Sir David Suchet, the actor who defined Hercule Poirot for a generation, remains steadfast in his decision not to watch Kenneth Branagh’s recent portrayals of the iconic detective. He’s maintained this position for years, and in a recent interview, his answer was characteristically direct: he hasn’t watched, and doesn’t intend to.
Suchet’s connection to Poirot wasn’t merely a professional one; it was a complete immersion. He inhabited the role for over two decades, meticulously portraying the detective in every novel and short story penned by Agatha Christie – a feat no other actor has achieved. He initially accepted the role for just ten short stories, never imagining the enduring legacy it would become.
The initial success took him completely by surprise. He recalls a time of uncertainty, questioning whether his performance would even be “acceptable” compared to previous portrayals. But within days of the first episode airing, ratings soared, and the role became synonymous with his name, captivating audiences across the globe – eventually reaching an estimated 700 million viewers in over 100 countries.
Despite the phenomenal success, Suchet emphasizes that he never felt ownership of the character. He views each actor who takes on the role as a temporary custodian, privileged to bring Poirot to life for a time, but ultimately destined to relinquish it. “No actor should ever say or feel they own a role,” he asserts, a testament to his respect for the character and the source material.
Beyond Poirot, Suchet’s career began on the stage, a passion that continues to burn brightly. He recounts a humorous anecdote from his early days, arriving at the Liverpool Playhouse to begin rehearsals as Scrooge, only to find himself locked out – and ultimately spending his first night as a star in a police cell due to a delayed train and a departing stage doorman.
Now, Suchet is lending his distinctive voice to a new storytelling venture: narrating a podcast series of Charles Dickens’ ghost stories. He acknowledges he isn’t a Dickens scholar, but the emotional depth and enduring themes within the tales resonated with him. These stories, he believes, explore the very core of the human condition – love, loss, greed, and hardship.
He points out the surprising parallel between Dickens and Christie, noting that Christie’s work is outsold only by the Bible and Shakespeare. It’s not simply the crime element, he explains, but the universal themes and compelling characters that draw readers in. Both authors, he suggests, tap into something profoundly human.
Suchet’s narration of Dickens’ ghost stories – including *A Christmas Carol* and *The Signal-Man* – is a continuation of his lifelong dedication to compelling storytelling. He sees it as a privilege to breathe life into these classic tales, sharing their enduring power with a new audience.
He reflects on the lessons learned from embodying Poirot, revealing that the detective taught him the art of truly listening. Where he once formulated replies while others spoke, Poirot demanded complete attention, a skill that Suchet now values deeply in his own life.
