Hi, everyone. I'm glad Colin has put everyone out of her misery; it was a sweet sorrow, but sorrowful nonetheless. I too am intrigued by the modern Don Quick. I can vageuly picture his inheritor, but he'd have to be slightly different - a bit more self-aware and pious, perhaps. I think DQ's naivety would not rest easily on modern shoulders. But an earnest PC equivalent could work. This is obviously the time, by the way, to rekindle an ancient and shallow university friendship with...Sam Mendes. Being the groupie I was, I used to hang out with the thesps at uni., and Mr Mendes was one of the crowd. Darling. Now he's a worldwide star and for some reason I see him less. But perhaps I could give him a call. "Sam, you won't remember me, but I have the perfect dresser for Colin - several dressers, in fact, all willing to work for next to nothing." How about it? [We could put in a little line in the Donmar programme: "Mr Firth is dressed by himself, and undressed, frequently, by a horde of enthusiastic Droolers.")

Heaven...I'm in heaven.... Back from a week away, anticipating even a sliver of news and WOW!!! BBC movie, London stage (my hopes for eventual B'way, albeit remote, are resurfacing)and a People magazine spread!!! I just dashed out to buy it and all the stores around here are still carrying the Feb. 1 edition. I'm beginning to think I live under a rock, not in the NYC suburbs. Karen, thanks for the pictures to hold me over in the meantime. After such a looooonnng publicity drought, this is GREAT. And buzz that he's stopped smoki g! Too good. I was so bummed out about Harvey's omission at the GG's (yes, hooray for Gwynnie. Her praise for his abilities sounded so genuine on the Rosie show; this confirms that) that I couldn't get to sleep that night. I just knew my collegues at Drool would catch that! Oh, well, that's old news. I'm jealous of you Brits...two chances to see our DB coming up, but I'm content with the anticipation of FP. Thanks for the warning about the dialogue, KJArt. Heide, I'm still with you about Mark Darcy. Don't think he'll do it (much as we want him to.

I am sitting here wondering if I can justify the time it would take to go to either Selfridges or Harrods who will almost certainly get "People" magazine. How long do you tink it takes to arrive in Knightsbridge if it hasn't reached parts of the States yet? I am interested in the comments about his various homes. When he married, all the reports said that they had bought a flat, yards or should that be metres away from Livia's parents. From the decor in the pictures, I would guess that that is Livia's parents villa and that the dogs are theirs. C&LF travel too much to be able to keep dogs and Rabies quarantine regulations mean that they could not take them to England with them. A flat in LA. I found that interesting. I had always wondered where he stay d. (Lizza)I can't imagine they reside in the Hackney flat. Why not? I am sure I have asked for opinions on this flat before. As you may know, Hackney is one of the poorest boroughs in London. It does, however, have its fashionable parts. I am sure CF's flat must be in one of those. In 1995, when P&P came out it was always described as his �150,000 flat. House prices have risen considerably since then but even now that would be a lot to pay for a flat in that area. So if the reports are correct, then it must be somewhere quite special. Either overlooking ictoria Park or the canal or both. Even so, it is not the best place to live and I bet they eventually buy somewhere else, particularly if they have children and want good schools etc. Though I wouldn't expect them to choose somewhere very grand. I just think Colin likes to live somewhere low-key.

Another thought. Do you think that the release date of FP has been put back from February because CF will be on stage in London and therefore not available for interviews, premieres etc?

I'm jealous of you Brits...two chances to see our DB coming up, but I'm content with the anticipation of FP. (Eileen) You'll see him in the Donovan Quick in the States....I'm sure of that. "Mrs Brown" was a BBC film. I was reading the reviews of a BBC film televised last night, and I noticed that our reviews quoted reviews by the Hollywood Reporter and Boston Chronicle, so the film had obviously already been shown in the States. In many ways, I'd prefer CF to make films for BBC or Channel Four. They usually get a theatrical release, here and in the US, and the bottom line is that we will always see them on TV ). And they don't have to cater for the 17-24 market!! Compare this with the uncertainty over, for example, the release of SLOW! Heide, I'm still with you about Mark Darcy. Don't think he'll do it (much as we want him to He'll do it! It's very high profile (and who else could do it?) His bank balance will be a bit depleted after his stint at the Donmar! And the BBC don't pay oodles of dosh either! It looks as though he'll be busy! I was so bummed out about Harvey's omission at the GG's I was reading that Miramax have promoted SIL heavily at the expense of some of their own movies (MLSF?) BA and RE also have Miramax movies in the can awaiting release. I reckon Harvey has pushed SIL (and thereby boosted the careers of the hithertoo unknown JF, and GP), using BA, whilst RE and CF remain "on hold" in the background. Maybe that's why he thanked RE and BA. Perhaps CF is more laid back about fame! This is all very convoluted and Machiavellian...hope you follow my drift! From the decor in the pictures, I would guess that that is Livia's parents villa and that the dogs are theirs. (Allison) Agreed!

Thanks for the BBC info, Bethan. Better and better! I reckon Harvey has pushed SIL (and thereby boosted the careers of the hithertoo unknown JF, and GP), using BA, whilst RE and CF remain "on hold" in the background. Maybe that's why he thanked RE and BA. Didn't Harvey also allude to some "favor" BA and RE did for him? My memory isn't clear because I was anticipating hearing the one name that never came. And you're right, CF has always been very laid back about fame.

Finally got People Mag. Today. What a hysterically funny beginning! Talking about the pig in The Advocate: the pig, says its trainer, fell in love with Colin and so a leading man was born. Imagine that! I guess that makes us all Miss piggies. He would like his son to grow up in Italy because he finds it child friendly, unlike LA or London. WELL, I can tell you Milan is NOT kid friendly (the dirty looks we got in restaurants when I would bring my little boy), and I never had a problem in LA. He finds Rome and Romans exhilarating??? I give him two more years. I�ve been trying to make out the Italian town in the background of one of the pictures, will let you know if I figure it out. The People Issue is one that will appeal to a very large audience. Princess Caroline on the cover and all the movie stars from the GG. Colin got lucky, it will give him major exposure.

I also agree that the villa belongs to her parents. Now the casting of Mark Darcy--if it is to be an American production, they will probably cast a known American actor. Nick's other book is being filmed in Chicago. It would kill BJD for me were it not filmed in London. Let's hope for some un-common sense.

