Kristin Scott Thomas Charms with Wit, Style, and Speed on Top Gear
Renowned actress Kristin Scott Thomas recently made an unforgettable appearance on the popular British television show Top Gear, blending her signature elegance and wit with a surprisingly competitive driving performance. From discussing her life in Paris to racing around the Top Gear track, the episode offered fans a unique and humorous look at a very different side of the Hollywood and West End star.
From the West End to the Top Gear Track
Kristin Scott Thomas, (born 24 May 1960).
The English Patient (1996) Anthony Minghella. pic.twitter.com/T5SEKlhYfF
— Juan Ferrer (@JuanFerrerVila) May 24, 2020
Kristin Scott Thomas, widely recognized for her dramatic roles in films such as The English Patient and Four Weddings and a Funeral, is currently starring in The Seagull on London’s West End. Her presence on Top Gear was a refreshing detour from traditional interviews, offering viewers a candid and humorous take on everything from city driving to Chekhov.
Dressed with understated flair, Scott Thomas opened up about her experience living between Paris and London. She described her everyday driving vehicle—a quirky electric G-Wiz—as “tiger-striped” and delightfully odd, joking about its size and limitations. Despite some playful teasing from host Jeremy Clarkson, she defended the car, calling it perfect for urban life.
A Passion for Driving—With Style
When asked about the differences between driving in Paris and London, Kristin Scott Thomas revealed she received multiple traffic offenses in her first week navigating British roads. Her humor shone through as she recounted navigating the chaotic Arc de Triomphe in Paris, describing it as one of life’s greatest adventures. Her philosophy? Drive an old, beat-up car that people instinctively avoid.
Clarkson then guided her through a segment comparing the “coolness” of various cars—a Top Gear tradition. Despite his efforts to mock certain models, Scott Thomas gave her own stylish, sharp takes, supporting small European cars and even defending the red Bentley Continental as fabulous despite previous criticism on the show.
A Surprisingly Strong Lap Time
kristin scott thomas on the set of the english patient is something i think about quite often pic.twitter.com/Tv7fnERHtd
— h` (@HELEBING_) June 12, 2025
One of the biggest surprises of the episode came when Kristin Scott Thomas took on the Top Gear track in the “Star in a Reasonably Priced Car” challenge. While she admitted she “gave up steering” at one point and got stuck in the mud, her performance was anything but slow. Clocking in at an impressive 1 minute and 54 seconds, she beat other celebrity guests like Brian Cox, Rick Wakeman, and Jimmy Carr.
The lap, replayed on the show with running commentary, revealed her smooth handling and surprisingly aggressive speed in the straights. Clarkson himself looked genuinely impressed, noting her better-than-expected performance with a mix of humor and admiration.
Theatre, Chekhov, and the Cool Factor
Kristin Scott Thomas is living her action-hero era—and loving it, still in disbelief she’s part of the “Mission: Impossible” franchise. pic.twitter.com/5eP2hRAGss
— CBS Sunday Morning 🌞 (@CBSSunday) July 26, 2025
Beyond her driving prowess, the episode offered a glimpse into Scott Thomas’s deep passion for theatre. Discussing her role in Chekhov’s The Seagull, she explained its emotional weight and complexity. “Act One, not much happens,” she joked. “Act Two, not much. Then suddenly everything.” Her dry delivery earned laughs from both the audience and Clarkson, who called her the epitome of European cool.
Kristin also described her preference for European cities over American ones, reflecting her international career and lifestyle. Living primarily in Paris, she remains deeply connected to the cultural fabric of European theatre, art, and film.
A Refreshing and Rare Celebrity Interview
In an era of overly rehearsed TV appearances, Kristin Scott Thomas delivered a rare and refreshing interview, full of dry humor, self-deprecation, intelligence, and style. Her ability to poke fun at herself while maintaining poise made the segment one of the season’s most entertaining moments.
Whether discussing electric cars, French traffic circles, or Russian playwrights, Scott Thomas effortlessly held her own, reminding audiences that true cool is about more than cars or lap times; it’s about grace, charm, and authenticity.
