I was born to be an actor’: Twice-knighted Derek Jacobi on nearly 70 years on the stage and screen

Legendary actor Sir Derek Jacobi, in an interview with Katty Kay, reflects on his illustrious career, attributing his success to a mix of talent and luck. He reveals his parents initially preferred he pursue a stable career like accounting or insurance, but were won over after seeing him perform on stage. Sir Derek, who has received numerous prestigious awards, began his acting journey at 17, driven by an innate desire to perform. He acknowledges the importance of opportunity, noting that without it, talent alone is insufficient. He also discusses his early days at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, which served as his training ground, and his experiences working with renowned actors. Despite facing challenges like remembering lines at his age, Sir Derek continues to work on various film and television projects, expressing gratitude for his “charmed life.”