September 7th 2024.
Gemma Arterton has become a household name with her powerful and no-nonsense performances on both the big screen and stage. From her unforgettable debut in St Trinian's to her iconic role as a Bond girl in Quantum of Solace, and her portrayal of the determined and ambitious Barbara Parker in Funny Woman, she has captivated audiences with her range and talent. In this week's 60 Seconds, the 38-year-old opens up about the joys and challenges of motherhood, her experience as a Bond girl, and the highly-anticipated second season of SkyTV's hit show, Funny Woman.
When asked about her character, Barbara Parker, aka Sophie Straw, in Funny Woman, Gemma reveals her admiration for the multi-faceted and complex role. "There are two sides to Barbara," she explains. "She's effervescent, a comedian, and the life of the party. But she also has a fiery side and an ego that can be explosive. It's these layers that make her one of my favorite characters to play, as I get to let out all the silliness and physical comedy that I have inside me."
Despite portraying strong and assertive characters in most of her roles, Gemma admits that playing a more carefree and playful character like Sophie is a refreshing change. "I'm usually cast as very controlled and assertive characters, which is not me at all. It's interesting how people perceive me. In reality, I'm much more like Sophie - a 'dippy doodle,' as she would say."
Funny Woman is set in the 1960s, a time known for its vibrant fashion and cultural revolution. When asked if she's a fan of the era, Gemma reveals her love for the fashion of that time. "Between the ages of 15 and 25, I dressed exclusively in 1960s clothes. I loved the mini-skirts, bright colors, and bold patterns. It was a game-changing time for fashion, and I embraced it fully."
While the 1960s may be her favorite era, Gemma admits that she's also drawn to the late 1970s and early 1980s musically. "I'm a punk at heart, and I love bands like The Damned and The Stranglers. But I think any era would be interesting to visit, like the pre-World War II time of possibility in the 1930s."
In the second season of Funny Woman, Gemma's character, Barbara, receives some creepy fan mail. When asked if she's ever experienced anything similar, she reveals that her agent usually filters out any questionable fan mail before it reaches her. "I'm sure there's been some creepy stuff, but thankfully, I haven't seen it."
Gemma also reflects on her experience as a Bond girl in Quantum of Solace, admitting that she had no idea what a big deal it was at the time. "I loved working on the film, and I'm still friends with people from the cast. But the legacy and fame that came with it caught me by surprise. I didn't grow up watching Bond films, so I didn't fully grasp the magnitude of it all."
Aside from her successful acting career, Gemma is also a mother to a two-year-old boy with her husband, Rory Keenan. When asked about the challenges of parenthood, she reveals that they have been dealing with a stomach flu for the past ten days. "It's been awful, but thankfully, I'm used to functioning on very little sleep. It's definitely a rollercoaster, but I'm constantly learning and growing as a parent."
In her free time, Gemma has taken up painting and enjoys creating portraits. However, with a busy schedule and a young child, she admits that finding the time to paint can be a challenge. "I need five hours straight to paint, and since having a baby, it's been difficult to find that time. But I still enjoy doing other artistic things like drawing."
Despite her talent for painting, Gemma has no plans to exhibit her work publicly. "I recently got some of my paintings framed, and the framer suggested I share them online or on Instagram. But for me, painting is just a personal hobby, and I prefer to keep it that way."
As for what's next for Gemma, fans can catch her in the second season of Funny Woman, now available on Sky Max and Now. With her talent, versatility, and down-to-earth personality, there's no doubt that Gemma Arterton will continue to shine both on and off the screen.
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