David Chambers was the absolute best of us.
As we incomprehensibly said goodbye to the most amazing human yesterday; I’ve never experienced such vast collective grief, emotion, and loss; coupled with such joy, love, celebration, and gratitude, that we all got to have that wonderful man in our lives.
Albeit, for too short a time.
For, although I was blessed to have known David for almost 25 years, it feels just like yesterday he announced himself incredibly, and indelibly, into our lives, whilst (of course) dressed as Freddie Mercury. What followed are so many cherished memories of nonsense, laughter, and fun. Countless crazy jobs and joyous social times, Glastonburys, comedy nights, perfect holidaying in France, hilarious chaos in Copenhagen, mad costumes (both for work and just for the sake of it), songs about horses, pictures of dogs, acrobatic owling, ‘crispy nems‘ (whatever they are) - he was such a constant source of happiness for so long. David particularly revelled in utter silliness - we had jokes that ran for decades - and I’m gutted we can’t randomly send each other daft little pictures or messages to make each other smile any more.
In the time I knew David he somehow grew from an already brilliant human, to an even more incredible and inspirational one; and I’m so proud (as everyone was) of the man he became. A truly devoted and loving husband to his wonderful wife Holly, and their beautiful boys Oscar and Felix - the strongest people I know - and an exceptional, loyal friend to so very many. His spirit and memory will live on through them, and all of us.
David Chambers was a breathtakingly kind, funny, effervescent, inspiring, silly, force of nature; with such an energy and zest for life, love, and others. He had a truly unique gift of making everyone around him feel special.
He was the most special of them all.
I will miss you so much my beautiful friend, but I’ll treasure those memories and be eternally grateful for the times and laughter we shared x
They say being an actor is very similar to being a rockstar. And I’m very much living breathing proof of tha…HOW DO YOU FILM A FULL-LENGTH SHOT IN A TINY ROOM ?!
#actor #actorslife #relatable #funny #rockstar
Sorry, is this acceptable?! A man just coughed directly onto my head. Is that normal behaviour? How am I even supposed to react to that? I’m absolutely livid. #relatable #publictransport #london #funny #awkward
I’ve been completely floored by the news of the tragic passing of James Rouse.
I was blessed to have worked with him and under his direction a number of times over the years - on some really special, memorable, and joyful shoots. He was always so meticulous in his work; and in an industry where filming is routinely tight on time, and often all about the product or brand being the star - he always, always, put so much weight and focus on the craft of performing, and performers.
James was undeniably one of the best directors in the business, and a master of his trade - you could always spot a Rouse ad because of its unique charm, heart, and wit - but he was of course also so much more than that. On a human level he always had such warmth and interest in others - and he regularly emailed or reached out - a couple times even calling to apologise when a job didn’t go my way, and how he’d fought for me. And I always knew I’d see him again in a few months… and that’s why this hits so hard. I never knew the last time would be the last time.
It’s no understatement to say he’s been one of the biggest influences on my career - I simply wouldn’t still be doing this if it weren’t for James - and it’s also probably because of him that I seek out, and cherish working with, other people of his ilk and values.
He championed and adored deft comedic talent, and was fiercely loyal - I always looked forward to seeing brilliant familiar faces in his casting waiting rooms - but most of all I looked forward to seeing James. I’ll miss his sharp dry humour; I’ll miss his endless and creative talent; I’ll miss his quiet and thoughtful energy; and I’ll miss his fondness and care towards those he worked with. I wish I could have thanked him.
James Rouse was truly one of a kind, and I’m absolutely heartbroken he’s gone.
