In the first of an exclusive two-part interview, Sean McCarthy talks to acting legend Malcolm McDowell. In this issue Malcolm talks about his Irish roots, Lindsay Anderson, and his recent acting projects, including Red Roses and Petrol, Evilenko, and In Good Company.

There's plenty of Irish in your blood Malcolm….

There is! (Malcolm, breaking into a little 'As Gaeilge' and laughing heartily!) My mother's father was Irish, and a McDowell. In fact, I reverted to my mother's maiden name because there was another actor called Malcolm Taylor, which was 'my' name.

Tell me something about your family links to Ireland.

Everyone was very proud of their Irish ancestry on my mother's side, and my father was rather pissed off when I told him I was changing my name. I said, 'Well … Malcolm McDowell!' And he said, 'Ah fer God's sake! Why the hell would ya want that stupid name?!' I said, 'Well that's my mother's "maiden" name…' and he went 'Arraagh ya don't want to be one of The McDowells!' I said, 'Yes, I really do! It's a great name.' And he was a bit pissed off. He always was! I remember when he came to premieres and stuff he'd say, 'I don't know why ya'd change yer name!' and I 'd say, 'Dad, it's too late now!' And you know, he was always a bit miffed. But I've always felt this great affinity to that side of my family, and I've always loved it when I come to Ireland. I'd love to come there and make another film actually.

The full article is printed in Film Ireland 103.