There's an unwritten rule if you're a Londoner: at some point, when you're just going about your day, strolling around town, running errands or having a coffee, you will spot Bill Nighy.
For years, people have been sharing their heartwarming anecdotes about encountering the 76-year-old actor on the streets of London. One user took to social media to share their excitement over finally spotting him, exclaiming, 'You are not a Londoner until you've seen Bill Nighy.'
Bill himself is aware of the phenomenon, and he attributes it to his decision not to own a car. 'I don't go out trying not to be an ae,' he said with a smile. 'I just do whatever you would do, or anybody would do, it's just a normal thing. People say hi, you say hi.'
Bill has been a fixture in London for decades, and his humility is evident in his encounters with fans. He recalled a story where a journalist put out a call for people to share their stories of meeting him in the street, and an astonishing 1,000 people responded.
'The fact that there was nobody who said "Yes, I met him, and he was an absolute ae" is very gratifying,' he said. 'I don't go out trying not to be an ae. I just do whatever you would do, or anybody would do, it's just a normal thing.'
In his latest project, Ride or Die, Bill stars opposite Hannah Waddingham and Octavia Spencer as The Director, the head of a mysterious assassination agency. The series has received praise for its blend of comedy and action, with Bill commending the writer, Tessa Coates, for her masterful way of balancing the two genres.
'I think it's a sublime blend for the viewer, and I think [creator] Tessa Coates has pulled off something really special,' he said. 'It honours the genre in every respect, but it also moves it on a touch.'
Ride or Die is available to stream on Amazon Prime, and it's clear that Bill Nighy's latest project is one to watch.
