'Arthur' Star Russell Brand Relates to Role of Drunken Billionaire Playboy (Video)

10:59 PM PDT 3/28/2011 by THR staff

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The actor also also praises his co-star Helen Mirren's "sexuality."

Russell Brand, who stars in the upcoming remake of the 1981 film Arthur, said he can relate to his character, a drunken billionaire playboy.

"[I'm a] mischievous monkey myself," he told Extra. "When I was drinking, I was like crazy. I wasn't maybe so sweet as Arthur. I know that of course there's a dark side to alcohol. That's why I haven't had a drink for eight years."

Brand takes on the role originated by Dudley Moore. In the new movie, Brand's Arthur stands to lose a wealthy inheritance when he falls for a woman his family doesn't like.

In the interview with Extra, Brand also praised his co-star Helen Mirren, who plays the nanny hired to look after Arthur.

"Matriarchy and sexuality -- Helen Mirren has it," Brand said.

As for Mirren, she said she wasn't a fan of the original Arthur: "Not particularly, no. I didn't like it very much."