Ruby Wax once harbored a fierce resentment towards Louis Theroux, a feeling that bordered on visceral. For years, she believed he had eclipsed her pioneering work in the world of unconventional interviewing, a career she painstakingly built from her early days with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the success of shows like ‘The Full Wax.’
Wax rose to prominence in the 1990s, fearlessly confronting celebrities and exploring the human condition with a unique, often unsettling, comedic edge. She interviewed everyone from Goldie Hawn to O.J. Simpson, pushing boundaries and establishing a style that was distinctly her own. But as Louis Theroux began his ascent with ‘Weird Weekends,’ a shadow of doubt crept into Wax’s mind.
The parallel between their approaches – immersive documentary and probing interviews – felt less like coincidence and more like appropriation. She felt a deep sense of injustice, a conviction that her innovative work was being overshadowed. This internal struggle unfolded against a backdrop of personal turmoil, including a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and subsequent hospitalizations.
Decades later, revisiting clips from her iconic interviews for a new stage show, Wax found herself unexpectedly confronted by her past feelings. Ironically, the idea to re-examine her work came from Theroux himself. “Just hearing Louis’ name used to make me want to throw up or punch a wall,” she confessed, acknowledging the intensity of her former animosity.
But time, and a genuine encounter with Theroux, began to shift her perspective. She discovered a generosity and kindness she hadn’t anticipated. “Louis, I’m sorry. I got you completely wrong,” she admitted, a testament to the power of reevaluation and the complexities of professional rivalry.
Previously, in a 2019 podcast appearance, Wax had described her feelings as “evolving,” but admitted lingering anger. Theroux himself acknowledged her resentment, expressing both sympathy and a touch of flattered surprise. He understood the sting of perceived competition, even while recognizing the compliment inherent in being a source of annoyance.
The core of Wax’s frustration stemmed from a feeling of being erased, of having her identity subsumed by his. Taxi drivers would ask if she was the one who “did what Louis Theroux did,” a constant reminder of the shifting landscape of recognition. It wasn’t personal hatred, she clarified, but a deep-seated envy fueled by perceived failure and a longing for her father’s approval.
At one point, the resentment became so profound that Wax forbade her children from even uttering Theroux’s name. It was a symbolic act, a desperate attempt to reclaim her narrative and protect her family from the perceived slight. She once felt he was directly impacting her livelihood, “taking food out of my mouth and my children’s.”
Despite the past tension, both Wax and Theroux have continued to thrive in their respective careers. Wax has embraced new challenges, appearing on shows like ‘The Great Celebrity Bake Off’ and ‘I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!’ while Theroux continues to push boundaries with projects like ‘Louis Theroux Interviews…’ and his upcoming Netflix documentary.
The story of Ruby Wax and Louis Theroux is a compelling illustration of the competitive nature of the entertainment industry, the enduring power of jealousy, and the possibility of reconciliation. It’s a reminder that perceptions can shift, and that even the most deeply held resentments can eventually give way to understanding and, perhaps, even respect.
