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‘I turned down Gandhi because I’m terrified of snakes’: the amazing movie memories of Bruce Dern

Famed for playing loners, cranks and wayward angels, the Hollywood star is now a 90-year-old – but he still jogs daily. As he takes his latest film to Edinburgh, we meet the man Hitchcock called ‘the golden calf’

‘I turned down Gandhi because I’m terrified of snakes’: the amazing movie memories of Bruce Dern

TL;DR

  • Bruce Dern, at 90, remains active and continues to share his extensive life and career stories.
  • He draws parallels between his running background and his approach to a career where he often started as a 'second or third banana'.
  • Dern recalls declining a role in 'Gandhi' due to a fear of snakes and discusses his memorable meeting with Marilyn Monroe.
  • His career highlights include roles in 'The King of Marvin Gardens,' 'The Great Gatsby,' and an Oscar-nominated performance in 'Coming Home.'
  • He speaks fondly of his time at the Actors Studio and his move to Hollywood in 1960.
  • Dern is set to premiere his latest film, 'Northbound,' at the Edinburgh Film Festival.
  • He expresses gratitude for recognition, particularly from the Cannes Film Festival, stating, 'Cannes gives a shit.'