Comedian Ruby Wax has candidly discussed her intense past resentment towards fellow interviewer Louis Theroux, admitting that just hearing his name used to make her "want to throw up or punch a wall." The 72-year-old American-British performer, once famed for her high-profile BBC show When Ruby Wax Met… in the 1990s, believed Theroux had "stolen" her career as his star rose while her own television work diminished.
From Resentment to Reconciliation
In a revealing interview with the Sunday Times, Wax reflected on her upcoming UK tour, Absolutely Famous, which begins on 25 March. The tour features clips from her classic TV interviews, which she then reappraises on stage. Ironically, the concept was first suggested to her by Theroux himself, marking a significant shift in their relationship.
"Incredible, isn't it?" Wax remarked. "I really felt he'd stolen my career. But then I met him and he was so generous and kind. Louis, I'm sorry. I got you completely wrong." This public apology highlights her evolution from feelings of professional jealousy to mutual respect.
Historical Context of the Rivalry
During the 1990s, Wax interviewed major figures like OJ Simpson and Donald Trump, establishing herself as a prominent television presenter. Meanwhile, Louis Theroux gained attention in the late 1990s and early 2000s with his engaging, on-the-ground BBC documentaries, attracting praise and high-calibre interviewees. Wax previously admitted on The Adam Buxton Podcast in 2019 that she had "evolved" from her earlier resentment, though "there's still a little bit of anger."
Theroux addressed her remarks at the Edinburgh TV Festival that year, stating, "I also feel like people resenting you is kind of a compliment, not to be glib about it. I feel bad for her. I feel bad about it. And, at the same time, a little part of me is flattered that she would be so annoyed." Their relationship further improved when Wax appeared on Theroux's podcast, Grounded, in 2020, where she explained she didn't hate Theroux but rather the emotions he evoked, such as jealousy and envy.
Personal Struggles and Reflections
Wax's career challenges were compounded by personal issues. She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1993 and was hospitalised with the condition after the birth of her third child, Martha. In the Sunday Times interview, she also reflected on her friendship with the late actor Alan Rickman, who died in 2016. Rickman, whom she met after moving to London, advised her to pursue comedy over acting, saying, "Your stories, your delivery, they're hilarious. Be a comedian."
Wax fondly recalled, "He was the first person who ever truly listened to me. Alan was handsome, kind and so talented. Who isn't going to be in love with someone like that?" This personal insight adds depth to her journey from resentment to reconciliation with Theroux.
Looking Ahead to the Tour
As Wax prepares for her Absolutely Famous tour, which kicks off later this month, she uses her past experiences to inform her performances. The tour not only showcases her iconic interviews but also serves as a platform for her to process and share her professional and personal growth. Her story underscores the complexities of career rivalries in the entertainment industry and the power of forgiveness and understanding.
