The Greatest Showman #1053 – A Unique Reveal

Renly Hall.

It's great to be Renly Hall.

He's the second youngest actor in history to attend the Berlin Film Festival. He's the youngest actor to win an Oscar. Every film he's starred in has been a success. He's reshaped the North American music market and is currently its dominant force. The only artist to balance box office hits, prestigious awards, and a crown of accolades, Renly holds Oscars, Emmys, and Grammys. Now, with only the Tony Award missing, he's poised to become the youngest person in history to win all top American art awards.

By the way, his stage performance in Les Miserables is currently running in London's West End, receiving rave reviews and drawing huge crowds. The Olivier Award and Tony Award seem like only a matter of time.

At just twenty-two years old, Renly seems to have it all: talent, success, and a face that's captured the hearts of countless admirers. He stands tall above Times Square, his portrait towering on giant billboards on both sides. When he sees his own face so enormous, he laughs awkwardly and says, "I've never seen myself this big. That's me, but that's not really me."

Before the interview began, we strolled through the plaza. Amidst the bustling crowd, some fans recognized him, their excitement palpable in their loud screams and shaky voices. Renly, ever the gracious celebrity, took photos with them, engaging in brief conversation: "It's a nice day! You should take some sandwiches and head to Central Park for some sun. That's what I'd do when I'm not working."

This isn't Renly's first interaction with fans. At London's Almeida Theatre, he's been known to go out of his way to make time for them, accommodating their requests and sharing a few moments together. There are countless photos and testimonials. If he can, he gladly spends time with the people who support him.

When asked about the public's interest in his personal life, Renly confesses, "I haven't forgotten the incident at Lincoln Center last year. I want the audience to enjoy the art, but their safety comes first. Always."

At twenty-two, I found myself thinking about my own life—what I was doing and what I was thinking. After the crowd dispersed, I asked, "What's it like to be Renly Hall?"

Bradley, smiling at Renly's surprised expression, nodded with affirmation, "I'm serious."

Renly laughed, shaking his head, "I've never thought about it. Philosophically, I'm familiar with the question of 'who am I,' but…" He paused for a moment before noticing something on the street. He led Bradley down a different path, only to realize he was going the wrong way and offered a playful apology. "Sorry, wrong turn. It's the next intersection. Phew!"

As they continued walking, Renly shared his thoughts, as if it were a casual conversation: "Be yourself. More precisely, stick to yourself. Embrace who you are. One of the best things about being Renly Hall is that I know exactly who I am. Maybe it's too philosophical for your readers, though."

Bradley chuckled, "No, no, I love it. You're saying that you've embraced your true self because you know your dreams and pursuits, right?"

Renly beamed, "Hey, the New Yorker gets it!" The coffee shop was ahead, and they walked in.

Bradley described the moment in his article:

"Amid the faint aroma of coffee, Renly seamlessly discussed the beans, roasting, and the craft with the barista. Time seemed to stop, and it felt like we were in a quaint European café, not a commercial chain. Every movement exuded Renly's elegance, his inner grace unmistakable. As I asked him about his family background, the question that had caused such a stir, he responded with his trademark calm smile, 'That's my father, but that's all.'"

Bradley paused to take in Renly's steady, sincere gaze. The mention of the "hereditary baron" background had been met with a simple, understated response from Renly. The title was his family's, not his. His future was built on his own accomplishments, not his family's name.

With a shift in topic, Bradley asked, "Can you talk about your childhood? Your education? You have impeccable manners, and I've heard you speak several languages, including French. How did that all come about?"

Renly laughed lightly, "Thanks for the compliment. I wouldn't say 'proficient,' but yes, I speak several languages, including French."

He continued, "My childhood wasn't anything extraordinary. I spent a lot of time reading—astronomy, anatomy, math, science, literature, philosophy, and even some popular novels. Besides that, I learned etiquette, piano, and painting. That's about it."

Bradley was momentarily taken aback, but Renly added, "This isn't unusual in Europe. They say there's a book for everyone on the subway and bus. It's true. Reading isn't just for learning; it's about developing the ability to think for yourself."

Bradley was still processing this new information when Renly noticed his surprise and grinned, "Don't be too shocked. It's very common in Europe."

Seeing Bradley's bemusement, Renly continued, "I know it seems boring, but to me, it's a process of discovery and self-acceptance. I enjoyed it, even if it seems dull to others."

Turning the conversation back to acting, Bradley asked, "How did you get into acting? What made you decide to become an actor?"

Renly hesitated, then said, "Have you seen The Truman Show?"

After Bradley confirmed, Renly smiled, "Life is a performance, a stage where we wear different masks. Sometimes we lose ourselves in the roles we play. But there are moments when I'm grateful to be real. Acting lets me step into different lives, take off one mask, put on another. It's fascinating to me."

With his passion for acting clear in his eyes, Renly captivated Bradley. Unable to resist, Bradley raised his camera and took another shot.

Renly's smile widened. "Oh, this is a trick question. I'll leave it to the audience to decide. My job is to perform; the answer is theirs to find."