In a casting decision sure to make ripples all over Hollywood, representatives for Prince Harry have confirmed that he will play Vincent van Gogh in an upcoming biopic about the infamous painter. It seems clear now that the ex-royal is not only determined to follow his wife, Meghan Markle, away from life in the British monarchy but into her former profession of acting.
“Prince Harry is thrilled about this opportunity to further raise awareness about mental health issues,” said his talent agent, Guy Guyerson. “He identifies with Vincent van Gogh in so many ways.”
Following the announcement, Prince Harry made a surprise drop-in on the Oprah Winfrey Show to further elucidate his connection to the famed — a famously troubled — Dutch painter.
“For one thing, we are both redheads,” he said, “which is a burden that should not be underestimated.” Prince Harry also went on to state that he is similarly “tortured,” and also that his paintings “don’t really look like the things they are supposed to be.” He raised concerns about still having both his ears, but he feels that with sufficient acting prowess, he can overcome that hurdle.
“Or … they won’t cut it off, will they?” he asked Oprah. “They won’t cut it off, right?”
The Prince added that he had visited Immersive Van Gogh exhibitions in 25 different cities to prepare for the role. He also plans to go look at some of the actual paintings, at some point, though currently he feels that the immersive exhibitions “better serve his process.”
From a childhood in the royal spotlight to bestselling author, and now actor, is there anything this audacious redhead won’t try?
“I can’t say more right now,” Prince Harry said, smiling mysteriously, “But I am thinking EGOT.”