Eddie Izzard Eyes Career In European Politics

NEW YORK — British comedian Eddie Izzard, whose acting career is taking off, is eyeing yet another possible career _ politician.

Izzard, who plays Wayne Malloy in FX's "The Riches" and who just finished shooting "Valkyrie," starring Tom Cruise, told Newsweek he sees himself getting into European politics at some point.

"We've got to make it work in Europe," the cross-dressing comedian, 46, told the magazine for its issue hitting newsstands Monday. "People are very worried about sovereignty and the loss of sovereignty. I think the stakes are if we don't make the European Union work, then the world is screwed. End of story."

Izzard, who's lending his voice to the upcoming film "Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian," said he enjoyed working on "Valkyrie." The film stars Cruise as Col. Claus Graf Schenk von Stauffenberg, the aristocratic army officer executed after a failed attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler in 1944.

Izzard's standup comedy act, "Stripped," is set to begin April 28 in Boston.

(This version CORRECTS the 'Riches' character's last name to Malloy, instead of Morrow.)

Comments

[FCBarca]

Love, love, love Eddie Izzard's standup...Great to hear he hasn't given it up

[MelKnee]

He'll succeed with his cunning use of flags.

[Tommygun264]

Anyone who has ever seen Mr. Izzard performing stand-up knows that his is among the most intelligent comic minds of our time. Frankly, most of his work on television and in films pales in comparison to the entertainment value one enjoys seeing Eddie Izzard in performances featuring him speaking in his own words. Add to that he is just a really nice guy.

Last August, I was in Paris, walking through the park, up the Champs Elysees headed toward the Arc de Triomphe when I recognized Eddie Izzard walking past me. Mr. Izzard not only spoke to me, but engaged my friend and I in conversation, asking us where we were from, what we were doing and whether or not we were enjoying Europe. He even posed for a picture with each of us, putting his arm around our shoulders and treating us with a style and charm modern day celebrities rarely display. That was my first and probably only trip to Europe encompassing eight countries in three weeks and that brief meeting, when Eddie Izzard went out of his way to make us feel as if he was actually pleased to meet and speak with us, which amazes me because I look like a raving lunatic in my picture with him, was the high point of my trip. He is without a doubt a genuine class act. In a way I hope he doesn't sully his reputation by getting mixed up in something as disreputable as politics.

[mamacat]

Our family thinks Eddie Izzard is the funniest thing since stand-up comedy was invented.
He has a point about the European Union being important. It looks like the U.S. may be on the road to irrelevance, or, even worse, may become an obstacle to bringing prosperity and peace to the world.

[RoseMerry]

Hey - is it me, or does Mr. Izzard remind you of Tim Curry?

But what exactly ARE his politics. Not that it really matters - I have no vote in the European Union. Wait. No one does. Ooops.

We will need to watch his performance, though, and then make a judgement. I hope he is not a globalist poodle.

[rustify]

he reminds me of Tim Curry too

[TuffPosh]

Izzard sounds like what I refer to as globalist scum.

Meanwhile, here's my positive take on this groundbreaking news:

http://lonewacko.com/blog/archives/007644.html

[grisgris]

Does anybody know if "The Riches" is got renewed? I LOVE Eddie Izzard (and Minnie Driver) and think "The Riches" is the best show on television.

[CynAnne]

...Here here, grisgris! I've adored Eddie since before "Dress To Kill" (possibly his BEST live comedic performance ever), and I try to catch "The Riches" whenever I can. Eddie is so smart, quick, funny, and sexy - I mean, think about dating a guy who enjoys both making love AND shoe shopping with you (doubled wardrobes - bonus)..!*sighs* ;) ...

[loki]

I can see him now in Parliament. " Death? Or Cake?"

[petsounds]

HAHAHAHAHAHA! GOOD one, Loki! You're obviously a true Eddie fan!

Perhaps he could start his political career by having a coffee with the president of Burundi....

[PennLawyer]

Definitely cake, please!

[JaneaneTheAcerbicGoblin]

Don't do it, Eddie! You're great as an entertainer/actor/artist/transvestite.

Don't be a politician, it's beneath you.

[Weathermaker]

Eddie's "Dress to Kill" stand up performance was absolutely brilliant. Good luck, Eddie whatever the heck you want to do. Just don't scale it down cause you're British. ;)

[RobinL]

I think he'd be brilliant---as he is in everything he does. And I wish the world had a better sense of humor so he could dress for the new job as resplendently as his imagination would allow!

[anastasiabeaverhousen]

I didn't know that "queen" was an elected post. Even in Europe! >;-}

[LoRiseAntlers]

"executive transvestite" would be the term Mr.Izzard would use.

If he does enter politics,i wish him well.

[jukesgrrl]

Let's just make it Your Highness by popular acclaim; that's a sex-neutral term.

[kellygrrrl]

Oh! Dang! I just spit my wine on the screen