Thank you very much for your questions. I was frightened that no one would ask any,” said Hugh Grant after he took on questions from fans across the world on Reddit’s Ask Me Anything on October 10. He sounded very much like the floppy-haired actor –– a master at dry humour –– who has delivered romantic classics like Four Weddings And A Funeral, Notting Hill, Music and Lyrics, Love Actually.... The 54-year-old touched upon a range of topics but not his recent decision to drop out of the third edition of Bridget Jones or his relationships.

How’s your day going?

Heh. I’m having a lovely day, thank you. I’m being ferried around from studio to studio, doing interviews for this new film (The Rewrite), and so far I haven’t lost my temper.

Was it your choice to be so prolific in the area of romantic movies? Would you like to try other genres too?

It wasn’t my choice. It just seems to be what happened. I have acted in quite a few films in other genres. It’s just that no one seems to have watched them.

In a romantic comedy battle royale between you and John Cusack, who would win and why?

Well, when it comes to acting, he would win. But if it came to a straight fist fight, I would take that bitch down.

My mom wants to know, in Sense and Sensibility, Emma Thompson wrote such a beautiful screenplay, and in the final scene between Edward and Eleanor you seemed so authentic. Did you ad-lib at all?

I would have liked to. But Emma was very fussy about her own script. And would threaten me with physical violence if I changed a single syllable. So no.

Do you like acting in the States or is UK better?

I can be nervous and difficult about acting in all of those places. But I do quite like the way the Americans are less devoted to the script, and everyone mutters around with the lines, and improvises. That seems to help my nerves.

Are you still in contact with Julia Roberts?

I do occasionally bump into her. But I don’t call her anymore. Not since the restraining order.

Do you feel any shame at playing so many characters that set such high romantic standards for men?

I do feel guilty. It’s all a terrible lie. And if it’s any comfort, in real life, I’m a nightmare in any kind of relationship. These are all inventions just to make people miserable.

Four Weddings And A Funeral is one of the funniest movies ever made. What’s your favourite story from filming that movie?

I’m just glad that it turned out well. Halfway through filming, they screened about 20 minutes of the film for the cast and crew. There wasn’t a single laugh in it. And I had to be helped, sobbing, back to the set to work that afternoon.

Can you see yourself in the Marvel universe? Which superhero would you be and how would you make sure you get into the third Avengers movie?

I’ve always cherished the role of the Hulk, and am furious no one has offered it to me.

In The Rewrite you play a Hollywood screenwriter. Ever thought, or even tried, to venture into screenwriting yourself?

I have in fact tinkered with a number of scripts that I’ve been involved with. And I do have a list in my iPhone of ideas for a full-length script. It’s just a question of having the discipline to get down to it.

Love Actually is one of my favourites. Do you have any fond memories of filming, apart from torturing Billy Bob Thornton with antiques?

All I can remember was fear and dread knowing that I was going to have to do that dancing scene at some point. They kept asking me to rehearse, and I refused.

I recently watched Music And Lyrics and I thought it was hilarious. Those dance moves are amazing. Did you make them up? And what is your favourite TV show?

Thank you very much for liking my dancing. You may be the first person, ever. And yes, I did make up a number of those moves. Especially the “motorcycle” move. Which I now see widely imitated in the nightclubs of Ibiza.

I really only watch motor racing. But I do quite like Modern Family.

You almost became James Bond back in 1995. If you could and were offered, would you go back and take the role?

I never was offered James Bond, sadly. Which is a shame, because I think I would look nice in a white tuxedo. And I do love to kill.

Any action on the writing front? What genre(s) do you see yourself exploring when you do turn your attention to being an author?

Sadly, I’ve been so involved with this political campaign here in the UK for the last three years that I haven’t had time to put pen to paper. But I do still have that half-finished novel. And the genre I would describe it would be “black comedy” or “film noir” with the emphasis on the noir, because it all takes place inside the boot of a car.

What’s your favourite kind of music? What are you listening to the most right now?

I’m not sure that my musical taste is very cutting-edge. I very much like military bands, The Sound of Music, and above all, the Gypsy Kings. I met one of the Gypsy Kings this morning. He had a radio interview, and I practically fainted with excitement.

Have you used the phrase “whoops-a-daisy” since filming Notting Hill?

Heh. English people say “whoops-a-daisies” on average every three minutes. So, yes, of course I’ve used it.

Who’s your favourite superhero?

I’d have to say that was Batman, from the original 1960s TV series. When I was seven, I had a utility belt, a Bat-cape, Bat handkerchiefs, and I still to this day sometimes like to wear my underpants outside my tights.

What is your favourite horror movie?

I highly recommend The Lair Of The White Worm, in which I bravely take on a terrifying giant earthworm. It co-stars the new Doctor Who, Peter Capaldi. And was made in 1988 with very dodgy special effects.

Will you direct a movie in the future?

I would like to do that. I often think the only person having fun on a film set is the director.

If you weren’t acting, what would you be doing and why?

I used to have a parallel career in advertising. Which I quite enjoyed. I was completely unprincipled, and would advertise absolutely anything for money. It was all quite fun.

Which of your childhood dreams came true?

Absolutely none. I’m a bitter and disappointed man.

Beer or wine?

I will pour almost anything down my throat, I’m afraid.

What was the best country to shoot a film in?

Ehm… I always love shooting in France. They don’t start work until 11am. And there are bottles of wine on the breakfast buffet.

What’s your favourite food to eat with a cup of tea?

I have a complicated procedure with tea and biscuits that involves licking all the chocolate off a chocolate digestive biscuit, throwing the biscuit away, and then throwing the tea away, because by that time it’s gotten cold.

It’s almost lunchtime in NYC and I don’t know what I want. What do you recommend for under $20?

I think you should have a Nathan’s hot dog. But only one. I once made the mistake of having four for lunch. And was unable to return to the film set in the afternoon.

What’s your secret to being as old as my mum and yet looking about 20 years younger?

You’re very nice to say that. But in fact, I am told that I do look pretty baggy now. Someone on Twitter the other day said I had a face like a scrotum. So I’m afraid I have no tips. You should ask someone else.

What shampoo do you use, and how often do you wash your hair?

Like most Englishmen, hair washing is an annual event. I believe mine is coming up in November, when my whole family likes to wash their hair together.

Could you give me any tips for living in the UK as an international student from North America?

Don’t wash too often. It will make the locals suspicious of you. Learn to love Dairylea (cheese) and Marmite (food paste).

If we were to go cheese tasting, which cheese would you suggest I try first?

I would start with a delicious processed cheese called Dairylea, which is, I believe, 90 per cent chemical. I was brought up on it, and always look for it among the cheese boards at those expensive restaurants.

Is it pronounced caramel or carmel?

Caramel is what you eat; Carmel is where Clint Eastwood lives.

What is the worst part about being famous?

It’s pretty much lovely all around, to tell the truth. And don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.

I like Hugh Grant because… Tell t2@abp.in