EMILY BLUNT
Actress Emily Blunt opens up about life In lockdown, working with the “adorable” Jamie dornan and her mission to help children with a stutter
British-born Emily Blunt has forged an incredible life for herself in the States, living in New York with her husband, actor John Krasinski, and their two daughters, Hazel, seven, and Violet, four. As well as being a doting mother, Emily, 38, is a hardworking actress and her latest film, Wild Mountain Thyme, is a cosy romantic drama which also stars Fifty Shades Of Grey actor Jamie Dornan. And when we speak to Emily, she says, “Jamie is endlessly funny and cool, so it was a dream to get to do this with him.”
Here, Emily reveals the lessons she learnt in lockdown and how she’s working to help children with a stutter...
The last year was tough on everyone. How did you get through it?
I tried to look towards that sense of togetherness we had as a family. There’s been no schedule and no need to be rushing out the door, grabbing school bags and lunches. When you strip all of that away, you just get to be with each other. I think that was a real discovery for me. How do you want to spend your time? That’s what I learned a lot about during the last year.
Were you scared during the pandemic?
When we had the first lockdown, everyone panicked. There was so much uncertainty – you’re dealing with all of these emotions. Once the sense of surrender comes in, you suddenly see everything and you go, “Wow, look at what matters to me.
Look how lucky I am.” Being far from my parents was very painful, but I don’t think it’s been any more challenging for me than it has for anyone else.
How was homeschooling?
We would try to muddle our way through homeschooling, just like everyone else – but I think this time at home gave people the ability to notice every detail of your children.
You grew up with a stutter, and you’re now involved with the American Institute Of Stuttering. How has that been for you?
I feel like I have a real sense of purpose with this foundation because it’s so personal to me. I understand the anguish that these kids and adults are going through. There’s a lot of misinformation out there about stuttering, so it’s my job to enlighten people on what it’s about; that it’s not anxiety ridden, it’s not that you have a mental disability and it’s not that you have a nervous disposition. It’s neurological, it’s genetic and it’s nobody’s fault – and kids can do nothing about it.
What advice would you give to youngsters who stutter?
I have so much empathy for them. It’s also the kind of thing that you can’t explain to people, because you cannot speak. You’re completely imprisoned by it. I find it incredibly moving, so what I tell the kids and parents who call me is that you just have to learn to wrap your arms around that part of yourself. You have to learn that it’s not the whole you, it’s just a part of you and everyone’s got something they’re dealing with. I love the fact I’ve never met a mean stutterer. Once you’ve been humiliated, you’ll never do it to anybody else. Ever.
You just released a new romantic film, What was it like to work with Jamie Dornan?
Wild Mountain Thyme.
It was a dream. Jamie is endlessly funny and cool, so it was a dream to get to do this with him. I think people have this perception of Jamie being his character from Fifty Shades, but he’s actually much closer to his character in Wild Mountain Thyme. He has all the uncertainty and awkward oddities that his character has. Jamie is adorable.
What was it like on set?
So fun. It was incredible to play Rosemary. She’s in
love with this guy and wants to soul gaze with him – and it’s quite confident of her to be, “Oh, I know you’re unwilling now, but I’m going to persuade you. I will make sure you know that you are loved.” I think he’s just uncertain. He can’t understand why she’s so in love with him and that’s what I like about this role reversal. However frustrating Anthony [Jamie’s character] can be, you’re like, “Come on, she wants you. Go for it!”
Do you think there’s a much more level playing field today when it comes to dating and pursuing love?
I think women are more empowered to take matters into their own hands now, and they should. They’re probably better at it in some ways. What I truly loved about my character in this movie is her ferocious pursuit of this man who’s rather unwilling, but she’s so determined to drag him into the next phase of his life. And she completely believes it’s with her.
Finally, what are you working on next?
A six-part limited series called The English, which is a western. It’s epic and as witty as it is violent. I play a rather extraordinary character and I’ve always wanted to do a Western. I can’t wait. My heart is racing about it.