In the leafy embrace of Richmond, where the Thames meanders past Georgian terraces and the air carries the scent of old roses and fresh ambition, Richard E. Grant resides in a home that is as much a museum of love as it is a sanctuary of memory. The actor, diarist, and unrepentant maximalist has filled his house with the treasures of a life shared with his late wife, Joan Washington. Antiques, books, dolls, and film memorabilia jostle for space, each item a testament to their shared passions and adventures.
Richard E. Grant, the acclaimed British actor known for his roles in Withnail & I and Can You Ever Forgive Me?, has long been an ardent admirer of Barbra Streisand. His admiration culminated in a unique tribute: a commissioned sculpture of Streisand's face.
In February 2020, Grant unveiled a two-foot-tall sculpture depicting Streisand's left profile, a side she famously prefers. He shared his excitement on Twitter, stating:
"Commissioned a sculpture of @BarbraStreisand as I’ve been an avid fan for over half a century. It’s 2 foot tall and finally received it today!!"
Grant recounted informing Streisand about the sculpture during a meeting the previous summer. Her reaction was characteristically candid:
"She said, 'You're insane.' I said, 'Yeah, I know.' She said, 'No, you are insane.'"
This gesture was not an isolated act of fandom. At 14, Grant wrote a heartfelt letter to Streisand, inviting her to his family's home in Eswatini for a respite from the pressures of fame. Decades later, he shared this letter on Twitter, prompting a warm response from Streisand:
"Dear Richard What a wonderful letter you wrote me when u were 14! And look at u now! You're terrific in your latest movie with Melissa congratulations and love Barbra"
Their mutual appreciation culminated in a personal meeting at the Oscars, where they engaged in a heartfelt conversation. Grant later recounted spending two hours talking with Streisand at a party, describing the experience as "beyond anything that I could have wished for or imagined."
The sculpture now resides in Grant's garden, serving as a testament to his enduring admiration for Streisand and the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
