In her exclusive interview in today's Daily Telegraph Magazine, the actor, influencer and designer Philippa Islington-Smythe (above) discusses the price of fame, her controversial new perfume, working with Margot Robbie and how becoming a parent changed her perspective on the world.
Love this, Tom. Thank you. I’ve finished reading each of your last few Substacks with a feeling that I should make a short but profound and warm comment which would help you to feel heard, universally appreciated and at peace with the world. Strangely, I completely failed to achieve any such thing. But at least that will serve as a reminder to you that you are a SOD of a lot better at writing than most people. So it’s better than nothing, I suppose. Very best wishes and thank you again for your writing. (Philippa and I used to attend the same Hatha Yoga class. She was an education in herself and had the coolest approach to coughing up a hairball that I’ve ever seen.)
This is the best comment ever. Was I in that yoga class, too? I remember thinking that if I had Philippa's paw pads, I would never have to decide between bare feet and yoga socks again. She really has everything without making you feel it.
I couldn't love your writing more and I am going to become a paid subscriber very soon ($ comes in on Friday) as well as getting a hold of a book or two because I'm envious of all the people going on about how great they are and wish to have this pleasure for myself. Cats have always held a major role in my life and after my beloved feline companion Jude passed away in January I've just now (yesterday!) adopted two adorable kittens who are currently hiding so I'm looking forward to adventures with my new buddies when they are brave enough to come out. Perhaps Philippa Islington-Smythe could be an inspiration for them. I'll read your post to them straight away.
Oh you have courage. To adopt again! My beloved soul mate cat, Jazz, black cat extraordinary feline died in June. I have Miles still who is 17 as well, on three meds twice a day. I can’t imagine adopting more when he goes. My heart is too fragile now.
In my experience there is always a hole-sized cat waiting to repair the cat-sized hole that the departure of a beloved leaves in your heart. You may hide, but they will find you, even if it takes a while….
Last Wednesday I lost Miles. His heart illness became too much for my sweet kitty to continue. To lose both my beloved cats in such a short time is taking a toll
Delivered with Philippa's trademark charming vacuity and a knowing look as if to tell us "a can opener is a girl's best friend if we only had opposable thumbs". Duly inspired, I'm off to finally clear my cache & bathe my eyes in a wash of Japanese persimmon water. Bravo, brave true Philippa!
I met Philippa at an audition for Hair - the musical at The Old Vic. She was next to Derek Jacobi on the panel. As I entered the room she giggled, muffled something under her breath, turned to Derek and rolled her eyes. I managed three bars, she then held up her paw in protest and said: “I don’t want to see him naked”. Never recovered.
What a pleasure it was to read and to be blessed with the wit and wisdom of Philippa. Her candor, style and irreverent joy that she has found after all these years, makes it all the more human. ;)
I have just been read the article you so graciously agreed to be featured in by Tom Cox.
My name is Princess Sketchy Polikov Castaneda and I rule my Downtown Dallas kingdom from the 6th floor of my fabulous pied a terre / chateau at the Mayflower.
I admire the frankness and grace you deigned to share with the rest of the world. It takes magnanimous courage and patience to convey how powerful we felines really are. I envied how you were able to talk about your annoyances, life lessons and the deft gracefulness it takes to deal with the humans and animals in our lives. As my mother read it to me I thought, yes Princess…. I really get you.
I look forward to having my mother read to me more about you. I would also like to say you are now an influencer here in the Polikov-Castaneda kingdom I rule. I have announced this to my citizens.
Love this, Tom. Thank you. I’ve finished reading each of your last few Substacks with a feeling that I should make a short but profound and warm comment which would help you to feel heard, universally appreciated and at peace with the world. Strangely, I completely failed to achieve any such thing. But at least that will serve as a reminder to you that you are a SOD of a lot better at writing than most people. So it’s better than nothing, I suppose. Very best wishes and thank you again for your writing. (Philippa and I used to attend the same Hatha Yoga class. She was an education in herself and had the coolest approach to coughing up a hairball that I’ve ever seen.)
This is the best comment ever. Was I in that yoga class, too? I remember thinking that if I had Philippa's paw pads, I would never have to decide between bare feet and yoga socks again. She really has everything without making you feel it.
