Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
In this episode of Rosebud, Gyles Brandreth interviews actor and farmer Martin Clunes about his life, career, and enduring love of animals. Clunes reflects on growing up with a famous father, actor Alec Clunes, who died when Martin was eight years old, and the profound impact that early loss and subsequent boarding school experiences had on him. He discusses his meandering path into acting, landing breakout roles in television comedies like Men Behaving Badly, and creating the long-running hit series Doc Martin with his wife, Philippa. Throughout the conversation, Clunes shares candid memories of finding peace on his Dorset farm, raising dogs, and navigating a life he describes as entirely unplanned.
Gyles Brandreth opens the episode, introduces the podcast and sets the stage for the interview with Martin Clunes.
Clunes discusses his birth, parents, and the influence of his father Alec Cloone’s legacy on his upbringing.
Clunes recounts his time at Barfield prep school, bed‑wetting, and the emotional aftermath of his father's passing.
Clunes explains how his family’s theatrical roots and early school plays sparked his interest in acting.
Clunes details his journey through theatre, television, and the pivotal role that led to his fame in Men Behaving Badly.
Clunes shares the story of meeting his wife Philippa, their marriage, and their daughter Emily.
Clunes discusses how he and Philippa manage their demanding careers while maintaining a family life.
Clunes talks about his passion for animals, his life on a farm in Dorset, and how animals fit into his personal narrative.
The episode opens with a series of unrelated commercial spots, setting a light‑hearted tone before the main conversation begins.
Clunes reflects on the people who shaped him, noting his wife, daughter, and the absence of his absentee father.
The hosts explore the idea of a "life lie"—a self‑congratulatory narrative that sustains a person through life.
Triggered Memory of Mallorcainsight
The sound of wind through Scots pines unexpectedly transported Clunes back to his childhood holidays in Mallorca.
Clunes shares his mother's harrowing yet memorable experience working as Orson Welles's secretary during a chaotic period.
Conscientious Objector Fatherstory
Clunes details how his father stood as a conscientious objector during World War II and drove an ambulance in the Blitz.
Transitioning to Doc Martinstrategy
Clunes explains how a failed Sky Pictures deal led to the creation of the hit television series Doc Martin on ITV.
Sharing the Planetinsight
Clunes reflects on his relationship with animals and his core belief that the world is meant to be shared, not owned.
Unlocking Early Griefinsight
Clunes reflects on how losing a parent at age eight suppressed his grief, which later resurfaced when mourning his pets.
“I was never going to be called Alexander. It was literally for the initials.”
“He was a conscientious objector at a time when it was hard to be a conscientious objector.”
“He turned down the part that, um, Michael Redgrave took of, the guy who did the bouncing bomb, because dad said, I, I, I can't do that.”
“It means you, you've convinced yourself in your head, you have a lie that carries you through life.”
“Um, but I see it more as sharing and I've.”
“Was I kept, I kept buying them on Amazon and they never looked enough.”
“Be, just to be nice to everyone. You do that. It's a good practice, isn't it?”
This is a treat: our guest today is the much-loved actor and star of Doc Martin, Martin Clunes. In this gorgeous conversation, Gyles and Martin discuss Martin's childhood - and Gyles's admiration for Martin's actor father, Alec Clunes, who died when Martin was only 8 years old. They talk about Martin's unhappy time at boarding school in the years after his father's death. They talk about a visit to a psychic, and about the importance of animals in Martin's life. And finally, Gyles and Martin talk about Martin's latest book, his life on his westcountry farm, and burials for dogs. Martin's book Training John and Murray, about training two terriers, is out now and available here https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/476741/training-john-and-murray-by-clunes-martin/9780241806036. Our heartfelt thanks to Martin Clunes for this fascinating conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.
12,889 words · 8 speakers
Page updated · transcript and summary are machine-generated