Anton Lesser on Trump's Tariffs, Arts Funding, and Acting Career

Potential Impact of Trump's Tariffs

• ⚠️ Anton Lesser expresses significant concern that Trump's proposed tariffs on foreign films could be "completely devastating" for the film and arts industry.
• 🎭 He notes that while Donald Trump's statements can be unpredictable, the potential impact is "horrific" and has been echoed by figures like Robert De Niro at the Cannes Film Festival.

Challenges for the British Arts Industry

• 📉 Lesser describes a perennial problem where the arts are often seen as a lower priority for government funding and subsidies.
• 🎭 He questions whether the arts are considered "luxurious" or truly significant, and worries about cultural impoverishment if storytelling is not supported.
• 🎓 The discussion touches on concerns about access to drama education, with a suggestion that opportunities are increasingly limited to those from privileged backgrounds.

Anton Lesser's Career and Future Projects

• 🎭 Lesser reflects on his own working-class background and the grants that enabled his education, contrasting it with the current perceived landscape for aspiring actors.
• 🎶 He plugs upcoming projects including a performance of Thomas Hardy at Lumley Opera House, touring Wolf Hall Live, and a show based on Lori Lee's Red Sky Sunrise.
• 🎬 He also mentions a potential role in a film about the Kindertransport and a voice-over for an animated film.

Reflections on Nighthoods and Retirement

• 🌟 While expressing admiration for contemporaries like Simon Russell Beale receiving knighthoods for services to theater, Lesser humorously questions the criteria for such honors.
• 🎭 He believes knighthoods should perhaps be reserved for those making significant sacrifices rather than simply doing their job, though he would be honored to receive one.
• ⏳ Regarding retirement, Lesser hopes acting will retire him rather than him becoming a liability, aiming to work as long as he enjoys it and can afford to stop when he chooses.