(Moon)He finds Rome and Romans exhilarating??? I give him two more years. LOL. Oh Moon...I'm glad you said that...I was thinking it all along. Rome, nice place for a short visit...long term? Hmmmmmm. Don't think so. Two years sounds about right.....wasn't that about the Van Couver duration? Allison, or anybody in UK ...I can send the People article . Ann's went out this morning. Agree that with Princess Caroline on the cover, it will be v. popular in Europe. If Miramax arranged for the spread..."all is forgiven, Harvey." But 250 million people were deprived from hearing Colin's name.

Now the casting of Mark Darcy--if it is to be an American production, they will probably cast a known American actor. Apparently the production/distribution operation of Polygram, which includes Working Title who are making BJD, has been sold to a very rich Arab businessman for $400million. I don't know if this affects Working Title (MD will be played by Omar Sharif?)...are they still part of Universal, or what? But even at my most pessimistic I can't see how MD can be played by anyone other than an English actor or Mel Gibson, :-)Mel has now made it three in a row. He's playing Sydney Carton, Ernest Shackleton and also ir James H...?, founder of the Oxford English Dictionary. No wonder English actors have to take "well-deserved breaks!" :-) How many people read "People"?

Good news, according to the PA Newscentre, SIL has raced to No.1 spot in the UK, in its first weekend, grossing nearly �2million.

RE: People article... You're right, Moon. Give him 2 more years. He's still in that "honeymoon stage" of being in a foreign country. I'd say most metropolitan areas around the world have kid-friendly/unfriendly spaces. I wonder what Meg Tilly thinks about CF's preference to raise him in Italy. But then again, let's remember we're getting sound-bytes--his praises for Italian culture may have been taken out of context. BTW-- never thought about CF owning a condo in L.A.. Makes sense... though real estate is ridiculously expensive, it's a better investment to own a condo rather than to stay in hotels. L.A. is so spread out, but the nice thing about it is that there's a district that's just blocks and blocks of condos (Westwood Wilshire Corridor). I will make sure to hang about and see if he's a resident. Or, if he prefers more working class digs (i.e. Hackney)-- he may be living in another area... South Central?! (ha ha a--highly doubt it)

(Allison) Do you think that the release date of FP has been put back from February because CF will be on stage in London and therefore not available for interviews, premieres etc? Yes! Yes! Yes! This is exactly what I think. Why open Fever Pitch if the major star is not there to push it? Bet it opens soon after he's available again (taking a break from filming Don Quick). (Bethan) I was reading that Miramax have promoted SIL heavily at the expense of some of their own movies (MLSF?) I wouldn't worry about this, Bethan. Maybe it's not Miramax's doing, but somebody is pushing publicity for Colin. All this exposure all at once! I don't know the circulation of People Magazine but it's HUGE! Is it possible he's decided to make a big push this year? I'll be curious to see the Letters to the Editor in People in 3 weeks. If they publish letters about the Colin article, I'll take that as a good sign.

thing about it is that there's a district that's just blocks and blocks of condos (Westwood Wilshire Corridor). } I think my sister lives near there. Maybe I should go out and visit her ;-)

Moon, LOVED the 2 years tops in Rome comment. I've found Rome to be dirty, noisey, rude and well, overall unpleasent. (loved the rest of Italy though!) i wouldnt last 2 weeks there. what can our DB be thinking?

For those wishing to access People on the Web: http://www.pathfinder.com/people/web/home.html

Winter, I somehow feel that his condo would be in Santa Monica. Close to the ocean, quaint shops, easy place to "hang out" with his son (as he put it). SBRobinson, Rome is now much cleaner, and don't get me wrong, I love it. Did you know that there is a walking tour: "Rome through its Fountains". I just find Romans extremely taxing. He is obviously romanticising Romans because he married one. He will of course be picking up the roman way of pronouncing Italian (poor dear).

I have just watched the A&E interview on tape. Oh my! He is sooo much better on that interview than I had expected. Why did no one prepare me for how charming he is? Though I have to say he does appear to be a little slacker round the jawline. He is only 38, not old enough to start getting baggy. It is almost as if he had put on weight and has now lost it. He just looked a bit jowly. But gorgeous nonetheless. I like men with a few imperfections, it makes them nicer IMO.

Moon � I was all over Italy last year and I thought Rome was very hectic--although I loved it. I plan on going back this year to Grado, Italy to take an immersion course in the language for school. What do you mean by the �roman way� of pronouncing Italian? Are you talking about dialect?

I visited Rome in November, it is very hectic Jana, but I can't imagine they will want to spend too much of 1999 there. I was reading about the projected numbers of tourists expected to visit because of the Millenium and the huge strain expected on already overstretched resources, like no traffic moving for days etc!!! Stay in Hackney or L.A. Colin.

BTW the "Curse of Hello" that Bethan so rightly refers to, is that participating couples who throw open their homes to photographers and indulge in lengthy interviews with 18 changes of clothes, then split up . As did "Gazza" etc I am sure Bethan has a more comprehensive list than me!!!! Stick to "People" Colin, your wardrobe couldn't take it!

(Jana), What do you mean by the �roman way� of pronouncing Italian? Are you talking about dialect? Not a dialect, more like a distinctive accent. Actually all the regions in Italy have them. We can usually tell where a person comes from. The "romano", is not that pleasant to lisen to. Did you know that the mud baths in Grado are quite popular? Will you be going to Venice too (you will be so close)? The "veneto" accent is quite pleasant BTW.

(Moon) I guess that makes us all Miss piggies. LOL! Oink, oink. Yes, that was a funny anecdote. The Roles Project has similar info. I think he later sent the pig a birthday card! IMO the article was well done and yes, it will give him excellent exposure. The momentum for SiL is building (and true Oscar hype hasn't even begun). As I hoped, bizillions of people are seeing the movie; nowPeople readers will be able to put his name with his face. The closeup picture of him (one of Karen's p sts) is just yummy. Is this the one in which you're looking at the background, Moon? It must be. In this article, he comes off happy and content with both his personal and professional life. The recycled quotes in She made him sound angry and resentful, IMHO. (Allison)He is only 38, not old enough to start getting baggy. So glad to read of his ambition to "stay off cigarettes." Should help in the 'baggy' department. BTW, Jana2, my condolences to your husband re: Superbowl outcome. My team lost late in the playoffs--I know too well how he feels. I attended an earlier playoff game and sat in the stadium in 20 degree weather with the flu. Wild horses couldn't have kept me away, though. I guess I have another reason (besides Colin) to see FP!

Ann, thanks for the info re SIL takings. As there were only 15 in the cinema when I went on Friday, things have improved!! I expect they will continue to rise as we all go for a second or third visit. The Oscar noms will continue to keep SIL's profile high. BTW, when are they in March??

