Bill Nighy

For most actors, a life of quiet consistent work is practically a dream come true. And that’s the life Bill Nighy led for most of his career, steady work on the stage, on television and film, and even on radio, but never “that part”—the one that would launch him.

All of that changed in 2003, when, by now in his 50s, he stole “Love Actually” out from under the likes of Hugh Grant and Liam Neeson with a memorable turn as a rock n’ roll legend Billy Mack. 

Since then, he’s added class and wit to a variety of high profile projects (not to mention returning to the stage and television whenever he can). Joining Josh on the podcast this week, Nighy reveals himself to be a self-deprecating delight, soft spoken but hysterical, and quite insightful.

In this conversation, Nighy talks about his latest role as a hammy actor during WWII in “Their Finest”, why he loves working in sci-fi, and why he’s astonished that after all this time, it’s now that filmmakers are asking him to take off his clothes.