Joanna Lumley Hilariously Reveals: 27 Takes for a Kiss with Leonardo DiCaprio

Joanna Lumley revealed it took 27 takes to get her kiss just right with Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street during a podcast interview. Speaking of her roles, she joked about always being cast as a villainous older character, while contrasting her smooch with DiCaprio to a possible kiss from Ken Barlow. Lumley shared funny anecdotes and insights about filming, highlighting the lighter side of acting.
Dame Joanna Lumley, the beloved British actress, has dropped a bombshell about her infamous smooch with Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street – it took a staggering 27 takes! Yes, you read that right. And here I thought kissing was supposed to be pretty straightforward. Lumley, soon to celebrate her 79th birthday on May 1, spilled the beans on the Dish podcast by Waitrose, hosted by Nick Grimshaw and Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett. Let’s just say, the woman’s got stories!
In a light-hearted chat, the Absolutely Fabulous star had no problem poking fun at the roles she’s snagged lately. “It seems I’m always cast as a wicked old stepmother or a cruel granny,” Lumley joked, as if she was auditioning for the role of the British Grandmother version of a villain in a Disney movie. Hartnett didn’t buy that line for a second, pointing out Lumley had the chance to lip-lock with a Hollywood heartthrob instead. “Hold on! You kissed Leonardo DiCaprio! That makes you a sexy aunt!”
Grimshaw chimed in with his signature cheeky banter, “Very friendly. Too friendly!” To which Hartnett added, “A tad too friendly for your niece’s liking!” It’s safe to say that their banter had everyone laughing, including Lumley herself. “That was pretty nice,” she admitted, clearly cherishing the memory despite the technical difficulties.
When asked to compare DiCaprio to a legendary soap opera kisser like Ken Barlow, Lumley needed a moment to process. Spoiler alert: DiCaprio won hands down. “Ken might have bestowed a peck on the cheek, if he ever did!” she teased. Meanwhile, judging from the 27 attempts needed with Leo, he must’ve been quite the practice enthusiast too. Grimshaw quipped, “I picture you saying, ‘No! It’s just not feeling right!’ we need another go!” Lumley, switching into a spot-on American accent, teased back, “I think I’m like Marty. I need to try that again.” Talk about dedication!
As for the loveable Leo, he might have a reputation for charm, but Lumley revealed he took some warming up for their on-screen antics. In a previous appearance on Alan Carr’s Chatty Man, she stated, “Unfortunately, with the kissing he took a while getting used to it,” sounding like she was his personal kiss coach, urging him to keep going.
With a glint in her eye, Lumley recalled their minty fresh strategy during filming. “We kept mints handy, as a courtesy. You know, like disinfecting a hospital!” Now that’s what I call romance. She elaborated that actors are sensitive about their breath, and nothing says ‘I want to kiss you’ like mints and a solid dental regimen!
In the end, Joanna Lumley’s cheeky confessions about her 27 takes with Leonardo DiCaprio not only shed light on the challenges of Hollywood romance but also served up a hearty dose of laughter. From playful banter about her ‘wicked’ roles to the essential mint strategy for kissing scenes, it’s clear that even the stars have to work a bit harder than you’d think. Who knew lip service could require so much practice?
Original Source: www.express.co.uk