By Alex Jack
Deidre McCourt (left) and Richard Rennie (right) photo by Arthur Many
Upon first introductions, Richard Rennie can immediately make anyone laugh and feel at ease at the same time; such is the uniqueness of his personality and humanity. Mr. Rennie, the exceptional triple threat from Scotland, with a career spanning across continents from Europe to the United States, has sat down with us in this ‘In the Spotlight’ feature while in between rehearsals for the Hollywood Theatre Show, “Old Frenemies.”
In this new production, Richard shares the stage with fellow well-known actors Nick Hardcastle (“Home and Away”) and Craig Robert Young (“NCIS,” “The Last Ship”). “It’s really wonderful to work with professionals of such a high calibre – everyone’s on their best game and brings everyone up.” He’s been a busy man while working on this show, sharing company with Oscar-nominee Jackie Weaver.
In this new production, Richard shares the stage with fellow well-known actors Nick Hardcastle (“Home and Away”) and Craig Robert Young (“NCIS,” “The Last Ship”). “It’s really wonderful to work with professionals of such a high calibre – everyone’s on their best game and brings everyone up.” He’s been a busy man while working on this show, sharing company with Oscar-nominee Jackie Weaver.
Jackie Weaver (left) & Richard Rennie (right) courtesy of Instagram
Additionally, Richard has placed his trust in the Executive Producer Sam Bain, revered British writer and producer of “Peep Show”, currently at the helm of the highly-anticipated feature “Corporate Animals” (starring Oscar-nominee Sharon Stone). “Sam has a keen eye for comedy,” Richard explains, “so the show guarantees a fast paced, high energy that is engaging for all our audiences.”
Richard, however, doesn’t come new to the comedy side of things. His accomplished 15 year career as an entertainer, leading to his segue into acting in the late 2000s, has equipped him with the ease of a seasoned pro.
“I’ve always been told that I was funny growing up, so I knew when I was given acting opportunities after a whirlwind few years in entertainment as a presenter, model and dancer, that comedy would be where I would end up.”
Richard’s comedic skills were most recently shared on-screen in his series regular role for the Funny or Die series, “Unverified”, opposite award-winning Australian actors Joel Hogan and Alex Cubis. The show, a story following British people moving to LA, satirised white privilege and the entitlement of freelance artists, and earned Richard several rave reviews.
Laughing, Richard explains how the success of that series brought new opportunities. “That was a great opportunity, particularly because I got to improvise a lot of my lines on set. It was exciting work for me and the producers really responded to the uniqueness that I can bring to each production.”
“Richard has a knack for jumping into things headfirst. He’s not a jack of all trades, master of none – he’s a master of many trades,” explained Sam Bain, who is working with Richard on the play Old Frenemies, in a conversation about the production. “Richard has amazing skills in both dance and acting, and it is exciting to watch him bring together his incredible talents to this production.”
“I’m very appreciative of all the success I’ve had – I know not everyone gets the opportunities I enjoy.” One could say it’s opportunities, but another could say it’s hard work. Scotland’s answer to Channing Tatum, Derek Hough and Ryan Seacrest - Richard’s diverse work across the areas of dancing, modeling, and acting span a young life of dedication and hardwork to excellence in his craft. It is and continues to be a journey of both growth and success sustained by Richard’s continued commitment since his inaugural role at Disney in the early 2000s.
The success of the shows at the parks are still to this day heralded with having been innovated by Richard’s fresh performing style, something that became known amongst park directors worldwide. “Disney was very good to me, and gave me the best foundation for everything I’d do after.”
Indeed, Richard would go on to achieve commercial success at Moulin Rouge in Paris, where his talents as principal dancer and performer were showcased in the world-renowned venue in front of thousands of people each night for 5 years. Attendees who enjoyed Richard’s performances include Beyoncé, Justin Bieber and Queen Elizabeth II, herself. “Even with guests of that stature, it’s fundamentally a job, so I don’t think twice – I just do my best.” This type of commercial success – where Richard performed as a dancer and actor to sold-out audiences in live performances - continued with his key role in “Chicago The Musical”, a national touring production helmed by legendary choreographer and director, Kim Morgan Greene.
