The star of The Affair and Luther answered questions on superhero movies, panto and the ills of her industry
Laurence Bury asks:
You are a fabulous actress – why haven’t more cerebral feature roles come your way? Is this a problem for every serious actress?
There aren't many cerebral roles out there, and they often occur more in TV these days than they do in film.
MarkCope asks:
What did you find most difficult about portraying your own grandmother?
It wasn't what you expect. The role actually felt quite disempowering. The rug was constantly being pulled from underneath her. Yeah, of course, giving birth to my dad was weird and the pressure of 'getting her right' was difficult but really it was the emotional demands of the piece.
JasonC73 asks:
Hi Ruth, I just saw Dark River. I thought it was a thoughtful, moving and disturbing film. Would you ever chuck in the acting lark and become a sheep farmer like your character?
I may have to if Brexit happens.
Veteran574 asks:
Do you think it’s easier to become an actor if you come from a privileged background?
Yes. Drama school is expensive. And unfortunately, It's one of the only avenues to get into the acting industry. There's not enough support for students from low-income backgrounds. It's also about the material we're making and we need to be representing people from all types of backgrounds.
HermanHesse asks:
Hi, would you consider panto?
Oh maybe I would … in a few years
Derrida3 asks:
Has The Affair led you to view your family – or yourself – in a different light? Has it changed the dynamic between members of your family?
No. It's made me appreciate my parent's marriage and its longevity
Gavmyster asks:
Would you ever consider being in a superhero movie?
Yes, I'd love to wear latex and kick ass! Alice is a good alternative
Gavmyster asks:
Can you name a few directors, actors and actresses you would love to work with?
Willem Dafoe, Tilda Swinton, Michael Haneke, Yorgos Lanthimos, Lynn Ramsey and Ruben Ostlund
… and ready to answer your questions!
Ruth Wilson’s latest project isn’t exactly straightforward. Mrs Wilson, which starts on BBC One on Tuesday 27 November at 9pm, sees Ruth delve into the complex and mysterious life of her grandfather, the novelist and ex-Secret Intelligence Service man, Alexander Wilson. Ruth will play her own grandmother, Alison.
“It was daunting playing my own family member, even a bit scary,” Wilson told the Observer. “But because it is a drama we are not judging them. It would actually be more exposing to make a documentary because it would be me, Ruth, and you would have to give answers and perhaps make a call on it.”
Wilson is used to complicated characters. She returns as psychopath and research scientist Alice Morgan in Luther early in 2019, and has recently left The Affair, where she starred alongside Dominic West in the infidelity-meets-murder saga. Despite her success on screen, she still regularly works in the theatre. “It’s an industry that’s built on making you feel not quite good enough, that you haven’t quite got to where you should, and it’s so mixed up with the media and selling stuff,” she said, discussing Hollywood.
“The turnover of stars is silly, brutal. You have to be zen, and that’s why it’s vital to stay working in the theatre, which is more generous to older women and more collaborative. It’s the true form, for me.”
She is joining us to answer your questions, in a live webchat from 3pm BST on Monday 26 November – post them in the comments below and she’ll answer as many as possible.
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