NEWS

Russell Brand: I dont care about being typecast

20th April 2011

(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Russell Brand isnt worried about being typecast because in the grand scheme of the worlds problems its only a small issue.

The British comedian is famed for playing alcohol and drug dependent rocker Aldous Snow in Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him to the Greek. In real life the star has spent time in rehab to help with conquer addictions to drugs and sex, and he can now be seen portraying playboy Arthur in a remake of the Dudley Moore classic.

Russell is aware many people think he only plays himself on screen, but its not something he lets get to him. The 35-year-old is planning a lengthy career and knows hell end up surprising his detractors.

It was certainly something I considered. But when you consider problems such as the ecological destruction of our planet or racism and war being typecast doesn't seem like such a big issue. Typecast! he laughed. Of course its typecasting. But I've got a while. I'm not planning to die too soon, so I've got other options.

In the new version of Arthur, the main character deals with his addiction to drink by attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. It was something Russell felt was vital to the movie to show it had updated in the original 80s version Arthurs drinking was seen as amusing.

Alcohol now is recognised as a disease and a social problem, not something we can be all giggly and frivolous about. So my own Arthur, whilst he's still a raving alcoholic, he doesn't get away with it in the way that Dudley did. In those days, clearly, it wasn't a problem for people to be alcoholics. People were dying of alcoholism and it was considered fun, Russell told British newspaper The Independent.

Since making it in Hollywood Russells life has changed dramatically. He now lives in Los Angeles with his pop star wife Katy Perry and is wealthy.

Having money has changed the star, as he was so used to being poor he would obsess about cash. Now he worries more about keeping his personal life private and ensuring his wife is happy.

He has also started setting himself challenges, such as learning to drive. He has passed his test and has his own Range Rover, but was devastated to hear it might not be the most environmentally friendly vehicle.

Isn't it? Oh f**king hell. Now I've got to learn more stuff. I stopped drinking bottled water. What can I do? I'm a vegetarian. What does everyone want?!" he laughed. (C) Cover Media

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