Vanessa Redgrave Receives BAFTA Fellowship
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Call The Midwife voiceover actress Vanessa Redgrave, 84, has hit out at the UK government, saying that what’s happening “at the top” of the government isn’t acceptable. Talking to Radio Times, the star addressed social issues such as the Windrush scandal, the UK’s poverty level, and Universal Credit before calling for reform amongst the top levels of the government.
What’s going on at the top, in government, isn’t tolerable
Vanessa Redgrave
In the interview, the BBC star spoke about the Call The Midwife series and how society today has mirrored many of the show’s social crises.
She said: “The Windrush people coming and homelessness and evictions, the terrible way poor people were treated, which I can’t help pointing out and remarking to you is much worse today.”
The award-winning actress continued to emphasise that people are living in “sheer poverty” in the UK, especially women.
Vanessa went on to call for social reform, adding the support needs to be provided for those living below the poverty line.
“We still need change; I’d like to change this awful Universal Credit, and make sure there’s decent social support for the huge numbers who live in dire circumstances”, she continued.
However, it’s not just via her words that the actress has tried to address issues of social injustice.
Vanessa reportedly sold the house she was living in with her three children to fund a documentary about Palestinians.
She is also said to have used her fee from the 1971 film Mary, Queen of Scots to fund a nursery school where she lived.
The star also addressed her own role in attempting to highlight social inequality.
She said: “Most people I know do what they can, but what’s going on at the top, in government, isn’t tolerable.”
Vanessa added: “If one wants things to get better, one has to work for them.
“I don’t feel I should go around holding my head up if I wasn’t doing something to help.”
Earlier in the week, it was revealed that the actress will no longer star opposite Kevin Spacey in her husband’s – Franco Nero, 79, – new movie.
In 2017, Hollywood star Kevin Spacey was accused of multiple sexual misconduct allegations, which he has strongly denied.
It has been announced that the 61-year-old will be returning to acting in Italian drama L’uomo che disegno Dio, which translates The Man Who Drew God.
The film will be directed by Franco Nero, who had told ABC News: “I’m very happy Kevin agreed to participate in my film.
“I consider him a great actor and I can’t wait to start the movie.”
Nero’s wife Vanessa was set to feature in the movie as a piano teacher, but now the 84-year-old has confirmed she will not take part in the project.
Her representative stated: “Vanessa Redgrave’s name is being included in recent stories relating to the casting of the upcoming film The Man Who Drew God.
“While there have been discussions about the possibility of her joining the cast, she will not appear in the film.”
This week’s Radio Times is available to buy from May 29 and can also be read here.
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