Jude Law has opened up about one of the biggest regrets regarding the early years of his acting career.
Best known for roles in films like The Talented Mr. Ripley, for which he received an Oscar nomination, Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes and The Holiday, the 51-year-old takes on significantly different roles these days.
Advert
His latest role is as King Henry VIII in historical film Firebrand, opposite Academy Award winner Alicia Vikander, who plays the King's sixth and final wife, Catherine Parr.
First released in May 2023 at the Cannes Film Festival, it was put up to compete for the Palme d'Or, and focuses on the final years of one of England's most famous monarchs, and the marriage to his last wife.
However, it has not had a wide release since then, with the movie set to be released in US cinemas on Friday (14 June), though there is no concrete news on the UK front yet.
Law took the role so seriously that he recreated the awful smell that King Henry VIII reportedly gave off in his final years, following a freak jousting accident that left him with painful leg ulcers.
Advert
The British actor did this by using perfume that smelled like poo, for the most authentic experience, of course.
However, despite his commitment, Law does have one griping regret about the early years of his career.
The former heartthrob said that he wishes that he took advantage of his good looks more on screen.
Advert
"I didn't feel like I really ever leaned into playing handsome, but there were roles that required an attractive energy," he told DuJour magazine.
"I was trying to play against my looks in my early 20s, and now that I'm saggy and balding, I wish I had played it up."
Previously known as a sex symbol, his latest role sees him portraying a greying, overweight figure in King Henry VIII.
However, Law admitted that it was a nice change to 'have not leaned in to any sort of attraction', and concluded by saying: "It's been satisfying not having to turn that switch on."
Advert
Further expanding on the commitment he put in to the role, Law explained why he wore poo perfume at a press conference at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023.
"I read several interesting accounts that you could smell Henry three rooms away. His leg was rotting so badly. He hid it with rose oil. I thought it would have a great impact if I smelt awful," he explained.
I believe they call it method acting.
Joshua Nair