I have had an answer to my letter to the editor of People. Thanks for your e-mail to PEOPLE. Our readers' views are important to us, and we're glad to learn that you enjoy PEOPLE. Your comments will be reviewed by the editors for possible publication in our Mail column. Maureen Fulton I don't want them to publish it necessarily....forget what I wrote. But I think it is important for them to get a positive response from the article. Especially from abroad.Go to it!! editor@people.com

Allison, I am glad you enjoyed the tape , I too thought he was charming but he did indeed seem a bit chubby around the neck and cheeks and that was why I was so agreeably surprised to see how lean and young and thin in the face he looked at the London Premiere, to have changed that much in the course of a few weeks was amazing, perhaps Livia put him on a strict diet and exercise.

(Ann W):perhaps Livia put him on a strict diet and exercise. And, do we all know which is the best exercise?! Oh Yesssssss!!!!!

Oh my gosh. I have been away from the Firth fold for about ten days due to a business trip and can hardly believe the flurry of droolworthy news which occurred during my absence: a play (I am absolutely green with envy of those who will see Firth-in- the-flesh), a movie (a modern day Don Q�..sounds like this is an apt role for the DB, as he always likes a challenge), and a magazine article (oh dear, I feel a bit like a preteen paging through Tigerbeat Magazine in search of pics to paste in my scrapb ok. :-)) I am deliriously happy about all of this good news. ( Bethan, your positive attitude for 1999 was prophetic!) I am thrilled that Colin was (finally) deemed newsworthy enough for a mainstream mag such as People. Next, I would love to see him featured in Vanity Fair�.. How delightful that CF is content professionally and personally. I have even come out of denial about how beautiful Livia indeed is. Belated thanks, Ann, for your account of the London premiere of SIL. I swear your photos of CF were better than the professional shots. :-) I am also thrilled that someone posted about Valmont on Encore. I had planned to purchase the video for a princely sum�.now I can just tape it. Even though I was away on business, I did my best to bring my business mentor into the fold. She mentioned how much she enjoyed S&S, and how fond she was Allen Rickman. With great restraint, I casually asked her if she had seen P&P. It turns out she has not had the pleasure. I then mentioned how much I enjoyed the series, etc. I sent her my tape of P&P today. (Evelyn, you have inspired me to start a mini lending library of my own!) I plan to call my mentor in a week to see if full-fledged Fi thomania has set in�.

Is anybody else having trouble loading Colinfirth.com, Murph's Corner or CF Chat?

(Eileen) BTW, Jana2, my condolences to your husband re: Superbowl outcome. My team lost late in the playoffs--I know too well how he feels. Thanks for the kind thought, Eileen. The poor boy was depressed indeed (and not a little crabby!) (LisaJH) and a magazine article (oh dear, I feel a bit like a preteen paging through Tigerbeat Magazine in search of pics to paste in my scrapbook. :-)) LOL! My thoughts exactly as I'm trying to casually dump two People's in my supermarket cart without jumping up and down with glee.

Has anybody posted the People article on a website? I would just like to read the whole article.

(Eileen), Is this the one in which you're looking at the background, Moon? Yes, I'm having a hard time making it out. It must be Citta delle Pieve, since her family has the house there. They liked your letter Evelyn, is it drool worthy?

We are back to the future and the favorite date. I wonder what will happen on Feb. 7, maybe Colin will decide to post something here, it must be a sign.

(Ann) Is anybody else having trouble loading Colinfirth.com, Murph's Corner or CF Chat? Yes, colinfirth.com appears to be down, hopefully of short duration. I had a helluva time getting here (since I'm subversive about my activities, I can't leave a cybertrail for the dear husband to follow). (Moon) We are back to the future and the favorite date. I wonder what will happen on Feb. 7, maybe Colin will decide to post something here, it must be a sign. But will we have to wait until 2036? (LisaJH) and a magazine article (oh dear, I feel a bit like a preteen paging through Tigerbeat Magazine in search of pics to paste in my scrapbook. :-)) (Jana) LOL! My thoughts exactly as I'm trying to casually dump two People's in my supermarket cart without jumping up and down with glee. I'm there too! I even bought She because it was there (even though KarenR has been kind enough to put it on line). I'm a hopeless case... Jana, I hope your husband is recovering. Mine is a fan too (although I'm more zealous) so we're both crabby together when our team loses. Welcome back, Lisa. BTW, TV Guide gave Valmont three stars. My sentiments exactly!

(Moon)They liked your letter Evelyn, is it drool worthy? Aw, they say the same thing to everybody who emails. I forget what I said ...something to the effect .. "thank you for acknowledging CF a great British actor who is consistently relegated to supporting roles... TEP,SIL,.He has almost 20 websites on the Internet and an active Chat..log on to: colinfirth.com.A hunk who deserves a starring role...Miramax are you listening?". I won't win the Pulitzer but they do count 'em.

If they publish your letter, we'll have to start hanging out on Chat...you never know. Eileen, LOL! Somehow I don't think we'll feel the same about him in 2036.

Will we feel the same about anything in 2036? :-) Some of you may have seen the Questiona and Answers with CF from the Mail on Sunday magazine...it's posted somewhere else. There was a copy of the paper at work, which I was going to "pinch" but by the time I decided to walk away with it, someone else had beaten me to it. Honesty doesn't pay! I found his answers very illuminating. If you've already read them , please excuse the repetition. A sample.... Q. What's the downside of fame? A. There is too much information out there. I don't think it is appropriate to be peering into what others are doing all the tiime. Somebody told me there was a big discussion over whether I'd worn contact lenses to play Mr Darcy. And I met a girl at a pary who was able to tell me my date amnd place of birth, the names of my brother and sister, the schools I'd been to...the Internet is where she got it all. (Oh dear, this gave me a real pang. The examples he quotes..contact lenses and knowing his date and place of birth are so innocuous really , and yet he obviously feels very uncomfortable about this. He really is very private and must have a genuine dislike of celebrity. Most "stars" are flattered by such interest, but he must find it intrusive. As I said, it gave me a pang (of guilt!) Q.Do you like being married? A. Yes! It's a stable point of reference from which you can face a lot of other things more courageously, especially if there's a central instability in your life. Q.What's the favourite room in your house? A. I've just bought a new house in London. I think it will be the upstairs living room, but I haven't decided what it will be yet. In my old house, it was the living room, because that's where the music was. it wasn't the kitchen. I cook but i'm messy. After I've cooked, the kitchen is nodody's favourite place. Q,So you like being villanous? A. There's nothing especially villanous abot Wessex. A lthough he's not a lovable creature. He doesn't mislead anyone. He doesn't even kill anyone. His greatest crime is his lack of poetry,

Excuse all the typos...done in great haste!! "upstairs living room" should read "upstairs front room" (if that makes a difference!)