Richard, however, doesn’t come new to the comedy side of things. His accomplished 15 year career as an entertainer, leading to his segue into acting in the late 2000s, has equipped him with the ease of a seasoned pro.
“I’ve always been told that I was funny growing up, so I knew when I was given acting opportunities after a whirlwind few years in entertainment as a presenter, model and dancer, that comedy would be where I would end up.”
Richard’s comedic skills were most recently shared on-screen in his series regular role for the Funny or Die series, “Unverified”, opposite award-winning Australian actors Joel Hogan and Alex Cubis. The show, a story following British people moving to LA, satirised white privilege and the entitlement of freelance artists, and earned Richard several rave reviews.
Laughing, Richard explains how the success of that series brought new opportunities. “That was a great opportunity, particularly because I got to improvise a lot of my lines on set. It was exciting work for me and the producers really responded to the uniqueness that I can bring to each production.”
“Richard has a knack for jumping into things headfirst. He’s not a jack of all trades, master of none – he’s a master of many trades,” explained Sam Bain, who is working with Richard on the play Old Frenemies, in a conversation about the production. “Richard has amazing skills in both dance and acting, and it is exciting to watch him bring together his incredible talents to this production.”
“I’m very appreciative of all the success I’ve had – I know not everyone gets the opportunities I enjoy.” One could say it’s opportunities, but another could say it’s hard work. Scotland’s answer to Channing Tatum, Derek Hough and Ryan Seacrest - Richard’s diverse work across the areas of dancing, modeling, and acting span a young life of dedication and hardwork to excellence in his craft. It is and continues to be a journey of both growth and success sustained by Richard’s continued commitment since his inaugural role at Disney in the early 2000s.
The success of the shows at the parks are still to this day heralded with having been innovated by Richard’s fresh performing style, something that became known amongst park directors worldwide. “Disney was very good to me, and gave me the best foundation for everything I’d do after.”
Indeed, Richard would go on to achieve commercial success at Moulin Rouge in Paris, where his talents as principal dancer and performer were showcased in the world-renowned venue in front of thousands of people each night for 5 years. Attendees who enjoyed Richard’s performances include Beyoncé, Justin Bieber and Queen Elizabeth II, herself. “Even with guests of that stature, it’s fundamentally a job, so I don’t think twice – I just do my best.” This type of commercial success – where Richard performed as a dancer and actor to sold-out audiences in live performances - continued with his key role in “Chicago The Musical”, a national touring production helmed by legendary choreographer and director, Kim Morgan Greene.
Richard Rennie (far right) in La Halle ad. Photo by Félix Larhe
Richard’s growing reputation across Europe attracted the interest of a variety of different fields within the entertainment world, and soon, the Aberdeen native found himself pictured on billboards, bus shelters and even the store fronts of major department stores as the face of La Halle, one of Europe’s leading clothing companies. Bloomberg profiles the company (La Halle) as having started in 1997; sources advised us that the company enjoyed immense increase in sales as a result of the success of Richard’s central role in the advertising campaigns.
“That was really gratifying – that the sales for the company went up as a result of my being featured at the centre of the campaigns,” Richard humbly adds.
Undoubtedly, he played an inextricable role in advertisement for what is Europe’s version of ‘Gap’ clothing line and a high-profile of the photos of Richard modeling the apparel could be seen all over France.
While his face might still be found on posters in Europe, suggesting his attention is there, his current focus is most certainly on his established career in the United States. “I think it’s typical now for artists to be multi-hyphenates – and I feel very blessed I get to cross-over between the three areas.”
“That was really gratifying – that the sales for the company went up as a result of my being featured at the centre of the campaigns,” Richard humbly adds.
Undoubtedly, he played an inextricable role in advertisement for what is Europe’s version of ‘Gap’ clothing line and a high-profile of the photos of Richard modeling the apparel could be seen all over France.
While his face might still be found on posters in Europe, suggesting his attention is there, his current focus is most certainly on his established career in the United States. “I think it’s typical now for artists to be multi-hyphenates – and I feel very blessed I get to cross-over between the three areas.”
Richard Rennie shot by OAX
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