Ivan Simon Cary Elwes, known professionally as Cary Elwes, is an English actor, screenwriter and author known for his roles in The Princess Bride; Glory; Robin Hood: Men in Tights; Days of Thunder; Bram Stoker's Dracula; Hot Shots!
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» All Actor InterviewsI play billionaire art collector Arthur Davenport in “The Art of More.” New episodes are streaming free on Crackle now. Watch here: http://www.crackle.com/the-art-of-more-season-2.
Go ahead, ask me anything.
The second season of “The Art of More” is a high-stakes journey of greed and desperation through the New York auction scene where it’s not just the art and memorabilia that comes at a high price. It also stars Dennis Quaid, Kate Bosworth, Christian Cooke, Sandrine Holt, and Merritt Patterson.
Proof: https://twitter.com/TheArtofMore/status/798919022783795201
Change the title, everyone already knows you are the Dread Pirate Wesley!!..
Any chance of the Princess Bride part 2?
No, but there will be a musical coming to Broadway soon.
Favorite off-screen memory with Andre The Giant?
On the first day of shooting he let out a fart that could be heard in Beijing.
Why didnt Despereaux get his own spin off show after Psych ended?
Good question! I get asked that all the time, I'm hoping that I get to work with the team behind that show again as I loved working on it.
I consider The Princess Bride to be one the most quotable movies of all time. Do you have a favorite quote? Not necessarily from the movie.
"Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries." from Monty Python and the Holy Grail
What is the best cheese?
The one Andre cut.
What about the R.O.U.S.'s?
The R.O.U.S.'s were played by little people in rat suits who had to be sewn into their costumes and they were absolute troopers.
What was a harder role for you to get in the mindset of the character? Saw or Princess Bride?
I think PB only because I had so much training and research to do before starting the movie.
Have you kept any of the props or other items from any of your projects? If so, what are some of your favorites?
I have the sword from The Princess Bride which is something very special to me for obvious reasons.
Can acting be taught, or just coached?
I believe depending on the talent of the actor or director either one can work
Do you ever go on reddit when not doing ama's?
Nothing against Reddit, but I try to spend as much time off the computer as I can as I have a 9-year-old and I prefer to spend quality time with her.
Great interview today on Bennington. What Princess Bride line gets shouted at you on the street the most?
As you can imagine, "As you wish."
What is the best and worst parts of the changes brought about by the internet for an actor?
The internet is a great tool for research for any filmmaker but one has to be careful for as much information that there is online there is just as much misinformation as well
What does Dennis Quaid smell like?
Like a field of lilies in Spring.
You have always peppered your career with small/guest roles. What is it about these smaller roles that appeal to you?
If the character speaks to me it doesn't matter what size the role is.
Any traits you or anyone in your family seem to share with the eccentric John Elwes?
(Dickens' model for Scrooge.)
Occasionally I find myself questioning the outrageous prices that some hotels charge for room service. So I guess you could say there's a little bit of Scrooge in me.
When you are pitched a script, what's the first thing you factor in to your decision?
Would it be a show that I would want to watch even if I weren't in it?
Hey Cary,
How does it feel to be a living icon in a lot of minds? Is it humbling? Does it feed into your ego a bit? Always wondered because you seem genuinely pleasant in person.
Always humbling. I am truly grateful for all of the blessings I have had in my career.
Hello! I wish I could convey with words what an impact The Princess Bride has had on my and my family -- it's associated with so many good memories that I almost can't watch it by myself anymore because I'll be just overcome with emotion.
I've heard a few times that as a teenager you drove Roger Moore to the set of a Bond film -- is this true? What did he smell like?
Read my memoir As You Wish, it's all in there.
What dooms child actors?
Parents who force their kids to act.
I love your book and listening to you read it. But I forgot, How do you pronounce your last name? And is it of Welsh origin?
It's pronounced "Elwis" and the family is originally from Lincolnshire.
Have you spent a lot of time in your life/career with the billionaire class? What's the hardest thing to get used to about that lifestyle, when you do visit it?
I don't know any billionaires, but if I had a choice I would love to meet Warren Buffett and pick his brain.
What was your favourite part of making The Princess Bride? And same question about Robin Hood: Men In Tights? (Sorry I'm sure you get asked this a lot but they're such awesome movies)
My favorite part was getting the opportunity to be in both of those films as they are some of my most treasured memories.
What was working with Mel Brooks like?
Mel is not only one of the great comedic directors of all time he is a wonderful human being and obviously hilariously funny.
Who would win in a fight: Dread Pirate Wesley or Robin Hood?
Probably Wesley as Robin Hood's sword was so darned heavy.
Do you like wearing tights?
What is your best childhood memory?
After wearing tights I have a new appreciation for women who wear them. They are not that comfortable. My favorite childhood memory was spending time in Spain with my father.
Has Desperaux reunited with Shawn and Gus since the finale?
No.
If you had to be stuck in one of your roles, which would you pick?
I don't want to be stuck in any roles, or any elevators.
Does anyone ever still come up to you and try to give you "the claw" from Liar Liar? You're a wonderful actor and thanks for all the quality entertainment over the years.
All the time.
Ok, I haven't watched any of season 1 yet. Without giving too many spoilers:
1. what is your favorite aspect of this character?
2. how much influence do you have over the role?
3. is any of the show based on true events?
What is the funniest thing you have seen happen on set?
See above.
Your family are some pretty accomplished people, seems like almost across the board. Did their shadows influence you or others in the family? Was there a bit of pressure to be something exceptional?
The only pressure I felt was the pressure I put on myself to accomplish my goals.
What is a day in the life of Cary Elwes like?
Depends on whether I'm shooting or with my family.
What's your favourite memory of Robin Hood: Men in Tights?
I can't pinpoint one scene or day, but working with Mel is a memory I shall always treasure.
What are your feelings towards "sillier" movies like Ella Enchanted? Was working with Anne Hathaway a draw, or did you film the movie more for the kids?
Both!
Hi Cary!! I'm a new fan and I was wondering if you like doing roles with a different accent or do you prefer doing roles with your natural accent?
Accents are not as important to me as the character. But they are fun to do!
Would you consider a guest role on House of Cards?
Absolutely! I love that show!
You've played an incredibly diverse amount of characters during your career, but is there any role that you haven't played that you really want to?
I'd love to do a western one day.
Any funny stories off-set with Dave Chappelle? Also, did you watch SNL this weekend?
Love Dave and thought he was brilliant on SNL.
Are you related to a Tom Elwes from Highgate, London?
Probably.
When is Days of Thunder 2 finally getting made?
That would be up to Mr. Cruise.
Are there any movies that you've starred in that are lesser-known but that you feel deserve more attention?
I am particularly fond of "Shadow of the Vampire" and "The Cat's Meow."
Are there any particular details about a character or script that could turn you off from taking a role?
Bad writing.
Who's your role model and why?
Gandhi who said "be the change you wish to see in the world."
Hello Mr. Elwes, first of all, clichés out of the way - big fan, too flustered to ask you anything serious so... Thank God curiosity helps...
What is your favorite movie in all the world?
Apocalypse Now.
Who is your favorite artist?
My father.
I just wanted to say how much I absolutely adore you. What's your favorite thing to have for breakfast?
Egg white omelet.
Why is Crackle netflix for people in the struggle?
The cool thing about Crackle is that its free and you can watch the best television shows and movies.