Comedian Ruby Wax has spoken about the "cruel" jokes that forged a close bond with the late actor Alan Rickman, reflecting on their nearly 40-year friendship and the changing landscape of celebrity and public discourse.
Wax and Rickman, who died in 2016, met at the Royal Shakespeare Company and shared a dark sense of humor. Wax recounted sending Rickman photos of individuals she described as "horizontally challenged" or bizarrely attired, which they would find amusing. She noted that such humor would likely lead to significant backlash today.
"Now you would really get in trouble for that," Wax told the Daily Mail. "They'd say, 'we have a right to wear that...'."
While known for her outspoken nature, Wax expressed a lack of concern about "cancel culture." She believes her directness resonates with people who may feel insecure, fostering a sense of compassion. She acknowledged that celebrities have faced backlash for their stances on issues like the Israeli-Gaza conflict but stated she doesn't personally experience or read such criticism.
Wax's career is marked by her provocative 1990s television shows, which redefined celebrity interviews. Among her notable encounters, she recalled an instant connection with Carrie Fisher, with whom she remained friends until Fisher's death in December 2016. Wax described Fisher's speech as "perfect for a novel," with language flowing effortlessly.
Conversely, Wax characterized her 2000 interview with Donald Trump as a "horror show." The interview reportedly ended abruptly after she laughed when Trump expressed his presidential ambitions, leading him to call her "the most obnoxious person" he had ever met.
Wax expressed a desire to interview Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, speculating about the influence of public relations on their public statements. While she knew Prince Harry as a child and had interviewed his mother, Princess Diana, she noted that Oprah Winfrey had already conducted a revealing interview with the couple.
Chat Show Past and Present
Wax has stated she would not revive her chat show format, citing the impossibility of recreating the intimate, long-form interviews she once conducted. In her era, she could spend weeks with guests, sometimes even staying with them, fostering a rapport that allowed for genuine connection. She noted that the presence of PR representatives and concerns about potential exposure would prevent such access today.
She also indicated she would not adapt to more conventional chat show formats, preferring the deep dives that allowed relationships to form and evolve during her programs. "What I loved [with my shows] is you saw a relationship born, and sometimes die!"
Current Engagements and Mental Health Advocacy
Currently, Wax is touring with her "Absolutely Famous" show, a retrospective of her interview career. She is also scheduled to speak at The Big Retreat Cambridgeshire festival this weekend. The festival, described as an adult-only event combining wellbeing, music, and food, will feature Wax discussing her life, career, and mental health.
Wax, who holds a master's degree in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, has been open about her struggles with bipolar disorder and depression, acting as a mental health advocate. She finds value in the festival's blend of activities, including yoga, cooking demonstrations, and talks, and her own contributions, which draw on her learning from Oxford.
Wax finds that her vulnerability on stage encourages openness from her audience. She also detailed her methods for managing her mental health amidst a demanding career, which include Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (RTMS) and antidepressants. Despite the challenges, she finds solace and energy in performing for audiences, stating, "put me in front of a thousand people, and I'm at home." The Big Retreat Cambridgeshire is taking place from September 11-13 at Abbot’s Ripton Estate.