Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood wants to make a movie in Ireland and pay homage to his Irish roots.
The actor and producer has told the Irish Sun newspaper that the ‘best parts’ of him are Irish.
Proud of his Monaghan roots, Eastwood revealed that he has spent many holidays in his mother Margaret Ruth’s homeland.
And the 81-year-old has confirmed that his biggest ambition before retirement is to make a movie in Ireland.
Eastwood told the Irish Sun: “I’d love to make a movie in Ireland sometime.
The best part of me is the Irish part, Egans on my mother’s side.
“She had roots in Monaghan and I’ve been there many times. It’s one of my favourite places to golf.”
Recipient of the first John Ford award by the Irish Film and Television Academy at a special ceremony in Los Angeles last year, Eastwood is keen to return to Ireland.
He also plans to visit soon to attend the John Ford symposium.
Eastwood added: “John Ford was a pioneer and I was a huge admirer of his Westerns. I grew up on all that and it definitely influenced me.
“It’s a great privilege for me to be associated with John Ford in this way, as he was such a pioneer of American film-making.
“Every film-maker I know is very influenced by Ford, whether it’s his westerns or the Grapes Of Wrath.
“When I worked with Sergio Leone he often talked about Ford’s influence on him. I’m sure he would have persecuted me like he did many of his other actors, but I would have been able to take it.”
Promoting his new movie “Trouble With the Curve”, Eastwood says his career is still developing.
He said: “I’m always learning something new and that’s why every film is a challenge for me. I like working. I thrive on it, so it’s fun for me.
“A lot of people ask me about retiring and seem to have thought about it a lot for me.
“I was always curious why somebody like Billy Wilder would stop directing in his 60s, or not be considered hireable in his 60s.
“Then you have people like John Huston who was actually directing The Dead aged 80 - in a wheelchair in Ireland with an oxygen tank beside him.
“Some people just have a different time in their life when they peak.”
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.EamonButler | Oct 01, 2012, 02:17 PM EDT
As we say in Dublin, "Brian Boru did not live in Clontarf, he only went there to see what the noise was all about and got caught up in it."
McNamara31 | Oct 01, 2012, 12:44 PM EDT
His best parts are Irish? What parts were the ones talking to the empty chair? I think those parts belong to the man in Gran Torino.
Searlit | Oct 01, 2012, 12:30 PM EDT
Lots of good ideas for movies posted here. I especially like the one about Brian Boru, myself.
oldboreen | Oct 01, 2012, 08:37 AM EDT
In the highly unlikely event you should be reading this Mr Eastwood, you're 81 for heaven's sake! Don't just think about it-do it! A suggestion- 'Grace O'Malley Pirate Queen' Not your usual genre I know, but you could do the story justice!
IrelandNorth | Oct 01, 2012, 06:50 AM EDT
Was critical of Clint for his role modelling of a negative masculinity for decades in testerone driven macho movies. But I gotta hand it to Mr Eastwood, The Bridges of Madison County redeemed him for me. He obviously got in touch with his feminine side. Never thought he could do a seriously impressive weepie. Would suggested Million Euro Katie, only it would be merelly regenderising machismo. (NB Monaghan boxer Barry McGuigan's manager was Barney Eastwood. A relative, perhaps?) Centenary films of The 1916 Easter Rising/1920 Tan War would be timely. I feel sure An Bórd Scannán na h'Éireann/The Irish Film Board would part fund it. Even if such time line period is an inconvenient truth for a revised petit-bourgeois Irish political elite who would prefer to embrace historical amnesia about the sweaty and bloody deeds of the political antecedents.
cillowen | Sep 30, 2012, 10:55 PM EDT
oh no a looney tune wants to do what?
Renelda M. | Sep 30, 2012, 07:52 PM EDT
Is Clint Eastwood talking for the Irish Press? He's 81yrs. At what age does "sometime" mean in his plan to make a film in Ireland about the Irish? No doubt the film by Eastwood would be honest and a winner. But when?...
murphy666 | Sep 30, 2012, 06:13 PM EDT
Maybe Clint can make a movie about the two abortions and the tubal ligation he procured for Sondra Locke.
EphraimKibbey | Sep 30, 2012, 05:56 PM EDT
Several great suggestions below. It sounds like Clint might want to move to Ireland and start a new series of Eire-Inspired movies to add to his already formidible filmography. Maybe start a new production company with the help of the Irish arts promoters. Sounds like JOBS for Ireland. When asked about the "Empty Chair," he said they should have known better than ask him to do something "POLITICAL." Was it UPROAR by design? I still like Eastwood and will continue to see his movies whatever his politics especiall if he does something about Ireland.
galway2001 | Sep 30, 2012, 05:12 PM EDT
clint eastwood is the best i wish there more people like him instead of those liberal hollywood idots praising OMBAMA if he gets elected this country is done
Silling | Sep 30, 2012, 03:00 PM EDT
" Boyhood's Fire " a book by Finnbar Owens published here in Dublin by Original Writing, would make a great movie for Clint Eastwood. I found the book in a hotel room in Venice and whoever had it last wrote inside " Never got to do the Gondolas, climb the tower, or visit the Rialto because of this incredible story ".
Smyrnian | Sep 30, 2012, 02:35 PM EDT
It wasn't an incoherent rant; just typical Hollywood whimsy. Would be great if he made a movie in Ireland.
adrienrain | Sep 30, 2012, 02:15 PM EDT
Could be good. Really good. I hope his incoherent rant at an empty chair isn't typical of his present state of mind, however.
SeamusMor | Sep 30, 2012, 02:02 PM EDT
Make our millennium! The thousandth anniversary of the death of Irish High King Brian Boru after his victory over the Vikings at the Battle of Clontarf is April 23, 2014.70,000,000 Irish around the world would love to see "Lion of Ireland", the international best selling novel by Morgan Llywellyn made into a major motion picture.