Thanks for the excerpts, Bethan. I've not seen this before...where else is it posted? I see what you mean about his response to the downside of fame. He has always been consistent about that.

Hi Bethan, what an interesting interview! Makes me wonder about those questions he was sent and when are we to expect those answers? Hallo! May I contribute my sister's comments on SiL? She is not a Firthian, although she knows of our admiration for him (yes, "our", I've told her about Drool). She lives in Toronto. "We went to see Shakespeare in Love and i must admit I didn't find it espectacular... I enjoyed it, but didn't think it was the best film in the last season, as has been said by some people, over here. Anyway, i couldn't say which was the best film of the season - I haven't seen anything special. I completely forgot about Colin Firth until I got out of the theatre - truly this guy is the typical "character actor". And his part was, of course, hateful... But he was better looking than Shakespeare who, IMHO, was a nobody with bad shoulders and only one suit." So there you are... ATA is opening in Lisbon later this month. I'm delighted!

Hi Bethan, what an interesting interview! Makes me wonder about those questions he was sent and when are we to expect those answers? Hallo! May I contribute my sister's comments on SiL? She is not a Firthian, although she knows of our admiration for him (yes, "our", I've told her about Drool). She lives in Toronto. "We went to see Shakespeare in Love and i must admit I didn't find it spectacular... I enjoyed it, but didn't think it was the best film in the last season, as has been said by some people, over here. Anyway, i couldn't say which was the best film of the season - I haven't seen anything special. I completely forgot about Colin Firth until I got out of the theatre - truly this guy is the typical "character actor". And his part was, of course, hateful... But he was better looking than Shakespeare who, IMHO, was a nobody with bad shoulders and only one suit." So there you are... ATA is opening in Lisbon later this month. I'm delighted!

Sorry about the double post, my mistake. Hallo Eileen, are you there?

Oh, Bethan, fairlady what news thou bringest. It is a very sad day indeed, to think he does not appreciate all the hard work that goes on on the internet for him. I feel your pain. I very much doubt now that he will answer our questions. I think I will now go incognito so if you don�t hear from me again, just look to the moon and if you call me back, I shall. **sigh**

So, he has bought a house!!! I knew they would have to. That means that London will be their main base, I think. I wonder where it is. It sounds like a Victorian house (main living room on the first (i.e. second floor in US)). It sounds as if they have not moved in yet. I have been gazing at all the "sold" signs around here. BTW I do hope he isn't reading this. He would obviously hate it and who can blame him.

BTW I do hope he isn't reading this. He would obviously hate it and who can blame him. IMO anyone who enters the entertainment or political arena should expect fans and non-fans. In any event, knowing where one was born and family etc is not being necessarily invading one's private life. He has given out this info himself in various interviews. And they are posted on the internet...just as they are cataloged in newspaper archives.. It isn't like the Internet is making info up about him. The Internet is an information tool. Sheeesh!!Am I glad Jennifer Ehle and her agent are enthused about hers and actually like it. We are really quite harmless. Was this the whole interview, Bethan?

I agree to an extent, Evelyn, but I was revealing that I was going round peering into houses, wondering if that is where he lives. As I wrote it, it felt a bit like stalking. I do think there is a different attitude to actors in the UK. I know a number of actors and it is almost a career choice a bit like deciding to become a lawyer. The entertainment industry is broad and in this country we would make a distinction between those who make their living by being themselves famous and those like Colin, ho would rather make their living selling their skills as an actor. He has a fine line to tread. He obviously wants good parts and he realises that his name, as in any profession, is important. The more people who know you, the more likely you are to get good work. What he is saying, as I am sure you understand, is that he is prepared to forego some star parts in order to preserve some privacy for himself and his family. He does not want his whole life to become public. IMHO, Jennifer Ehle might be cooperative because she doesn't have people panting after her. She knows her fans are probably interested because they admire her work. I think Colin probably fears that his fans are more interested in him as a person and that he is afraid of. To be seen to go along with that would be to court the derision of the profession in the UK. It is really quite easy to be a famous person in London. People really do not hassle you, unless, like pop stars for instance, you sell yourself as part of your claim to fame. Colin obviously wants to avoid that. I have rambled on rather a lot in a not very coherent way. It is just that I can see where he is coming from. If he were a more secure person, he would probably handle it better but his insecurities are probaboly what makes him the man we like to watch.

I really hope that Colin answers have either been misrepresented or mis-quoted because I have to say that I feel this is a slap in the face for his wonderful internet fans. Surely when you become an actor you expect a certain amount of public attention, does he not want fans to turn up next week to see his play, would be prefer to play to an empty house, it is a two way thing and I feel very sorry for those wonderful ladies from America and Europe who are travelling so far just to see him. I am sure tha because of the internet fans half of the tickets will be taken before it is even been advertised and what is so bad about us knowing when his birthday is, who his parents are and where he went to school. I would have thought he would have been flattered that so many fans were interested in him. His private life is his private life and I do not want to know what he had for breakfast but discussing his work promoting his new projects and saying only complimentary things about him does not seem to much o me. I certainly do not feel guilty and I hope he does read this and then he might realise what wonderful and considerate fans he has. I am beginning to see what Laura means about a love hate relationship. But no I shall calm down, I was so excited when I received my tickets this morning to 3DOR, I shall believe that he has been grossly mis-quoted and prefer to think of him as Winter described as charming friendly and amiable. Sorry about that I just had to get it off my chest because I think he has he most wonderful and considerate fans anyone could have.

Sorry I, of course, meant next month (March) .

The article in People Magazine is great. I like the caption, Firth and Foremost. I like the part about the pig in The Advocate falling in love with him,( another leading lady falls in love with him) and the one about the fender bender he had in Rome. Another interviewer is taken by his lack of conceit. She says "With his trademark gentleman's reserve he says of Livia, "She keeps me grounded." Where is Umbria? I didn't know he liked antiques. Celebrity 1000 is up and running again. I don't understand Derek Jacobi getting so few votes.

The article in People says that Fever Pitch is to be released soon. does anyone know when.

