Film: Fan Facts - Richard E Grant

Cult fave: Grant credits much of his later success to his role in Withnail and I (1987), which only played in the cinemas for between six to eight weeks. It later became a cult classic.

None, thanks: Unlike his character in Withnail, who is a heavy drinker, Grant doesn't drink alcohol at all.

Strict diet: He also doesn't smoke, eat meat or chocolate, or drink hot beverages.

That's acting: During an early audition for Frankenstein, Grant got so carried away that he attempted to strangle the director.

The diaries: With Nails, the Film Diaries of Richard E Grant was the result of a life-long hobby. Grant has kept a diary since he was 11 and writes every day.

Name dropping: Diary highlights include shopping with Sharon Stone, dining with models Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss, and his observations of Hugh Grant in Paris.

Real namesake: Grant hasn't seen his brother, Stuart, in more than 10 years.

Life in Africa: Grant was born in Swaziland. His parents divorced when he was 11 and he and his brother lived with their father.

Time anyone: He wears a watch on both wrists. One belonged to his father and is set to Swaziland time.

`Keep the Aspidistra Flying' goes on release today