Martin Freeman Opens Up: From Jesus to Stevie Wonder
In a recent interview with The New Statesman, acclaimed actor Martin Freeman shared his thoughts on his childhood heroes, favourite books, and what makes him tick. Born in Aldershot in 1971, Freeman has had a distinguished career in both film and theatre, with notable roles including Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit film series.
According to The New Statesman, Freeman’s earliest memory is of having an asthma attack and having to visit the doctor’s surgery, where he recalls making his mother and sister laugh, showcasing his early flair for entertaining. When asked about his heroes, Freeman revealed that his childhood hero was Jesus as portrayed by Robert Powell in the TV series Jesus of Nazareth. As The New Statesman reports, Freeman stated, "My childhood hero was Jesus as portrayed by Robert Powell in the TV series Jesus of Nazareth. I don’t have a hero now – just people I really admire. Paul McCartney, there’s one."
Freeman also discussed the book that last changed his thinking, citing The New Statesman’s source, Nick Cohen’s What’s Left? How the Left Lost Its Way. He highlighted the importance of conversations, interviews, and art in challenging his perspectives. The New Statesman notes that Freeman’s admiration for Tony Benn, a British politician, was significant in his household growing up, with Freeman praising Benn’s diaries for showcasing his humanity.
In a conversation with The New Statesman, Freeman expressed his interest in living in different times and places, including the English Civil War, Victorian London, and Judea circa AD 32. When asked about his Mastermind specialist subject, Freeman jokingly suggested Stevie Wonder in the Seventies. The New Statesman reports that Freeman’s TV show of choice is The Sopranos, which he describes as "truly wonderful, a work of art." He also confessed to enjoying Peep Show as his comfort food.
As The New Statesman quotes Freeman, he would not be opposed to having his portrait painted by pop artist Peter Blake. However, when it comes to a theme tune, Freeman admitted that he wishes he had one, but it changes too often. The New Statesman notes that Freeman’s best piece of advice came from his mother, who told his brother to "get on with it" in life, a message that Freeman acknowledges he hasn’t always followed.
Freeman also shared his pet peeves with The New Statesman, including staff in shops not looking up from their phones and people getting their political information from short clips on their phones. When asked what single thing would make his life better, Freeman quipped that a 30-hour day would be helpful, as well as a ban on noisy leaf blowers. The New Statesman reports that Freeman is happiest when he’s with his family, either at home or on holiday.
In another life, The New Statesman notes that Freeman believes he would have loved to have had the talent to be a musician. However, despite concerns about the world, Freeman remains optimistic, stating that "we’re not doomed, no. No more than we ever were, I don’t think." The New Statesman reports that Martin Freeman will be performing in "The Fifth Step" at Soho Place from 12 May.
Source: Martin Freeman Q&A: "My childhood hero was Jesus as portrayed by Robert Powell" – This article is based on an interview with Martin Freeman published by The New Statesman.
