The Welsh Connection
November 9th 2009 06:45
It occurred to me earlier that one aspect of my life I only intermittently embrace is my half-Welshness. And why is that? Perhaps it’s something to do with their comedic lilting accent or society’s obsession to connecting them with sheep. Or perhaps it’s the robust urban myth that Welshies are a bit dim? I’m not sure, but I do know there are some good bits that are often not noticed such as, Welsh cakes, serene countryside, strong rugby skills and their ability to create and use a language without vowels and much spitting.
So, I thought I should acknowledge my heritage and pay my respects to some reputable and sometimes overlooked Welsh actors:
Well, we must start with Richard Burton. He doesn’t fall into the forgotten category especially as he was nominated seven times for an Academy Award (without success) and was at one time the highest-paid actor in Hollywood. Just to recap, some of his highlights include Where Eagles Dare (1968), Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966) and Cleopatra (1963).
Burton and Taylor
Charlotte Church, the famous Welsh songstress who falls somewhat flimsily under the actor umbrella as well as singer and television presenter. Additionally, she’s largely known for her public shenanigans and plentiful bosom.
Charlotte Church
Sir Philip Anthony Hopkins. A fine and respected actor, best known for Silence of the Lambs (1991), The Elephant Man (1980) and The Remains of the Day (1993). ‘Hello Clarice’.
Anthony Hopkins
Griffith Rhys Jones, better known as Griff Rhys Jones, comedian, writer and actor memorably known for his comedy work with Mel Smith. He also looks like an older Hugh Grant to me.
Griffith Rhys Jones
Paul Rhys ,the film, theatre and televisioon actor is known for his intense and often volatile work. He is probably most branded for his role in Absolute Beginners (1986).
Paul Rhys
John Rhys-Davies, the English-born Welsh actor and vocal artist. He’s probably best known for playing the charismatic Arab excavator Sallah in the Indiana Jones films and the dwarf Gimli in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, in which he also voiced Treebeard.
Michael Sheen, the BAFTA- and Laurence Olivier Award-nominated Welsh actor is not related to any of the other Sheens, Charlie, Martin or Emilio. This Sheen is recognised for his portrayals of well-known public figures: Tony Blair in The Deal and The Queen, and in the upcoming The Special Relationship; David Frost in both the stage production and the film version of Frost/Nixon. He's also known for his role as Lucian in the Underworld film series. And just to blow him well into Hollywood fame, his next role is the menacing luminary Aro in The Twilight Saga: New Moon. An impressive résumé although he’s only really familiar to me because of his role as Miles in Bright Young Things.
And finally, Catherine Zeta-Jones, recognised for her Hollywood roles in The Phantom (1996), The Mask of Zorro (1998), and Entrapment (19999). She’s also known for her marriage to older dude Michael Douglas plus her achievement of magically losing her curves yet preserving her abundant mammary glands.
Catherine Zeta-Jones in her younger days
So, there we have it. The list isn’t too shabby after all is it? So let’s all get out our leeks and celebrate. And in case you feel like singing a Welsh tune, click here:
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Comment by The Rusty Can
Everything
Comment by Spring-Heeled Jack
Over.Exposure
On topic, I'm quite proud/intrigued by my Welsh heritage. My great-great grandfather emigrated to Newcastle from Wales through the mining industry connection, and Wales has long been a place I'd like to explore. As for the lilting accent, it may sound somewhat comic when speaking English, but Cymric just wouldn't be the same without it!
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Great to see you. I hadn't heard of Gwen as I haven't really got into the recent Dr Who series. I looked her up and she's done quite a lot of television work including a stint on EastEnders (which I used to be addicted to).
Thanks for that addition!!
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Wales is a truly beautiful place to visit, it’s often overlooked and forgotten which is a pity. Hope you get a chance to have an adventure there at some stage. And yes, the place wouldn’t be the same without the accent!
Tracy
PS I think you can see Entrapment anytime you’re brave enough!!
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Some good Welsh offerings though - didn't realise Hopkins was Welsh!
Good quirky little post Trace!
Mich
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Yes, Ifans is a character, I can't believe I almost forgot him, what a nutter I am.
Byee
Comment by Mountain Fog
Or should I say...
Iechyd da i chwi yn awr ac yn oesoedd
(Good health to you now and forever!)
tee hee...
My maternal grandfather was born in Wales, but he died when my mother was four. Amazing character apparently, a boxing promoter, who travelled through Australia, Asia and the USA, mostly New York, looking for boxers and staging fights.
I always wanted to write about his history, but we know so little of him, tracking him is difficult, as he used three different first names, all his, but when putting that to a search engine for records...
cheers
and I spent my Xmas day home alone, so it wasn't exactly a cheery day, coupled with Stella's loss made it worse I expect.
fog
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Your Welsh is impressive! I know a few non-crucial phrases but that's all.
Aha, so you have some Welsh in your background as well. What a pity it's so hard to find out more about your grandfather, he sounds like an interesting character.
I'm sorry your Christmas Day was hard, I can imagine it was very empty without Stella there.
Good to see you,
Tracy
Comment by Mountain Fog
yeah, Chrissy was tough, and still is really tough every night at bedtime... missing her snorkle talk and huffing as she gets comfy, or when I am sitting up in bed writing, she would insist on lying across one of me legs propped up, then snoozing.... people say, just get another one, but it isn't that easy to do...
cheers
fog
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Yes, I would imagine that nights are especially hard. And I don't think it's so simple to just get another pooch. That might be a lovely idea one day, but I can imagine you're missing all those endless characteristics that made Stella who she was. I think you can only do these things in your own time. And you'll know if/when that time comes.
Bye
Comment by Nikki Lang
Im connected to the world of boxing in Wales maybe I can help with some research?