On Air Now
The Smooth Sanctuary with Gary Vincent 7pm - 10pm
Richard E Grant breaks down in tears after Barbra Streisand replies to letter 47 years later
31 January 2019, 10:11 | Updated: 31 January 2019, 10:25
Richard E Grant has shared an emotional moment after Barbra Streisand replied to a letter he sent her as a young fan in the 1970s.
The British actor is a lifelong fan of Barbra Streisand, and on Tuesday (January 29), he shared his childhood letter, in which he asked the singer if she fancied a "two-week holiday, or longer" at his family home.
Streisand later replied to the tweet, thanking Grant for his "wonderful letter" he sent when he was 14.
Richard E Grant: Fascinating facts about the Oscar-nominated actor
Grant first sent the letter when he was living in Swaziland, now called eSwatini. He also shared a photograph of himself outside Streisand's home in California.
As a lifelong fan of someone you’ll understand what it meant for me to take this snap outside the home of @BarbraStreisand Asked Security for permission & he replied ‘It’s a public road, but thanks for asking’ Wrote her this letter when I was 14. My wife is very understanding! pic.twitter.com/3SohXKpgZT
— Richard E. Grant (@RichardEGrant) January 29, 2019
In the original letter, Grant wrote: "You don't know me yet, but I am writing to offer you an idea you might like to consider. My name is Richard and I live in a small African kingdom called Swaziland in south-east Africa."
He also told her his family had been huge fans since seeing her Oscar-winning performance in Funny Girl, and owned all her albums.
"I read in the paper that you were feeling very tired and pressurised by your fame and failed romance with Mr Ryan O'Neal. I would like to offer you a two week holiday, or longer, at our house, which is very beautiful with a pool and a magnificent view of the Ezulwini Valley."
Dear Richard What a wonderful letter you wrote me when u were 14 ! and look at u now! You're terrific in your latest movie with Melissa congratulations and love Barbra
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) January 29, 2019
He continued: "No-one will trouble you and I assure you you will not be mobbed in the street as your films only show in our one cinema for three days, so not that many people will know who you are, so no chance of being mobbed.
"Please consider this respite seriously. You will always be welcome."
My pal Nicole Wilcox took this photo as my daughter read me @BarbraStreisand ‘s tweet/response to a letter I sent her 47 yrs ago. Am completely crinkle faced & overcome with emotion. My ‘Message in a bottle’ miracle. 😭😍😇 pic.twitter.com/bJMko098we
— Richard E. Grant (@RichardEGrant) January 30, 2019
Streisand thanked Grant for his "wonderful letter", calling him "terrific" in his latest film, Can You Ever Forgive Me?, for which he has been nominated for an Oscar. He shared his tearful response to Streisand's tweet on social media later that day.
Grant said he was "overcome with emotion", and described the moment "My 'Message in a bottle' miracle".
