One of this year’s Oscar nominees is making news after Barbra Streisand responded to a fan letter he mailed her in 1972.
Richard E. Grant, a best supporting actor nominee for his role in the Melissa McCarthy vehicle “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”, was 14 when he penned the note to Streisand to invite her to visit his family’s home in Swaziland, an African kingdom, following her breakup with actor Ryan O’Neal.
“You don’t know me yet, but I am writing to offer you an idea you might like to consider,” Grant wrote.
He never received a response — until last month, when he tweeted about the letter and tagged Streisand. The tweet included a selfie he took near the entertainer’s Malibu home and a copy of his note.
A few hours later, Grant received the reply for which he waited 47 years.
“What a wonderful letter you wrote me when you were 14,” Streisand posted. “And look at u now! You’re terrific in your latest movie with Melissa. Congratulations and love Barbra.”
Grant was overwhelmed to hear from his childhood idol.
“I cannot begin to properly express what your generous reply has meant to me,” he wrote. Thank you.”