Hollywood actor Rupert Everett, known for his roles in Shrek, Another Country, and My Best Friend’s Wedding, has traded the glitz and glamour of red carpets for the rustic charm of a pub counter.
He’s now serving pints at The Swan, a rural Wiltshire pub that was on the brink of closure. Rupert is among 30 volunteers who have stepped up to keep the pub open following the exit of its previous licensee.
Speaking to Sky News, he said, “There has been an amazing effort by our community to keep this pub open. Times are hard for rural pubs, and this is the heart and hub of the village. I think that it is important to express my support.“
The actor has also joined CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, expressing his belief that proper beer is “the lifeblood of pubs both locally and nationally.” His involvement has added a dash of Hollywood sparkle to the humble Wiltshire pub, much to the delight of local villagers.
Rupert, who once described George Clooney as “not the brightest spark in the boulevard” and criticized the Ocean’s Eleven films as “a cancer to world culture,” has always been forthright about the ups and downs of his acting career.
“I’m gradually dragging my career back on track. That’s my aim for the next few years. But I’d also like, eventually, to become Amish or something like that.
“I would love to give up my cellphone and email. I’m not on social media. I think it’s the most destructive thing that’s happened to humanity in the last 50 years.”
Despite some career setbacks, Rupert’s latest endeavors show he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty.
Steve Stringer, secretary of the Salisbury and South Wiltshire branch of CAMRA and an Enford resident, expressed his excitement to local press, “I am excited that Rupert has chosen to support the campaign.
“As a lover of cask ales, it is only natural that he wishes to join us and to see him behind the bar serving the locals, shows his solidarity with the community effort.”
