Toby Lichtig in conversation with Nigel Planer

Nigel Planer reflects on his multifaceted career as an actor, comedian, and author, centered around the release of his memoir, *Young Once*. Throughout his life, a compulsion to adopt personas served as a defense mechanism against personal scrutiny, a pattern that evolved from his early days as a performance poet to his iconic portrayal of Neil in *The Young Ones*. Planer shares anecdotes about his upbringing with a scientifically minded, immigrant father and his experiences navigating the entertainment industry, including the unexpected global success of his characters. The conversation highlights his transition from "pretending" to be others to documenting his own life and observations, revealing the personal evolution behind his public persona. He also touches on his enduring relationships and the creative process of organizing his life’s material into a cohesive narrative.