Two of Britain's best-loved actors are set to win over Hollywood with cinematic offerings later this year. Upper-crust smoothie Hugh Grant will be back on silver screens in a new romantic comedy opposite Drew Barrymore. Meanwhile The Office creator Ricky Gervais is showcasing his biting comedic talents stateside.
In the last 18 months Hugh seemed happy taking time off from the acting world to escort his girlfriend, society beauty Jemima Khan, to a series of glitzy events. The star surprised fans at the screening of the Bridget Jones sequel by saying: "This is the last film I will ever do, and thankfully the last premiere."
But the attractive 45-year-old - who last appeared in a Tinseltown production in 2002 - has obviously had a change of heart. Having just finished work on American Dreamz, a social satire with Dennis Quaid, he's also signed up to star in Music And Lyrics By with Drew. The duo team up to play a lyricist and performer whose collaboration takes a romantic turn.
Ricky Gervais will make his big-screen debut as a favour to pal Ben Stiller. In the past the comedy actor has rejected movie roles, but he changed his mind after being persuaded by the Meet The Parents star. Ben starred in his BBC2 hit Extras, and Ricky said: "I owe him one".
He'll play a cameo role as the uptight director of a museum to Ben's bumbling guard. In Night At The Museum Mickey Rooney and Dick Van Dyke bring exhibits to life by accidentally triggering an ancient curse.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
