How Bill Nighy learns his lines

In this web exclusive acclaimed film and stage actor Bill Nighy discusses with Rita Braver his tricks for memorizing dialogue, and his superstitions about the process.

[baharam]

I can't get enough of Bill Nighy; he is such a beautiful person. Much love and respect to BN and his family.

[julienneh]

So basically he treats his acting like a regular job. I love him. He is obviously very talented, plus he takes his job seriously. Not a fame driven “actor”. A real one

[michaelknapp]

This guy is a master actor!!! I saw him in an interview and he said it bugs him when he sees the younger generation not knowing their lines. You have to do your homework and memorize your lines for a play or movie.

[AbhilashNoxBaruahnxee]

Bill Nighy, This guy is a LEGENDARY Actor in my books

[davidmacey]

Bill is one of my favourite actors, (whispered) but I have seen him forget lines on set proving that nobody is perfect. In fairness to him, he took the job late on when the actor he replaced was diagnosed with cancer and he did share his crisps with me at lunch. As a person he is such gentleman and a pleasure to have met. One of the best!

[carolking]

OMG You work harder than anyone that’s not studying for exams. I love all your movies that I’ve seen. Living gave me huge emotions and you did it so quietly. I admire you hugely. Thank you. ❤❤❤❤❤

[anandaclaire]

"Learning the lines is the easy part, " Bill says here. Yes. He also learns everyone's lines. Yes. Here's a tip for any actors out there watching and reading this:

For every scene you're in, record everyone's lines, except yours~and give a LONG pause on the tape for you to say the line (so you can fumble with it or play with it). While rehearsing your lines, play the tape while washing the dishes, mopping the floor, doing the laundry, tidying up... any "chore" that requires no thinking.

Not only will you learn your lines, you'll learn everyone else's. You can easily say your line if/when the director changes your blocking. When on stage, you can recover a scene when someone has dropped a line, cuz you can easily improvise yours to include important information that got dropped. And believe me, you'll notice.

Try it ;) You'll like it :)

[globalspiritualrevolutionmedia]

Mr. Nighy is a Great Teacher for all actors like myself!
Mr. Nighy way of learning and memorizing lines is the best way for me!

[michaelknapp]

This guy is just simply an incredible actor. I really like him alot! He's classy, and you can tell he prepares for his roles extensively. If you haven't seen him before, check him out. His latest film is getting great reviews !!

[elainepayne]

Most men want to know why women find Bill Nighy desirable. I love his voice, loved him in “Love Actually” too. Cant get enough of him in these Brett stories. I listen over and over again.

[LibertyAtYourService]

"Unobserved, uninhibited, private study is the backbone of any fine actor. " - Peter O'Toole.

I believe Mr. Nighy would agree.

[thomassimmons]

Absolutely true; take it from an actor, who tried it every which way from Sunday. Know your lines and the sooner the better!

[luckystarpiano]

Now THAT is dedication ❤ what an extraordinary routine 🙏🏻

[Oxford]

I love Bill Nighy, his voice is like silk!

[retribution]

There are a vast range of memorization techniques from antiquity, interesting that simple repetition appears to be the best. I know this works I've used it to memorize poetry for years which once memorized are never forgotten. I would add, saying the words aloud for muscle memory and visualizing the scene. You could also try arm/body movements and facial expressions in addition to saying the words. Another useful technique is to hand write the words, writing each line 3 times.

[lamalama]

I'm not an actor, but I challenged myself to learn the "tomorrow" speech from Macbeth by using Bill's technique. It really worked. I used it as a farewell speech for a work colleague who liked Shakespeare.

[ThisisClassic]

He is the best, not only as actor he is the better man, actor and maybe friend

[colleenminahan]

What he said! So true. Delaying is horrific

[luckyyoufilms]

What a great way to learn lines. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[rayunitedforyou]

One of my favorite actors of all time.