Leighton Buzzard actor writes refreshingly honest and humorous book about his profession

Joseph Millson, who has co-starred in Casino Royale, Angel Has Fallen and Dragonheart: Vengeance, has written a quirky memoir titled ‘Work...and other four-letter words’ which is a hilarious, behind-the-scenes, no-holds-barred account of his profession.

Joseph said: “It’s not just a book for actors and those nosy about acting, there is a spine running through it which non actors have enjoyed enormously, the love affair we all have to develop with work itself. No golden secrets, but a huge dollop of stubborn optimism runs through the pages.

“Writing this book over the last few years has been fascinating, joyful and occasionally painful as I revisit a few dark places.”

Like many at the moment, Joseph has struggled through the coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns that have resided. Life as an actor today is precarious.

“The pandemic has provided enormous challenges for me and my family with our industry disappearing overnight, but for the book it was terrific, I had no excuse not to knuckle down and get it done,” said Joseph.

“Television and film are creeping back to production, but theatre, which has been my staple employer since 1995 has been decimated and it’s unclear when it can return.

“We actors have fallen through the cracks and have had the very thinnest of government help. I don’t whinge, I have done whatever it takes to pay rent - working in a local supermarket stacking shelves, teaching acting online and recording a few radio plays and voice overs.”

Joseph, who has a career spanning over 25 years, is also known for many long-running roles on TV including chief baddie Aelfric in Netflix hit The Last Kingdom, Holby City and others, but says he enjoys teaching acting.

He said: “I teach online most weeks with ICAT and The Actors Community. Affordable grown-up stuff that’s open to all. To be successful in this business you need a sense of humour, a sense of humour and a sense of humour!”

‘Work...and other four-letter words’ is out now. It is available in paperback version or for Kindle on Amazon.

The book retails for £8.99 and has been published by Tandem Publishing and Urwin Press. Signed copies can be purchased at www.josephmillson.com