Lucie, we heard that FP would be released in March. We are assuming that he will come for a premiere, and he will be performing in 3DOR till mis Feb. Allison....I agree that stalking is the lowest form of admiration and never to be condoned. But on the Internet his websites are only posting information that has already been published.Jennifer is a v.private person too...she goes to the BAFTAs accompanied by her father!!! (Allison)IMHO, Jennifer Ehle might be cooperative because she doesn't have people panting after her. She knows her fans are probably interested because they admire her work. Are You Kidding???You don't know the emails and guest book comments we get from GUYS. This is a REAL WOMAN. She ain't no Judi Dench!! I think he just had a "bad hair day". And like many of his interviews...will probably retract what he said. After all, he told Winter he"really appreciated them(Internet fans)". I still think he is a hunk ...whether he wants me to think so or not:-)

There is too much information out there. I don't think it is appropriate to be peering into what others are doing all the tiime. Somebody told me there was a big discussion over whether I'd worn contact lenses to play Mr Darcy. And I met a girl at a pary who was able to tell me my date amnd place of birth, the names of my brother and sister, the schools I'd been to...the Internet is where she got it all. First of all, I take everything I read with a grain of salt. While this may be a direct quote, if I don't hear it from his mouth, I can't be too concerned. Secondly, Colin is not from the Plant Zarg. ;-) He can't honestly think this information is only found on the Internet. It's on the Internet because it can be found in magazine articles, etc., presumably done with his permission. We're normal, intelligent, thriving women with many interests. This is just for fun and none of us are going to pry where we don't belong but come on... birthdates are fair game. Heck, most of the time we're not even drooling but having fairly intelligent discussions about the state of the film industry, etc. When we do drool it's giggly, teen-age slumber party stuff - totally harmless - and we're totally aware we're being silly but who cares? Don't feel guilty because the article implies he doesn't un erstand us. He's never going to come here so don't worry about it. Besides, we're HARMLESS! And we pay good money to keep his industry going.

This is just a PS and not on this topic... But I have a gut feeling that he must have a new publicist in the UK. Witness all the publications who have featured him in the past month: SHE,PEOPLE,DAILY MAIL, and "Man of the Moment" article from some other publication.This from a man that isn't even mentioned in most of the SIL reviews.And, who up to now, hasn't even been heard from in a year.

A lot of people have already said what I did above...but I had to get my two cents in too. Here's the beginning of that People article, Allison. I'll type more later or maybe someone else will.. "Colin Firth was in trouble--and not just because the 1995 BBC drama he was starring in revolved around a pig accused of murder. No, the problem was not the plot. The problem was the leading lady; a half-pig, half-boar named Gwinny who was, to put it delicately, no Babe. "Gwinny had tusks," says her owner, Joe Henson of England's Cotswold Farm Park. "She had already bitten another actor twice." As Firth, playing a medieval attorney defending the swine, entered an old London gungeon to shoot the first scene with his temperatmental costar, Henson stood close by in case the beast needed soothing. She did not--not byo him at least. Firth sat down next to Gwinny and began talking to her. "Then he started scratching behind her ear, and she literally rubbed up against him and laid down with her head in his lap. The pig,' says Henson, 'fell in love with him.' "And so a leading lady's man was born--though Tom Cruise needn't start sweating yet. From his role as the doomed husband in 1996's The English Patient to his current part as the dastardly Lord Wessex in the critically acclaimed Shakespeare in Love, Firth, 38, has made his name somewhat to the east of Hollywood and Vine. His 1995 role as the smolderingly righteous Mr. Darcy in the BBC's version of Pride and Prejudice (it aired in the US on A&E in 1996) drew 10 million viewers a week n Firth's native Britain. At the time, it also turned him into the kind of national superhunk whos e ever move--including a trip to buy a vacuum cleaner, he grumbles--made headlines. 'The tabs can be unscrupulous,' says Firth with wry understatement. "They make stuff up.' "No need to make up praise for his portrayal of the pernicious English aristocrat who comes between Wiliam Shakespeare (played by Joseph Fiennes, broth of Ralph) and the Bard's true love (played by Gwyneth Paltrow). As The New York Times put it, '[He is] a perfect Mr. Wrong,' Still Firth knows that his supporting role is unlikely to catapult him to Hollywood-style superstardom anytime soon. 'I've got nothing against being adored,' he says. 'Actors do need to be praised. But do I want everyone i a restaurant to know me? Absolutely not.' Which is just one reason he calls home a villa overlooking olive groves and ancient vineyards in the Italian region of Umbria , where he plays guitark, prowls the countryside for antiques and studies Italian. But even in Italy, Firth cannot totally avoid stares--at least ont when his wife of 19 months is with him. She is 'far too beautiful', jokes Firth's English Patient costar Kristin Scott Thomas of Livia Guiggioli, 29, whom Firth met on the set of the BBC drama Nostromo in 1996. (She wa taking time off from her Ph.D. studies at the University of Rome to work as a producer's assistant). Says Firth's friend, author Nick Hornby (whose book Fever Pitch is a soon-to-be-released movie starring Firth): 'She's also like him in that she's incredibly wordly, smart, and self-deprecating.' " copyright People Magazine A lot more....

Love all these posts. Thank you to everyone

If Evelyn is not successful in getting a People Mag with DB in it, perhaps with all of the quotes, I will know something of it. Like SIL. I am watching it by flipping through the stills you post. The price of living in Paradise. BTW, he should know that when we talk about "his" physical merits, we talk about the Character he is playing. Never about the man, himself. We are far too respecting and respectable for anything else. Are we nOt?! =P

People really panned Kenneth Branagh and Helena Bonham Carter's The Theory Of Flight. Is it really that bad?

Bethan, do you happen to know where this whole article has been posted, I think I need to read it all, a nd I have calmed down since last night and as we know the newspapers are very clever at distorting the facts.

Testing

Testing

Sorry about that I was having a problem with posting. I just lost a long post. grrrr! Here goes again. Heide, thank you so much for the excerpt. I love the pig story. I remember the first time I posted on this board, I got into bad trouble for suggesting that MT and JE were not the only leading ladies CF had had a thing for:-) (AnnW)as we know the newspapers are very clever at distorting the facts. That is so true. There was an awful article back in 1996 in the Daily Express. They had been scooped by the Daily Mail about Colin and Livia's relationship. They ran an article under a picture of the two which made them look as shifty and unattractive as possible. The gist of it was that CF had let being Darcy go to his head. He had had a makeover and was no longer a weed with a moustache and had taken to wearing "designer black" [his dinner jacket!!]He had used his wealth and new found glamour to se uce this poor girl from the backstreets of Rome with a bogus offer of marriage which had delighted her poor parents but which nobody else knew anything about. This latter,wasn't stated explicitly of course was it was strongly inmplied. No wonder he dislikes the press!

