David Suchet

A very readable autobiography of the relationship between the actor David Suchet and his television portrayal of Hercule Poirot from 1988 to 2013, which is very enjoyably filled with anecdotes from the production of the short stories and books by Agatha Christie.
I read this quickly, and so was a little irritated by the repetition of some themes and notes of thanks, usually near the end of a chapter. But these are minor quibbles about a book in which Suchet generously regales us with stories show more about how he created the character on screen and the circumstances around the filming of many of the episodes. show less

As a fan of both David Suchet and Agatha Christie, this book was a true delight to listen to (I recommend the audiobook, as it is read by Suchet and thus very engaging, but I think simply reading it would also be lovely). Not only did I learn more about Suchet and Christie, the behind the scenes bits about the show (I have seen every episode!) were fun. I learned more about the theater, the acting world in general, and how someone like Suchet, who aims only to serve the creator and writer of show more the characters he portrays, prepares for, executes, and protects the role. I could see listening to this again, which is not something I've ever sought to do with a memoir/autobiography. show less

"Believe me, you won't stay the same," he replied. "Everything will change, whether you want it to or not, and you won't be able to go back."

I have read numerous actor bios, but this is the first dedicated solely not to an actor's overall life or a movie series, but to the almost full absorption of a character. The tow in ways merged so profoundly that Suchet brought Poirot to life as no one had before him, and he perhaps carried that change within him personally off-camera. show more Fascinating.

While I've always been a big fan of Agatha Christie, I hadn't started the David Suchet starred TV show until much later in life. Once I got into the show, I see what all the fame was about. David Suchet seems a perfect fit for the infamous fictional Belgium, and reading this books show how much care the actor took to make it appear so. It opens with a nostalgic, depressing conclusion to the Poirot series - Poirot's death - and from there wraps back to the beginning where it all started.

He does spice up details of his life in between seasons with details of other roles he plays, many in theater and some on screen, and now I'm curious about checking out many of these films and plays myself. I would have liked some more personal shared drama in the story - such as if he were accept more with some of his long-time cast members and friends being left behind in later seasons - but he professionally addresses all and keeps it cordial. Indeed, it frequently peppers the pages with direct quotes that are positive on episodes and seasons overall. He talks about some odd and uncomfortable situations with fans, but mostly appreciation and surprise how far Poirot left his mark. He utmost respects Agatha Christie when he dons the hat and mustache, and stays true to the character, even refusing to wear suits he does not think Poirot would wear. He admits he had not read a Christie before this, but when he first discovered the role he read every book on Poirot and made an expansive checklist of the character traits mentioned that he would keep checking for years to make sure the character is being stayed faithful to.

If you're a fan of the TV show, definitely pick this one up when you get a chance. show less

I'm a fan of the Hercule Poirot movies. I'm a fan of Poirot the detective, and I don't think there could be a BETTER actor chosen to bring this fictional character to life! David Suchet meticulously studied Hercule Poirot in all of Agatha Christie's writings before taking on the role. A role that saw him playing 'The Little Belgian' for the next 25 years of his professional life! He was 42 when he first took on the role and 67 when he filmed the last episode. Throughout those years, he is show more the first to admit that, the line between where David Suchet ended and Hercule Poirot began was very blurred, he literally 'became' Hercule! To hear him talking about this remarkable partnership, and how his life was changed forever by such a fastidious, moral, little man, as he always calls him, was wonderful. show less