, so I think I benefited from that."

About his late-blooming fame, he reflects: "I don't think I would have been in any kind of shape [for it] when I was young. Whoever schedules these things must have looked at me and thought: 'No, we'll give him a little time yet'."

The Details

What: Page Eight

When: Saturday, 8.30pm

Where: UKTV

- © Fairfax NZ News