Former Eastenders actor Ben Hardy, who plays Queen drummer Roger Taylor in Bohemian Rhapsody, has revealed the truth behind his convincing performance.
It seems Ben proved that he worked extremely hard to get it just right, despite not knowing he his way around the instrument until he got the part.
Mainly because he told a little big white lie to the film bosses and told them he could play before he actually could.
The bravery …
Speaking on ITVs This Morning he said: I was a little bit naughty, actually – I told them I could play the drums [when I couldnt].
Thats what they say, isnt it – “just tell them you can do it and work it out later!”
He added in interview shot in April: And then they asked me to play a song as part of the audition so I went away and had drum lessons every day.
Advertisement
Advertisement
I bought a drum kit and managed to just about pull off one song.
Hardy, who played Peter Beale in EasteEnders, had to shoot 13 songs for the film – and it seems hes a master at all of them… and nothing else.
I havent tried to play anything else, he admitted.
Now that is what we call smart.
Ironically Rami Malek, who plays Queens frontman, Freddie Mercury, was a lot more honest and told producers he couldnt sing or play piano – yet he still got the gig.
Everyone is obsessed with the movie, especially as you see the dedication Rami put into portraying the rock legend – you just have to watch the iconic Live Aid performance to see that.
Speaking about the role, the Mr Robot star, however, admitted he needed lessons and a lot of time to get to grips with the character, which is something he asked producer Graham King for.
And, just like Bradley Cooper did with Lady Gaga, we guess Graham believed in Rami.
We sat down for a six hour meeting and hed really only seen me in Mr Robot, where I played this profoundly alienated, socially anxious human being whos a pretty far cry from Freddie Mercury, he said in an interview with Deadline.
Graham saw something in me with Dennis OSullivan, and gave me a shot.
I said, “Listen, Im not a singer. I dont play the piano. I move in a very interesting way on a dancefloor – I dont know if Id call it rhythm.”
Advertisement
Advertisement
More: Queen (band)
But somehow, I just said, “if I have the time, I can get there. If you help me out with the things I need”.
He gave him lessons to sing, the piano lessons, a movement coach, a dialect coach, and most intriguing for us, teeth to wear a year in advance for him to get used to.
Thats some dedication to the cause.
Bohemian Rhapsody is out now.
Got a showbiz story?
If you've got a story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk Entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
MORE: Bohemian Rhapsody stars admit a cut of their Live Aid performance may be released soon
MORE: Rami Malek and Brian May are the champions at Bohemian Rhapsody world premiere
Advertisement
Advertisement
