Hollywood legend Malcolm McDowell, known for iconic roles in films like A Clockwork Orange, admitted he has never actually watched his daughter-in-law Lily Collins’ hit Netflix series Emily In Paris.
Despite skipping the show, the 82-year-old actor had nothing but praise for Lily, who has become a global sensation through her role as Emily Cooper.
It’s Not His Cup of Tea
“To be honest with you, it’s not my kind of thing, and Lily knows that,” McDowell told People.
“But I’m the biggest fan of my daughter-in-law. I think she’s absolutely one of the great actresses.”
Malcolm’s son, director Charlie McDowell, married Lily in 2021.
While Malcolm hasn’t tuned into the show, he is bursting with pride over her career achievements.
Praising Lily’s Screen Presence
“She has such a beautiful quality,” he said. “When she’s on the screen, there’s nobody else there because she’s not only a good actress, but she has a beautiful charisma.”
Malcolm even credited Lily with boosting tourism in Paris, joking that Americans watching the show have likely been inspired to book trips to the French capital.
This isn’t the first time McDowell has heaped praise on Lily. Last year, he compared her to Hollywood’s ultimate style icons.
“Lily is absolutely a star. I think she’s one of the best young actresses around.
She’s got that Audrey Hepburn kind of thing going—a light that shines behind her eyes. She’s really fantastic,” he said.
Loving Life as a Grandfather
Beyond his admiration for Lily’s professional accomplishments, Malcolm gushed about their family life.
He spoke warmly about his seven-month-old granddaughter, Tove.
“I love being around them and just watching the antics and the dynamic between them all. It’s staggering. They’re so different in personality, and it’s beautiful to watch.”
He admitted that, as a grandfather, he often observes from afar.
“They live in Europe a lot of the time, so I don’t really see them that much, but when I do, it’s always great to hang out,” he said.
A Close Family Bond
Lily also shares a close relationship with her mother-in-law, actress Mary Steenburgen.
Mary met Lily years before she and Charlie were together and instantly knew they would be a perfect match.
“I looked at her and thought, ‘You would just be so amazing with my son,’” she told E! News.
After Charlie and Lily married in Colorado in 2021, Mary paid a heartfelt tribute on social media, celebrating the couple’s love.
Filming Continues Amid Tragedy
Lily is currently filming the fifth season of Emily In Paris in Europe, with production now moved to Venice.
Filming resumed shortly after the tragic death of the show’s assistant director, Diego Borella, 47, who collapsed on set and later passed away, reportedly from a heart attack.
Season five is set to be released on December 18 and will follow Emily Cooper’s adventures in a new city, Rome, as she navigates life, love, and work across Europe.
