British actor Hugh Grant admitted that he had considered starting a career in politics but changed his mind on the advice of his former mother-in-law.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly about his role in the miniseries «The Undoing,» Grant was asked if he had ever thought about getting into politics in real life. «It has occurred to me. But I understand that it’s practically impossible to do anything. It’s just impossible,» he said.

According to him, he discussed this issue with his wife Anna Eberstein’s mother, Susanne Eberstein, a former member of the Swedish parliament, who advised him not to engage in politics because it’s all about bargaining and «the subsequent insults are unimaginable.»

The actor recalled participating in a tactical election campaign during the 2019 elections in the UK, trying to prevent the re-election of the Conservative Party, stating that he was subjected to «appalling» harassment. «What was interesting was the abuse from the right. I never know if they’re real or bots. But they’re brilliant at what they do. And it was just horrible,» Grant said. «So, I understand you either have to be very brave or very mad to engage in politics in the age of digital technology.»

In «The Undoing,» Grant plays Jonathan Fraser, a former chancellor of a fictional Central European country. Fraser was overthrown and imprisoned by the current chancellor, Elena Vernem, played by Kate Winslet, in the six-episode HBO miniseries.