(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Richard E. Grant ignored a film producers advice to pump up to Schwarzenegger proportions.

The British actor is best known for playing shambolic Withnail in the cult comedy Withnail and I. However, in the early stages of his career Richard was told he could pick up film roles to rival bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is famed for his high-octane action roles including The Terminator, if he hit the gym.

Twenty years ago the producer on LA Story, a comedy I made with Steve Martin, took me aside and said, You know kid, you could have a great career in Hollywood if you got pumped up. I mean really pumped to Schwarzenegger proportions. You could be an action hero, he said in an interview with Natwest magazine.

Richard is famed for starring in an array of films, from big blockbusters to independent films including Gosford Park and The Age of Innocence. The Swaziland-born actor found the idea of boosting his physique in order to gain film roles hilarious, and refused the producers advice.

It took all the muscle power I had to crank my jaw up from the floor. After which I fell about laughing, he added.

The star will be seen playing Michael Heseltine to Meryl Streeps Margaret Thatcher in movie The Iron Lady later this year. (C) Cover Media