Geoffrey Rush Reflects on 'Lost Years' and Career Trajectory After Defamation Case
Actor Geoffrey Rush, 74, recently attended a 30th-anniversary screening of his film Shine on the Gold Coast, participating in a Q&A session alongside director Scott Hicks and pianist David Helfgott. During the event, organized by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA), an organization he once led, Rush addressed his career trajectory and the period following a high-profile defamation case.
Rush stated he is not embarking on a "comeback" but rather reflecting on "a few lost years."
"I'm not embarking on a 'comeback' but rather reflecting on 'a few lost years.'"
Defamation Case Background
The period Rush referred to followed a 2017 article published in Sydney's Daily Telegraph under the headline "King Leer." The article contained allegations of "inappropriate behaviour" by Rush towards an unnamed co-star during the Sydney Theatre Company's 2015-16 production of King Lear.
Rush subsequently filed a defamation lawsuit against Nationwide News, the publisher, asserting that the paper had portrayed him as a "pervert" and "sexual predator." In 2019, Rush won the case and was awarded $2.87 million in damages.
During the court proceedings, actress Eryn Jean Norvill, who played Cordelia opposite Rush in King Lear, provided evidence. She alleged sexual harassment, including an instance where Rush reportedly stroked her breast during a preview performance in late 2015.
Separately, in 2018, actress Yael Stone made allegations regarding Rush's conduct during a 2010-11 production of The Diary of A Madman at Belvoir St Theatre. Stone claimed he danced naked in front of her in their dressing room and used a mirror to watch her showering. Rush denied Stone’s allegations, and a Federal Court judge did not permit them to be heard in court during the defamation trial.
Rush commented that the case "hurt" and indicated he has "moved on."
Career Reflections and Future Projects
Following the legal proceedings, Rush stated he entered a "reflective state for three or four years" and has since focused on what he described as "very special projects." He expressed a desire to be more honest in his professional choices and to pursue roles that "excite" him, though he conveyed uncertainty about returning to the stage with the same "zeal." He acknowledged receiving support from family, friends, and colleagues during this time but declined to comment directly on Ms. Norvill and Ms. Stone.
Declined Notable Roles
Rush has been offered and declined several notable roles:
- King Lear Adaptation: American-Canadian director Des McAnuff offered Rush the title role in a film adaptation of King Lear after the death of Christopher Plummer in 2021, who was initially cast. Rush declined due to timing considerations.
- President Trump Role: He also declined an offer to play President Trump in The Comey Rule miniseries, citing a mismatch in acting style for the role, which was subsequently taken by Brendan Gleeson.
Upcoming Cinematic Endeavors
His recent and upcoming cinematic endeavors include:
- The Rule of Jenny Pen: A 2024 New Zealand psychological thriller, filmed with actor John Lithgow.
- Shearing The Love: A comedy directed by Tom Hern, scheduled to be shot in New Zealand.
- Unannounced Film: Another film with a "maestro filmmaker" is anticipated later this year.
Rush also reflected on the significance of Shine, describing it as a "transformational" film that "opened doors" in his 55-year career.