‘Tiny scuttling slag’ is giving me life!
Philippa Islington-Smythe is extremely photogenic. She has style and poise. No wonder she’s so sought after! 🐈⬛
Indeed a model for us lesser beings!!
she's really just a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl
Kind of ‘Pippa from the Block’?
love that she's so down to earth, unlike a lot of celebrities...
Oh Tom, this is beautiful and funny and what a wonderful person and writer you are! xo
Thank you, Maureen! Glad you enjoyed it.
I couldn't love your writing more and I am going to become a paid subscriber very soon ($ comes in on Friday) as well as getting a hold of a book or two because I'm envious of all the people going on about how great they are and wish to have this pleasure for myself. Cats have always held a major role in my life and after my beloved feline companion Jude passed away in January I've just now (yesterday!) adopted two adorable kittens who are currently hiding so I'm looking forward to adventures with my new buddies when they are brave enough to come out. Perhaps Philippa Islington-Smythe could be an inspiration for them. I'll read your post to them straight away.
Oh you have courage. To adopt again! My beloved soul mate cat, Jazz, black cat extraordinary feline died in June. I have Miles still who is 17 as well, on three meds twice a day. I can’t imagine adopting more when he goes. My heart is too fragile now.
In my experience there is always a hole-sized cat waiting to repair the cat-sized hole that the departure of a beloved leaves in your heart. You may hide, but they will find you, even if it takes a while….
This such a tender response. Thank you
Last Wednesday I lost Miles. His heart illness became too much for my sweet kitty to continue. To lose both my beloved cats in such a short time is taking a toll
Delivered with Philippa's trademark charming vacuity and a knowing look as if to tell us "a can opener is a girl's best friend if we only had opposable thumbs". Duly inspired, I'm off to finally clear my cache & bathe my eyes in a wash of Japanese persimmon water. Bravo, brave true Philippa!
Surely it's time for Philippa to be awarded a Damehood. Dame Philippa. An inspiration to us all.
I met Philippa at an audition for Hair - the musical at The Old Vic. She was next to Derek Jacobi on the panel. As I entered the room she giggled, muffled something under her breath, turned to Derek and rolled her eyes. I managed three bars, she then held up her paw in protest and said: “I don’t want to see him naked”. Never recovered.
I hate to admit how far along I was in this essay before I… well never mind.
The joy of it all, right!?! 😀
To whom it may concern at the Daily Telegraph:
I read your article with interest. I would be grateful if you could forward this to Philippa. Thanks in advance.
My dearest Philippa,
I can’t help but notice that you have a type - Jude and Result have an uncanny resemblance.
I shall live vicariously through you because I have unfortunately developed an allergy to your kind recently.
Thank you for the lovely photos. You’re so photogenic!
Catherine, your #1 fan 🤩
What a pleasure it was to read and to be blessed with the wit and wisdom of Philippa. Her candor, style and irreverent joy that she has found after all these years, makes it all the more human. ;)
Dear Philippa Islington-Smythe,
I have just been read the article you so graciously agreed to be featured in by Tom Cox.
My name is Princess Sketchy Polikov Castaneda and I rule my Downtown Dallas kingdom from the 6th floor of my fabulous pied a terre / chateau at the Mayflower.
I admire the frankness and grace you deigned to share with the rest of the world. It takes magnanimous courage and patience to convey how powerful we felines really are. I envied how you were able to talk about your annoyances, life lessons and the deft gracefulness it takes to deal with the humans and animals in our lives. As my mother read it to me I thought, yes Princess…. I really get you.
I look forward to having my mother read to me more about you. I would also like to say you are now an influencer here in the Polikov-Castaneda kingdom I rule. I have announced this to my citizens.
Yours Sincerely,
Princess Sketchy Polikov-Castaneda.
"...and to those in neighboring Africa" made me spit out my iced latte.
I stopped to reread that fact and then had to think about geography a moment before moving on.
I am in proper love with your writing. Thank you.
Ah, Philippa, she's a one, isn't she?
I think you’ll find Philippa actually contains multitudes, June.