Why Dawn French was reluctant to take on her iconic Vicar of Dibley role

Beloved comedian and actress Dawn French is renowned worldwide for her iconic role as Geraldine Granger in the popular BBC series The Vicar of Dibley. 

Airing from 1994 to 2007, the show quickly became a global hit. French’s depiction of the unconventional vicar struck a chord with viewers thanks to her warmth, humour, and her skill in addressing important social issues with humor and compassion.

However, French was initially reluctant to take on the role. When offered the part, she felt the character was too nice and was more interested in playing the role of Alice, the quirky verger.

“I thought, ‘How on earth do you play a central character who’s so blooming good?’” she recently told Radio 4, as per The Express. 

“I thought, ‘Where are the flaws? Where is the monster in this woman?’ That’s what I understand comedy to be … Alice was a very funny character from the off. But anyway, he [the show’s creator, Richard Curtis] wouldn’t let me play it.”

Despite her initial reluctance to play the character, Granger became a defining role in French’s career with the affection for the character enduring to this day. This was evident when she recently revived the role for a truly special occasion, the living funeral of a dear friend.

French’s friend Kris Hallenga, who had been battling stage four breast cancer, organised the special ceremony so she could celebrate her life with those close to her prior to her passing, prompting French to bring her beloved character out of retirement for the occasion.

The 67-year-old actress shared pictures from the day on her social media, revealing that it was a “privilege” to bring back Geraldine Granger to deliver a eulogy for her dear friend.

“Ok, now that @howtoglitteraturd has posted, I can tell you it was my privilege & joy to Dibley it up at her living ( she was there) FUNeral on Sat. She wanted to host the best possible party. She did. It was phenomenal. So much love filling @trurocathedral,” she wrote.

“It was her own festival celebrating an extraordinary life. What a total babe. Check out @legacyoflives & thanks to @tinandcoppermedia & all who worked so hard to put it together.”

The event garnered widespread praise from fans, with many praising French for her kind gesture while others were fascinated by the idea of a living funeral.