Born in Watford, Robert Glenister, 62, joined the Young theatre in Harrow in 1970. He made his first television appearance in the 1980s sitcom Sink or Swim and his later TV work includes Hustle, Spooks and, most recently, Suspicion on Apple TV+ and the BBC’s Sherwood. He is playing Sorin in Chekhov’s The Seagull at the Harold Pinter theatre in London, which runs until 10 September. Glenister is married for the second time, has two children and lives in London.
What is your greatest fear?
Premature demise.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Lack of confidence.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Bullying.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
Passing out during a performance of Glengarry Glen Ross in the West End – and I was on stage. That was in 2017.
What is your most treasured possession?
My electric drum kit.
Describe yourself in three words
Funnyish, occasionally anxious, compassionate (that’s four words).
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
Lack of hair.
What is your most unappealing habit?
Picking my toenails and forgetting to clear up afterwards.
Which book are you ashamed not to have read?
I should have read more Dickens.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A policeman.
What is the worst thing anyone’s ever said to you?
I was playing Hamlet at the Sheffield Crucible many years ago and a critic wrote: “When Richard Briers played Hamlet his performance was described as being like that of a demented typewriter. Robert Glenister runs a close second.”
What was the last lie you told?
I can’t remember, he says ambiguously.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Pointless.
What did you dream about last night?
Walking on stage and not knowing what play I’m in.
What is the worst job you’ve done?
The back end of a horse in panto in Newcastle in 1979.
If you could edit your past, what would you change?
That I wasn’t quite as arrogant when I got successful.
How often do you have sex?
Well, I’m 62 …
What would you like to leave your children?
Self-confidence and happy memories.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
A chauffeur.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
That I’m still here.
What has been your closest brush with the law?
I’ve played an awful lot of policemen.
Would you rather have more sex, money or fame?
Money.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
I’m stealing this from my colleague Michael Simkins: “It’s not fair and don’t be late.”
What happens when we die?
Nothing. I think that’s it. When we go, we go.
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