I was having trouble with my posts. So have split these up. I am going on about this - sorry. I think his comments about the Internet were only in relation to the amount of information that is out there (here?) I would imagine that he undersstands the benefits of being known. He is just prepared to trade some fame for a more normal life style. There is a sort of unwritten rule these days in the press that if you introduce an aspect of your life into the public domain then it is fair game. I do not think that Colin will ever talk about Livia in any detail. If we see a spread in "Hello" with Colin and Livia would round each other on the sofa in the living room of their new house, I shall be very surprised (and disappointed).

Eeeek! I am having system problems here. Not sure if it is you or me. That should say wound round.

God, I�ve been having enormous trouble getting here for several days, downloading takes so much time and I tend to get stuck. Easy to measure one�s addiction by the amount of frustration that this can cause. Bethan, thank-you very much for reciting the interview in Mail on Sunday. Is it much longer than that? I�m a bit surprised at the way some of you have taken his comment on �the downsides of fame�, I mean we all know how much he likes privacy and his unwillingness to sell himself to the media. That�s one of the reasons why many of us admire him so much, he�s very different to many other actors in that sense. Rather than imagining that the paper has put his comment wrong, I believe he said it exactly but it really shouldn�t be taken so hard. It was just a little unthoughtful, or in fact a tiny bit stupid of him, and again, I like it how sincere he can be about things, he hasn�t planned his answers beforehand to create a certain likeable imago. He obviously feels uneasy about having fans but how can you be successful in this profession and not wake interest as a person....it�s just not logical, in fact it�s a it self-centered. Yes, he�s human all right. Anyway, it seems to me he has answered those questions very quickly and without a second thought. That�s what he often does, I believe! Colin thinks and talks quickly and I�m absolutely positive that he also very often says things that he�d like to correct a little afterwards. Remember him saying once in an interview something like �tomorrow I�ll give you a totally different answer�.

(Elena)Anyway, it seems to me he has answered those questions very quickly and without a second thought. A very good point. But I do think his answers do not make complete sense and I suspect that his comments are a precis of a much longer interview. He could not think, for instance, that the only way anybody knows his date of birth is via the internet! I have yet to read an article on a subject with which I am familiar, in the popular press or any press for that matter, which has been accurately reported.

He is just prepared to trade some fame for a more normal life style. Fat Chance. I am reminded of an interview with Harrison Ford. Apparently he cannot go three blocks without being recognized...his remark to this privacy invasion was: "I made a pact with the devil". I do think he often "shoots from the lip",.. repents afterwards. I didn't take offense, Allison, nor did it diminish my admiration for his work. But practically speaking..he should not damn the entire press corps, he has gotten some good write-ups and they can be very beneficial.

You are right, Evelyn. I think Elena has a point, too. I don't think our DB is exactly Einstein;-)

I don't think our DB is exactly Einstein;-) Oh I think he is v. intelligent. But lacks "street smarts" as far as dealing with live interviews and the press. For one thing his answers are longer than really necessary.And he should learn pat answers to questions. For instance, when asked about current relationships etc. JE always says: I don't believe in divulging too much of my private life, it hinders the credibility of the character one portrays.Now, that is a v. diplomatic answer. But then she was brought up in this environment and has parents to help her cope with the press.

Thanks for the info contained in the articles ladies. Is this a recent Mail on Sunday Bethan? My concern is that we are seeing articles in more "downmarket" publications, Evelyn's theory could be right re publicist. He has traded the Indie on Sunday for the Mail and "She" etc Obviously a more populist image. If he only knew it he has a most refined, intelligent and loyal following (yes that's us!!!) from the internet. I agree with the comment that it would be good to see him in "Vanity Fair" any other publications that you ladies of infinite taste would like to see our DB featured in?

Forgive me, I'm a little behind on these many posts from the past few days, but I just wanted to comment on Colin's alleged remarks about his fans. In the People article, Colin said something to the effect that actors like to be adored. He likes to be adored perhaps, but only on his terms. He wants to be private but Livia is always being photographed with him. He gives interviews and then is surprised that his fans remember what he said and what is written about him. All I can say is that he should be v. happy that his has such loyal fans, ones that fly to another country just to see him in a play. How many actors could boast of that? Acting is part f a business. People invest in films and plays and want to see a return on their investment. This is where fans are useful-they give an actor a leg up on the competition on landing a role if he fans that will come see his work. In England, acting might be more of a profession but the British film industry still needs to make money. The end result is that show business is a business everywhere. Evelyn, thank you for the kind words about JE. Anyone who doesn't think she has her share of men panting after her hasn't taken a good look at her. Ann, Your pictures from the London premiere were lovely and Colin looked terrific. You are such a nice loyal fan :-)) to share his moments of glory with us. Thank you.

What an interesting discussion (as usual). Personally, I do not take such comments CF made about info (regarding himself) on the Internet to heart. I think of Drool as a wonderful networking tool: I would have missed the A&E interview and the People Magazine article, etc., if it hadn�t been for all of you. I like to think of us as an erudite and discerning group of women who appreciate a fine (and good looking) actor when we see one. What is wrong with spreading the word about his limited play run, etc.? Our younger online sisters, the Baleheads, have rallied on behalf of actor Christian Bale, and he appears to be aware and appreciative of their collective efforts. How could CF not be appreciative of his fans lobbying on his behalf, let alone travelling half way �round the world to see him act in a play? I tend to agree that CF�s comments were taken out of context and/or he spoke off the cuff without thinking through his answers for the press. In addition, it must be maddening to try to convey one thing in an interview, and later see your words twisted around in print. As Mark Twain once said: " The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated." :-)

There is an old saying in the business. "I don't care what you say about me as long as you spell my name right." Perhaps a little too permissive for the Firths, but no press is death to someone counting on making his living from the public's approval.

Lisa , and what a "networking tool", I am sure that the tickets for 3DOR would not have disappeared so fast without Drool!! thinking of our DB being "Misrepresented by the press", I am reminded of the coverage when he met Livia and she was variously reported as being 21 or 22, in fact a different age every time, which prompted him to say , angrily I think , that he wouldn't be going out with a "bimbo" etc We know the press never gets it entirely right, which just makes Drool the perfect medium. SO THERE!!!

