Dawn French Almost Missed Out on Iconic Role in The Vicar of Dibley

 

Dawn French Almost Missed Out on Iconic Role in The Vicar of Dibley

Dawn French is celebrated for bringing Geraldine Grainger to life in the beloved BBC sitcom The Vicar of Dibley, but the role nearly went to someone else.

The hit comedy, which aired from 1994 to 2007, became a fan favorite for its sharp humor and memorable moments. However, according to producer Peter Bennett-Jones, the role wasn’t originally written with French in mind.

In a 2020 interview with HuffPost, Bennett-Jones revealed that writer Richard Curtis had envisioned a "forthright comic actress" for the part, though no specific names were mentioned. "It wasn’t written for Dawn, but she made it her own," he explained. "I think Richard may have even seen three or four different people for the role. Dawn was cast, and the rest is history."

Bennett-Jones added, "I know other actors were considered, but the right decision was made. Dawn knows comedy inside out. It’s impossible to imagine the role without her now."

Despite her eventual success, French initially had doubts about playing a vicar. She worried the character might feel overly pious or restrained. However, Joy Carroll, one of the UK’s first female vicars, helped ease her concerns.

"Joy was a force of nature," Bennett-Jones said. "She reassured Dawn that vicars could drink, eat chocolate, and even have a love life. That made her much more comfortable taking on the role."

French’s portrayal of Geraldine Grainger not only cemented her place in television history but also brought a fresh, humorous perspective to a profession rarely seen in such a comedic light. From the casting room to the screen, her journey to embodying the iconic character is a testament to the magic of the right actor finding the perfect role.