The 63-year-old actor saw his profile rise after his starring role in ‘American Gigolo’ in 2008, which brought with it an unexpected amount of press attention, which he dealt with in his own way.
He said: “My first response was an animal response of running away. ‘I don’t want that in my face. Leave me alone. I will go away’ … I would just find a quiet place somewhere.”
Richard admitted such a huge level of fame would have an effect on everyone going through it, but he doesn’t think the journalists or paparazzi are to blame.
He explained: “I don’t think anyone can ever go through that process of being famous and not have a problem with it. You would have to be abnormal … [But] I did not hate anything.
“It is not what I do … I started seeing everyone I once saw as tormentors as just human beings doing the best they can, even the paparazzi. They have families. They have jobs. They are doing the best they can.”
Source: Saturday Review (The Times)
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