Richard E. Grant is a Swazi-born British actor whose distinctive voice, intense screen presence, and remarkable career longevity have made him a beloved and respected figure in film, television, and theatre. He achieved instant cult status with his unforgettable film debut as the dissolute, histrionic actor Withnail in Bruce Robinson's Withnail and I (1987), a performance that set the tone for a career defined by charismatic, often eccentric, character roles. His work spans decades and genres, earning him critical acclaim including an Academy Award nomination for his supporting role in Can You Ever Forgive Me? (2018).

Born Richard Grant Esterhuysen in Mbabane, Swaziland (now Eswatini), he was the son of Henrik Esterhuysen, the territory's education minister, and his wife, Leonne. After his father's death when Grant was eleven, he was sent to a boarding school in Swaziland and later attended the University of Cape Town, where he studied drama. He began his professional acting career in theatre in South Africa before moving to London in 1982 to pursue opportunities in British film and television. Following his star-making turn in Withnail and I, he quickly established himself as a versatile character actor in both Hollywood and British productions throughout the late 1980s and 1990s. Notable films from this prolific period include How to Get Ahead in Advertising (1989), Warlock (1989), Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) as Lord Arthur Holmwood, The Age of Innocence (1993) directed by Martin Scorsese, and The Portrait of a Lady (1996).

Grant's career continued to flourish in the 21st century with acclaimed performances in Robert Altman's ensemble murder mystery Gosford Park (2001) and as a flamboyant fashion designer in The Iron Lady (2011), starring Meryl Streep. His television work has been equally varied, including starring as Sir Percy Blakeney in The Scarlet Pimpernel (1999-2000), a memorable guest role on Frasier (2004), and appearances in major series like Doctor Who, Game of Thrones (2016), and A Series of Unfortunate Events (2019). A career highlight arrived with his role as the charmingly seedy con artist Jack Hock in Can You Ever Forgive Me?, for which he won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male and received nominations for the Oscar, BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award. This recognition ushered in a new phase of high-profile work, including a role in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) and a scene-stealing performance as the aristocratic Sir James in Emerald Fennell's Saltburn (2023).

An avid diarist and author, Grant has published several books, including a memoir of his late wife, Joan Washington. He remains an active and sought-after performer, bringing his unique energy to every project. His journey from a cult film icon to an Oscar-nominated mainstay exemplifies a dedication to craft that has earned him a permanent place in the landscape of contemporary acting.