MY CRAZY RIDE Henry Golding’s rise
The ‘Last Christmas’ star shares how much his life has changed since he became a household name
After being discovered by Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M. Chu during a global casting call, Malaysian-British actor Henry Golding went from travel show host for the BBC (and former London hairdresser) to leading man of the decade’s top-grossing romantic comedy. Now starring in the movie Last Christmas, Golding, 32, reflects on how fame has altered life for him and his wife, fitness expert Liv Lo Golding, 34.
Last Christmas is another rom-com. Do you consider yourself a romantic?
I’ve technically done only two romantic comedies! Crazy Rich Asians put you on Hollywood’s radar in a major way. How has it changed your life?
It’s a lot of time away, but I manage to bring my wife to sets as much as possible and we have an amazing time. The response to the films is why I love acting – audiences feeling inspired, like they’ve had a break from reality and gone into a world of love and dreams. Life has changed for the better for sure. Were you immediately drawn to your wife like your Last Christmas character Tom is to Emilia Clarke’s Kate?
There’s always a little bit of magic when you first meet a person. But it’s when you get to know somebody, that’s when you start realising, “This is the love of my life.”
Did you ask Emilia for Game of Thrones spoilers during filming?
I asked her once. She said, “I can’t tell you. I haven’t even told my mum”. When we met at the table read, I expected Daenerys, but Emilia is one of the loveliest, bubbliest, most energetic people.
How do you spend your downtime?
It’s essentially disconnecting from everybody – putting the phone in a cupboard and being present. Just spending one-on-one time with my loved ones and going for a holiday. I’m going to Peru this year around Christmas time, so I’m really excited about that.
What are your favourite Christmas memories from your childhood?
I remember getting a He-Man sword.
As a kid, it was the greatest present I’d ever received. I remember running around the house going, “By the power of Grayskull!” I don’t think anything’s ever topped that.