An exciting start to my year and a need perhaps to recalibrate my career, my accomplishments and my place in the world.
Because it turns out that I am in fact, a legend.
Who knew?
Not me and it seems not my son either when Daniel Kaluuya made the surprise announcement during an actor to actor chat.
I must confess that I have not seen any of Daniel’s movies, although I hear very good things about Get Out. But all of his films are now on my to-watch list because he is clearly a very discerning man. An individual of great taste and refinement and thereby likely to select worthy projects.
After the interview aired, fans (of Tom, I mean) were quick to alert me to my new status but were also at pains to observe that Tom seemed surprised.
Body language and expressions are so exposing and often they fail us by revealing our true thoughts and feelings.
Tom might as well have said…
“My dad is a what?”
That Tom Holland – he might be a fine young actor but there are limits to how convincing he can be.
But no hard feelings. Not from me, anyway. It made me howl with laughter and I happen to agree. I am many things in comedy. A trier. A stayer. I am delusional, defiant, obstinate and ever hopeful… but no offence Daniel, I am no legend.
Woody Allen, Eddie Murphy, Eddie Izzard, Richard Pryor, Billy Connolly, Lenny Bruce…
But Daniel, thank you. I am touched that somehow I reached in to your world.
(Mental note to self – send all my books to Mr KALUUYA)
But then another piece of evidence recently emerges supporting my dubious claim to legendary status…
With an email from BBC worldwide. It’s been two decades since the BBC has been in touch (legend?) so this is noteworthy anyway.
I paraphrase the communication here but in essence…
The British Library have a recording of my first ever one man show – Red Hot Dutch with Dominic, recorded at a theatre in London in 1993 – and they would like my permission to release this recording for…
Wait for it…
“the cultural posterity of the arts in the United Kingdom…”
I kid you not.
Up there with Captain Sir Tom Moore – (RIP) who did so much to galvanise our country, I am being asked to lend my shoulder to the wheel.
…the people of Great Britain are tired and beleaguered. They need to feel good. They need to laugh. There is only one man for the job… dig out Dominic Holland’s first ever comedy show. His time has arrived. His country needs him…
My debut Edinburgh show. My most successful show to date, given it won awards and great notices. The pinnacle of my career in fact which I rue not realising at the time.
Who knew?
The British Library via the BBC sent me a recording of the show my approval – which I have yet to listen to. Too nervous. But naturally, I have granted permission. Who am I to deprive my nation?
In due course I will share the link for those interested and you can decide for yourselves whether Daniel is right or not.
But even this is not the end with yet more evidence emerging in support…
To round off the month and maybe topping the aforementioned, I am alerted to fact that I am followed on twitter by some bloke called Barack Obama – better known as Mr President.
You might be wondering whether or not these things are linked. Conceivably, Barack caught the Tom and Daniel interview. He has daughters and they might be fans (of Daniel or Tom, not me) or maybe Barack watched the interview himself and just wanted a piece of this legend he’d never heard of called DH?
More likely though that the bots are at play. That Mr President has social media minions who preside over his accounts. Unlike another former US President, I doubt whether President Obama actively uses twitter. That bots trawl and acquire accounts on his behalf and no doubt attract reciprocal follow backs. I did btw. It felt rude not to.
I took a screen shot (got my kids to, I mean) because I fully expect to be dropped in the weeks to come. But for now at least, welcome along Mr Obama. I will tag him also in this blog just in-case he finds himself at a loose end with nothing to read. You can scroll backwards sir for other blogs btw and if they chime, then may I draw your attention to Takes on Life Vol1 … which I will happily sign and dedicate if you wish – from one legend to another.
And it doesn’t end here…
In my recent podcast with Sam, I updated my progress on writing my latest novel and which I will shortly complete. Because it is a sequel to my debut novel, Only in America, I am enjoying rekindling old characters and also I am having fun making some references to my previous novels – Easter Eggs, I am told is the correct term.
Sam laughed hard at this.
“Blimey dad, you’re creating your own universe, a bit like Marvel and the MCU.”
This made me laugh too. The idea that Kevin Feige has been rumbled by a competitive storyteller.
I am certainly delusional but I would say healthily so. My delusions keep me in the game. Keep me writing and keep me standing-up when I am allowed to do so.
But I am not so delusional to believe any of the nonsense above.
That said the new novel is bloody great. Or at least, it could be. It has potential. I will publish it later this year and before Takes on Life Vol.2 and who knows, maybe these little beauts will explode and Mr Kaluuya is right after all. Just a few decades ahead of his time…
*
Coming soon I guess then – Red Hot Dutch with Dominic – subject to my approval of course and more importantly, the approval of my girlfriend at the time – and now my wife and owner.
Great blog Dom! You are definitely a legend to all of your Patreon followers. I can’t believe I’m in such vaunted company with Barack Obama as one of your followers too I hope he appreciates your legendary status. Have a good week
well said Lorraine – too bloody right
I am a fan of the whole family Holland but a little bit more a fan of Tom. Not just because he’s an awesome actor, but because he’s a great human, he’s a great person. Maybe I don’t know his personality as well as his family and friends but one thing I know for sure is that this person is one of the most kind and smart people I know. And I love him so much even he doesn’t even know I exist, and if you ever see this Tom, I just want you to know that we are all proud of you and what you’re doing and we’re here to support you on that with every cost! We love you and we care about you ❤️ I hope you’re good and you have a great day ❤️ and many kisses to tessa ❤️
I wished I could read your books mr Holland but I don’t think they sell them in Greece. I am sure you are a great author ❤️
Queen and Slim made me think for weeks, Daniel is great !!!!
