Martin Freeman, the renowned actor known for his roles in popular TV shows and movies, recently appeared on The Jonathan Ross Show. During the interview, he shared some hilarious and interesting stories, including one about his time filming the iconic movie ‘Love Actually’.
Freeman expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work with Richard Curtis, the esteemed writer and director of ‘Love Actually’. He revealed that Curtis had written a heartfelt letter to each cast member, expressing his admiration for their work. Freeman humorously mentioned that Curtis had also mentioned being a fan of his hit TV show ‘The Office’ at the time.
However, the movie required Freeman to film several scenes in the nude, which added a layer of difficulty and uncertainty. He candidly admitted that getting naked in front of 80 people while shooting the scenes was not an easy task. To prepare for these scenes, Freeman mentioned the existence of a discreet pouch, akin to a medieval coin purse, that actors could use to cover their private parts. He jokingly described it as a “medieval purse” and shared that it was made of materials similar to ladies’ tights, with a drawstring to keep it in place.
Freeman went on to reveal an amusing aspect of using the pouch. As the long shooting days progressed, the pouch would start to come loose, causing it to fall off. Freeman admitted that after a few instances of dealing with the falling purse, he decided to abandon it altogether. He approached the woman responsible for providing the pouches and asked if he could go without it. With her approval, Freeman decided to “go with what God gave” him, opting to film the scenes completely naked.
Switching gears, the conversation shifted to Freeman’s role in ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy, specifically the final installment titled ‘The Battle of the Five Armies’. Freeman expressed his immense gratitude and excitement for being part of such an epic adventure. He mentioned the scale and ambition of the film, highlighting the director Peter Jackson‘s ability to balance the grandiose nature of the movie with genuine character development and storytelling.
Freeman further discussed the extensive makeup involved in transforming into his character, Bilbo Baggins. He revealed that a two-person team was responsible for putting on the latex feet, which took approximately eight minutes to wear. Additionally, he shared the requirement of shaving his legs before wearing the prosthetic legs to avoid any discomfort or snagging during shooting.
The interview concluded with a playful discussion about whether Freeman had ever stood in front of a mirror wearing only his Bilbo feet. Freeman amusingly mentioned that he had never done so, explaining that he was too focused on the work environment and felt it was unnecessary while on set. The moment provided a light-hearted and entertaining exchange between Freeman and Ross, leaving the audience in stitches.
With his witty anecdotes and candid storytelling, Martin Freeman proved once again why he is a beloved actor. His appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show showcased his ability to bring humor and joy to even the most challenging and unconventional filming situations. From ‘Love Actually’ to ‘The Hobbit’, Freeman’s talent and charisma continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