Forgive the grammatical errors in my last post. Much to my humiliation, I catch them after I have posted. ::sigh:: So much for being erudite.....:

Here, her, well said everyone, and we shall still go on supporting, discussing and admiring our DB.

Here, here,I meant to say!

oops again

Why is it in italics? Lizza I am going to Chat.

Seems he has struck a nerve, huh? I felt the same pang Bethan did when I read the comment concerning the contact lens discussion. That speaks directly to the Internet (as others have said, all the other demographic info is in every print article and just duplicated on-line). My first reaction was "good lord, if he knew about the CF-CFC discussion at Darcy Drool a while ago..." But I agree with you, Evelyn, Heide, Susanne and others. It's nothing more than harmless speculation; I've enjoyed reliving m teenage years (and I go back to the days of David Cassidy and Donnie Osmond so it's been a loooong while!)--it sure is different than breaking into his house! I also would have missed *alot* had it not been for this board and absolutely love chatting with people all over the world about Colin. IMO if he knew some of you were flying to London specifically for his upcoming play he would be most appreciative. I think his "comfort zone" or boundary is drawn about his privacy, and feels invaded from time t time by the press (or in this case, the 'net). He seems to get over it because he's doing the interviews! I have some time so I will try to pick up where Heide left off with the People article. Anyone available for a chat later?

Just a test to see if I closed the ittalics....

Heaven�s sake, I DID NOT say that he�s not exactly an Einstein because I think he almost is (!) but you know, Einstein did have his faults, some of them quite horrible too I hear. The biggest reason for my firthophilia is his intelligence but intelligent people can sometimes be too daft to be true, you know. And that�s what Colin�s dream is, I mean the idea of being an actor in the movies and completely unknown at the same time! Ha! After having blamed my biggest idol for stupidity, unthoughtfulness and egocentrism, I want to praise him in the A & E interview. You must all be tired of this subject but I finally got the tape today (many thanks to Maria!) and....well, I think Colin�s almost unbearably sweet in it. I can�t get it how he can possibly look so charmingly shy and kinda untouched. The interviewer obviously managed to make him nervous by her own nervousness. The interview is terrible technically, I mean it shows how much inte esting things our Einstein could say and create in a moment if he get a proper chance and if his thinking wasn�t interrupted. What was that about Darcy�s contact lenses, is he referring to something that has been discussed at Drool? Talking about Darcy, if Colin really is this vulnerable about fame, the biggest Darcy mania must have been a big shock for him. In fact, we don�t know everything about the causes of it, there might have been some very unpleasant things like people watching his house day and night and whatever. In fact I used to think that it could have been a reaction to all this that he married and vanished to Italy

test

WOW! I seem to have raised a storm by reporting CF's comments.! I have to say that I only gave a selection of his responses, and my overall impression, after reading all the questions and his (quite serious)answers, was of a very normal, unassuming and modest man, who continues to be rather ill at ease with fame and the broader implications of "celebrity". He genuinely seems to think of himself as ordinary and I'm sure his upbringing has made him self-effacing rather than self-promoting. I thought his "contact lens etc" comments indicated that he was genuinely taken back that people were so interested in him and in the personal details of his life, and he probably isn't entirely comfortable with this degree of attention. I'm sure it doesn't mean that he doesn't appreciate his fans. On a personal one-to-one level, he appears to be perfectly charming and warm...he hugs people, for goodness sake!! Haven't got all the interview, just bits, but here's some more: Q. How important is money to you? A. I wouldn't do something just for a big pay cheque. I don't despise money, but I think if one isn't too greedy you can have your cake and eat it. You can do good work, make a good living, have a proper personal life and be proud of what you do and not be destroyed by it" He also says that he went into acting because he has a "hunger for attention, but when the light is shining directly in your eyes, it can be very intimidating, and on those occasions there's a tendency to go to ground" Which sounds as though he finds it difficult to be in the limelight. Must finish, as family need phone/computer/tea etc, but there is more....

Moon, dear,are you supposed to contact His agent about the answers to our questions?

People DID watch his house/flat when P&P2 came out. Is there not the famous quote from him about not being able to go out "for a bog roll" in case of being watched or followed. Now would Einstein have discussed "bog rolls?"

Well Bethan if he is into "HUGS" he going to have a lot to get through at the Donmar isn't he ladies, because we don't just want one for ourselves, we want one in lieu for each one of you ardent loyal internet fans who can't be there!

Just to chime in re: Internet fans, there was an item in the gossip section of the Boston Herald a few weeks back deriding Ben Affleck as being "so vain that he actually chats with female fans in the chat room of his unofficial web site." And I thought, what's vain about that? I think it was a very generous and appreciative gesture. Would that we could get Colin to do that! It seems as though with the Internet, actors are damned if they do (i.e., appreciate fans and be called vain) or damned if they don't

(Eileen)....if he knew some of you are flying to London for his upcoming play he would be most appreciative Hmmm, I�ve been wondering about that because I�m heading for London too. It could be interesting for him to know about this pilgrimage because it IS a tremendous proof of affection, but I�m not sure that he WANTS affection nor that he appreciates it, he just wants to be professionally appreciated. How would he feel if he knew that on a certain Saturday there will be people in the audience who have come from so far away just because of him....happy? Horrified?!

I don't know if I would actually like it if our DB was actually joining us online!! I prefer our discussions to be uninhibited and relaxed, imagine all the mistakes in postings we would make with quivering fingers!!! I don't think we would really enjoy having him declare himself in our midst after all. But prove me wrong!!! With your snippet Susan , I wonder if the BA "LUVVIE" character with the big ego , was acting in SIL !!! It could certainly massage his ego to chat about himself. Could that have been the final death knell for GP?

Elena, it's getting to look like quite a large proportion of that Saturday audience are there because of him and drool!!

