In a recent episode of the popular talk show, The Graham Norton Show, several celebrities showcased their talent for accents in a fun and lively discussion. The guests included an ensemble of famous actors such as Maggie Smith, Jennifer Aniston, Sir Kenneth Branagh, and Kate Winslet, who delighted the audience with their stories of accent work in films and on stage.

Sir Kenneth Branagh, known for his versatility in accents, revealed that while he didn’t have to showcase his Irish accent in the film “Death in the Nile,” he has dabbled in various accents throughout his career. He admitted that accent work can be risky, but when it’s done well, it’s a great relief. He recalled an amusing incident during the filming of the movie when he and Jennifer Aniston were cast as Americans and were trying hard to perfect their accents. However, minutes after a successful read-through, Branagh received a phone call from one of the producers, informing him that they had a change of plans and he would be playing the character with an English accent instead.

Jennifer Aniston, on the other hand, shared her experience of living in Los Angeles and the challenges she faces with her strong American accent. She revealed that people in LA often struggle to understand her English accent and sometimes even mistake it for a theatrical performance. She also mentioned the confusion that arises when people compliment her accent, not realizing that they themselves have an accent according to her. Aniston humorously attributed this phenomenon to the lack of free healthcare in the US.

Kate Winslet, who wowed audiences with her impeccable Northern Irish accent in the hit series “Derry Girls,” confessed that she is not actually from Northern Ireland, despite her convincing portrayal in the show. She hails from the west coast of England but has managed to master the Northern Irish accent thanks to her co-star, Saoirse Ronan, who has an authentic Derry accent. Winslet spoke about the disappointment people express when they meet her and realize she doesn’t sound like her character. She also mentioned the joy of occasionally encountering fellow actors successfully performing accents, giving a special shout-out to Mark Wahlberg for his talent in imitating different English accents.

The conversation took an interesting turn when Michael Fassbender, a German-born actor who grew up in Ireland and speaks multiple languages, discussed his struggle with Quentin Tarantino during the casting of “Inglourious Basterds.” Tarantino initially doubted Fassbender’s ability to convincingly portray a German because he had spent most of his career shedding his accent to play American roles. Eventually, Fassbender managed to prove his German roots and was cast in the film.

Throughout the discussion, it became clear that accents play an integral part in the actors’ performances and the challenges they face in perfecting them. From Kate Winslet‘s amusing anecdotes to Sir Kenneth Branagh‘s versatility, the guests on The Graham Norton Show demonstrated their impressive talent for accents, leaving the audience entertained and eager for more.

Tune in to The Graham Norton Show to witness more exciting conversations and impressive talent from Hollywood’s biggest stars. Don’t miss out on the next episode!