Dear Dom, have you ever thought about doing a stand up with your Lady Nikki? She’s funny, “Mr. Holland Mrs. Holland” (The life of an eclipized couple) would be Funny
Love
X
❤️
I cannot abide the idea of being eclipsed again
I laughed so hard when I saw the interview. Toms surprise and „disbelieving“… . But I think that he was in the same time (or a little bit later ) proud of his dad.
Unfortunately, here in german your are not so known. But I have seen parts of your performances (bless the internet) and yes, your are really good and I laughed a lot
And before I completely forget it: nice blog, so well written. As a scientist my writing is completely sober. I love to read your blogs, your writing style is so vivid.
If this helps, I am a hopeless scientist
Lovely blog Mr. H, I could of told you that you were a legend. You are quite humorous, and witty. And I love reading your blogs ever Sunday, it makes my week. I try to comment on the blog when I read it but sometimes that doesn’t happen. Congratulations to the UK legend, I raise my glass to you, Cheers
Thank you Sydnee – I will take quite humorous all day long
Senhor Holland, fico feliz pelos seus feitos e conquistas. Feliz tbm por poder acompanhá-las por aqui. Ler seus blog todos os domingos me faz sentir mais próxima de sua família . Sou fãs de todos os Holland, fãs das atitudes nobres que tens em meio ao mundo caótico. Ficaria feliz em ler seus livros mas aqui no Brasil infelizmente não possuem seus livros traduzidos, na verdade não existem nem no idioma original hahaha. Bjs do Brasil, se cuidem ❤
This is so sweet and so well-written. I’m really looking forward to your next novel. Love from Pakistan ❤
Hilarious! Love your style. Spoke like a true Legend!
fank u
You are so talented, Mr Holland! I love reading your blogs, because it’s just a masterpiece. I wish you good luck and inspiration.
steady
I hadn’t read one of your blogs in a while, but im glad I read this one, today i was feeling kinda off and it made me smile.
Thanks for that, I hope you have a great week and congrats, legend.
Well deserved Dom! I’m sure Barack followed you of his own accord!
Thank you, Mr Holland for making my evening even better then it already was. I enjoyed reading this and from now on, I will read your blogs more often.
Have a nice weekend 🙂
Legendary dom
I am pleased to announce that your legend has reached my country, ETHIOPIA, I am sad that I cant get your books here but I have read your blogs and I have seen your TED X speech. You have missed mentioning the legendary work you did on raising your children. Who by the way are more loved with their personality. You and your beautiful wife did an amazing job. This is some legedary points added. And also Your books are on my read-list, that is if I ever find them. I am so inlove with your writing style. It feels like I am reading the conversations you have with yourself which is so honest and authentic.
Holland Fan
might I add your amazing charity the brothers trust are doin some legedary works.
Since I’m confident that your wife (and owner) will allow you to share Red Hot Dutch with Dominic, especially if you make a fool of yourself, please allow me to insist that you share with us even if it really pains you to do so. Your readers (/fans of you and your miraculous family) will see this post as a contract to do so. It is sure to be both culturally enriching and hysterical as always. All the best! Katie
I loved this. Laughed out loud about you having your own universe – Marvel better watch out. Have a great week!
I really enjoyed the blog this week!
That’s so cool that President Barack Obama follows you!
Looking forward to next week’s blog!
Mr. Holland, this is the first time I read one of your blogs and wow, it is so incredible, I feel happy for each of your achievements, and the ones that are missing, and just like today I will be here enjoying them again.
I am so happy that there are such beautiful people with a big heart like your family and you, I am a fan of your family, never change that beautiful way of being and that huge heart that makes you so unique, I feel happy you, I hope one day to have the fortune to meet you. I love them.
Greetings from Mexico.❤
Mr. Holland, this is the first time I read one of your blogs and wow, it is so incredible, I feel happy for each of your achievements, and the ones that are missing, and just like today I will be here enjoying them again.
I am so happy that there are such beautiful people with a big heart like your family and you, I am a fan of your family, never change that beautiful way of being and that huge heart that makes you so unique, I feel happy you, I hope one day to have the fortune to meet you.
I love them.
Greetings from Mexico.❤
I have a MD , starting my long path from medical school my Surroundings would constantly remind me you must be genius to deal with the amount and the delicacy of work , believe me being a comedian needs more genius!
Of course you can be called a Legend , as you attract loads of people from all around the globe with your charming style
and who am I to question a doctor?
Obama’s account automatically followed people back for a period time, it was a broke system until Twitter had to fix it. I don’t think he saw it.
The 600k people that followed him at the time, his account instantly followed back.
Obama’s account automatically followed people back for a period time, it was a broke system until Twitter had to fix it. I don’t think he saw it.
The 600k people that followed him at the time, his account instantly followed back.
Wow, I’ll be more aware of your blogs, I love them … Congratulations legend!
-Hollander-
I remember seeing your twitter account before, Obama did follow you BEFORE the interview with Daniel. So I think it was due to the 600k hack in which his account automatically followed people back.