Thanks for the additional interview info, Bethan. Keep it coming, at your convenience. As I just said over in chat, I've got it all figured out. Since so many of you droolie firth-faithful are attending 3DOR, the play will undoubtedly be a success...Colin will begin to recognize your familiar faces in the audience...when you meet him at the stage door (to collect your hugs), you can tell him you're his INTERNET fans! :-) Seriously, his comments about fame and money have always been consistent. Here's more from the People article, picking up from where Heide left off: With his trademark gentleman's reserve, Firth says simply, "She keeps me grounded." There have, of course, been romances besides Gwinny and Livia--most notable with actress Meg Tilly, whom Firth met when they costarred in the 1989 film Valmont. They were together for several years and have a son, William, now 8, who lives with Tilly in L.A. Firth, says Scott Thomas, "is very attached to his son." Firth says he and William just like to "hang out" when he's in L.A. (where Firth owns a condo): "T ere's nothing unconventional about our activities." The same can hardly be said for Firth's own childhood. Born in Hampshire, England, he was the first of three children of two teachers, David, now 64, who taught social studies, and Shirley, now 62, with a Ph.D. in comparative religion. His parents met as schoolchildren in India, where their own parents worked as missionaries. While Firth was still a toddler, the family--which now includes brother Jonathan, 31, an actor, and sister Kate, 36, avoice coach--moved to Nigeria, where his parents were teacher . (In Firth's intellectual, Christian home, the word "sin" did not come up, he once told Britian's The Guardian , but there was always a sense of "right and wrong.") When he was 3, the family returned to Hampshire, and Firth enrolled in the local elementary school--much to his dismay. "there were moments I enjoyed and [a few] teachers I found inspiring," he allows. "The rest of it I despised." Of the moments he enjoyed, English and music classes ranked high. But even as a young boy, his passion was drama. "I did a pantomime when I was 5, and everyone loved it," says Firth. He joined a drama workshop at 10 and by 14 had decided on acting as a profession. "I dare say it was an excuse to be bad at math," he says, laughing. After graduating in 1979, he spent a "bleak" six months answering phones at London's Shaw Theatre and six more months working in wardrobe at the National Theatre there. In 1980 he was accepted at London's prestigious Drama Centre and for the first time felt excited by his studies--most of them. "We used to rebel a lot and [cut] classes that we didn't like," says Firth's classmate and friend, actor Ian Jeffs. But occasionally playing hooky didn't tarnish Firth's star. "He was the kind of student who almost never occurs," says school founder Yat Malmgren (whose previous students included Anthony Hopkins and Sean Connery). "He had everything I expect and rarely find: imagination, intelligence, logic, common sense." Indeed, the 37-year-old institute decided to stage its first and only Hamlet just for him. "You can't do five Hamlets a year," says Malmgren. "You have to find your Hamlet. We found ours in Colin." More... copyright People Magazine 2/8/99 Forgive any typos. That's all for now!

Looks like my last italic closure didn't catch. Thought I was careful. Sorry.

Testing, testing 1,2,3!

About bog rolls.....yes, I found that Einsteinous (!). Poor guy tried to make people realize that he really is a normal human being, not Darcy or the biggest sex god of the century, and probably succeeded to some extent. Reading that quote at the time made me realize he must be desperate and that the situation is getting to his nerves.

(Lisa)I like to think of us as an erudite and discerning group of women who appreciate a fine (and good looking) actor when we see one. What a nice compliment....Wow! Thanks Eileen for typing some of that long People article. Bethan, did you say that article is on line? Where? Bethan....Allison....answer your emails!!

(Patas), Moon, dear,are you supposed to contact His agent about the answers to our questions? I am very much on top of this. I have been told repeatedly that he will answer them, but now I am doubtful. They are expecting me to ring them next week and I shall, will let you know. They do know that there will be several internet fans flying in from the States and Europe for 3DoR because through Heide, we have fax them the news. I am working on getting THE opening dates for FP and MLSF in the States. Another question is when Don Quick starts filming and who the co-stars are. Allison, you were not stalking, believe me, my v. good friend's sister was killed by a stalker in Milan. I don't believe you to be a dangerous person, you're just a v. curious female, join the club. I went to see the church where he married on my trip to Umbria. As you Bethan, I take his comments seriously, I am slowly recuperating.

The old worry about the adoring destroying the adored - as old as...Jesus Christ, in fact. Can the argument ever be resolved? Probably not, but perhaps it doesn't much matter unless you end up like that nut who slept in Di Caprio's bed in Hollywood, or the DeNiro figure in The Entertainer. Having said that, none of the things he's said in the interview is terribly surprising surely? You know he's at least equivocal about fame. In fact, it's probably part of his appeal. I am one of those, incidentally, who would probably not stand unmoved, or unpanting, if Jennifer Ehle came into my office and did a slow striptease. I venture there are a few of us. But I also know she has a little place in her heart, and a big place in her bed, for ME.....(sounds of maniacal stalkerish cackling)

Truly, it's just not worth getting upset over. We're interpreting his comments. Why get upset if the interpretation is unflattering to us? We'll never know if that's really what he meant. By the way, to clarify our contact with Colin's agent: Moon has two very reasonable questions for the agent only - one about the Fever Pitch opening and one about My Life So Far's opening. In that message, she just mentioned how pleased we were to learn about Three Days of Rain and that some people "will be traveling to London to see him perform." Nothing stalker-ish about that. ;-) Thanks, Bethan, for posting more of the interview. And thanks, Eileen, for posting more of the People article. Anyone else care to continue? Thanks

OK, I might as well use up a lot of my Library hour and get my two cents in too! I don't see why everyone is getting so bruised about Colin's answer to the fame question. As I see it, the question was "What was the DOWNSIDE of fame?" i. e.; what can be unpleasant about it. He was being perfectly honest about what he felt was unpleasant about it, and any regular follower of his KNOWS how he feels about "fame". This does not mean that he doesn't expect to experience the side effects, nor that he is unwilling to cope with it, but he just wasn't COMFORTABLE with some total stranger w lking up and quoting all his biostats at him. (What's the purpose of that, incidentally? Did they think he'd forgotten them?!?) I know if some stranger walked up to me and quoted my stats, you'd better believe that I would be more than uncomfortable with it. Luckily, I'm not in that position (strangers tend to run the other way!) (And, Moon, be honest...it isn't that he doesn't appreciate all the hard work done on the Internet FOR HIM...face it, dear, its FOR US!) ;-p Anyway it was an unfortunate (and honest) off-the-cuff reaction to the question...and one we could have predicted. Heide, I think you summed up the situation very well. (Oh, and Laura...don't be so open with your ambition of chewing on his exquisite neck...no wonder he's nervous!) ;=P Bethan you said the interview was "posted somewhere else"...so, WHERE, already?!?

One other observation, I think. Gi, your sister had it in a nutshell...she'd "forgotten" about Colin until after the movie was over! He "disappears" into his characters. That is both his blessing and his curse. I believe he will never be readily recognized in public because every one of his "incarnations" is different from all the others...and also from him in an informal situation...so he is less vulnerable to the "downsides" of fame than many others in his profession...but his generally neutral appearance will always, I think, keep him from being a "well-known" actor to the general public...and that "People" article seems to mak it clear that that is just fine with him!