Kris Marshall Almost Missed Out on Death in Paradise – "I Didn't Make the Final Four"

 Kris Marshall Almost Missed Out on Death in Paradise – "I Didn't Make the Final Four" 

Kris Marshall is a name and face that fans of British television can instantly recognize. Whether from his heartwarming role in Love Actually, his memorable stint in BT advertisements, or his time solving crimes in Death in Paradise, Marshall’s career has been filled with iconic moments. However, what many don’t know is that his journey to playing the beloved DI Humphrey Goodman almost didn’t happen.

The Unexpected Call That Changed His Life

Back in 2013, when Marshall first auditioned for Death in Paradise, he didn’t even make the final shortlist. At the time, he was newly married, had a three-month-old baby, and was searching for his next big role after his U.S. sitcom Traffic Light had ended.

"I didn’t even make the final four," he recalls. "Then, ten days later, they phoned me and said, ‘We’ve made a mistake.’ That changed the next ten years of my life."

That phone call set him on the path to becoming one of the most beloved characters in the series, leading to his role in Beyond Paradise, a spinoff created specifically for him.

The Challenges of Filming in Guadeloupe

Although Death in Paradise became a massive hit, filming in the Caribbean was far from easy. When Marshall took over from Ben Miller in 2014, the show was still finding its footing, and its future was uncertain. He quickly learned that working in Guadeloupe came with its own set of challenges.

"The heat was extreme," he admits. "It can reach 32°C, and it never dips below 25°C. It gets inside your mind." The filming location, including the police station set, had no air conditioning. "There were days when I’d throw chairs and whiteboards out of frustration."

Despite the difficulties, Marshall’s time on the show turned Death in Paradise into a juggernaut, with each episode pulling in over seven million viewers. The series’ popularity even boosted tourism in Guadeloupe. "When I first got there, it wasn’t a major tourist destination. Now, there are Death in Paradise bus tours, and I’ve seen people wearing T-shirts with my face on them. It’s like being Mickey Mouse at Disney World."

A Brush with Death and a New Perspective

Marshall’s life hasn’t been without its challenges. In 2008, he was involved in a near-fatal accident. While on a night out in Bristol, he was hit by a car.

"For some reason, I jumped," he recalls. "If you get hit by a car, the worst part is when you fold forward and hit your head on the bonnet. That’s what kills people. Because I jumped, the car spun me to the side."

He spent a week in intensive care with a collapsed lung, a damaged hip, and a serious head injury. "I wouldn’t say it was touch and go, but it was pretty bad."

A Rebel Without a Plan

Marshall’s early years were far from traditional. He was expelled from school at 18, failed his A-levels spectacularly, and initially planned to work in the financial sector. Instead, he moved to Hong Kong, where his father had relocated. The reunion was complicated. "I’d wasted all his money," he admits.

Eventually, his father helped him enroll in drama school, which he hated. "Everyone was into Les Misérables. It wasn’t my scene." After that, he entered what he calls his Withnail and I years, living in Slough with questionable roommates. "I came home once and there was half an ear on the floor. Someone had bitten it off in a fight."

From Struggles to Stardom

Despite these rough beginnings, Marshall persevered. His career took off with My Family, Love Actually, and eventually Death in Paradise. Today, he’s one of British television’s most recognizable stars, and his role as Humphrey Goodman remains a fan favorite.

As Beyond Paradise returns for its third season, Marshall reflects on his journey with gratitude. "I’ve been very lucky. It all started with a phone call that changed everything."

FAQ

1. Why did Kris Marshall leave Death in Paradise?
Marshall left the show in 2017 to spend more time with his family in the UK, as filming in Guadeloupe required long periods away from home.

2. Will Kris Marshall return to Death in Paradise?
Although he hasn’t ruled out a guest appearance, Marshall is currently focused on Beyond Paradise.

3. How did Death in Paradise boost tourism in Guadeloupe?
The show’s success led to an increase in visitors, with fans traveling to see filming locations and taking themed tours.

4. What is Beyond Paradise about?
The spinoff follows DI Humphrey Goodman as he continues solving crimes, but this time in Devon, UK.

5. What is Kris Marshall working on now?
He is starring in the third season of Beyond Paradise and exploring new acting opportunities.