Simon Pegg, Comedian
Interview by Robert Colvile
Currently reading:
David Mitchell's Cloud Atlas is an incredible piece of writing. The
command of language is breathtaking - it's a joy to read just for the
art of it, let alone how engaging the interlinked stories are.
Current band:
Louis XIV are a fantastic American band, who make a great noise but
have a bit of glam about them. It's Marc Bolan meets down-and-dirty
post-punk rock, but with a sense of galumphing fun.
Favourite actor/actress:
When I was younger I was captivated by Diane Keaton, in Sleeper and
Annie Hall. She's a brilliant performer and is always incredibly
watchable. Nowadays she tends to be in light romantic comedies, but
she always gives them a touch of class. And she's gorgeous.
Favourite TV programme:
Arrested Development is the funniest show since The Simpsons. Every
performance is just faultless - you can't pick your favourite
character. The problem is that it gets shunted into a graveyard slot -
British television never seems to understand how to handle good
American comedy.
Favourite book:
When I was very small, my grandma used to read me A Christmas Carol by
Charles Dickens. The story has been boiled down so often that it's
thought of as simplistic, but the original text is typically
Dickensian - funny and weird and dark.
Creative hero:
I have infinite respect for Eric Morecambe. He exuded comedy, but he
was also such an innovator. He was deconstructing humour way before
alternative comedy came along.
The 'Shaun of the Dead' graphic novel is out next week from Titan Books.