You know that guy in the Pit of Despair? The one with the rasping voice and the grey, sunken skin who keeps telling Westley that the "Machine" will take years off his life? That was Mel Smith. Most people recognize him immediately if they grew up on British comedy, but in The Princess Bride, he’s almost unrecognizable under layers of latex and goop.
Honestly, he hated it.
While we all sit back with our popcorn and quote his lines, Mel Smith was actually going through a bit of a living nightmare on that set. He played "The Albino," the loyal but creepy attendant to Count Rugen, and while it’s a relatively small role in the grand scheme of the film, it’s one of the most memorable. But there's a reason Smith never actually watched the movie.
The Albino: More Than Just a Creepy Face
Mel Smith was already a comedy titan in the UK before he ever stepped foot on Rob Reiner’s set. He was one half of Alas Smith and Jones and a key player in Not the Nine O'Clock News. For him to take a supporting role as a weird dungeon dweller in an American fantasy flick was a bit of a pivot.
The character of the Albino is basically the gatekeeper of the Pit of Despair. He’s the one who mops the floors, clears the throat, and delivers the grim news that "don't even think about trying to escape."
What’s wild is how much physical work went into those few minutes of screen time. To get that specific "Albino" look, the makeup department went all out. We’re talking heavy prosthetics and, most importantly, some very intense colored contact lenses. This is where things went south for Mel.
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Why Mel Smith Never Watched the Film
It sounds like an exaggeration, but Mel Smith was genuinely miserable during the shoot. He turned out to be severely allergic to the solution used for his contact lenses.
Imagine trying to act professional and hit your marks while it feels like someone is pouring salt and vinegar into your eyes. He spent his entire time on set in agonizing pain. Every time you see him squinting or looking particularly "distressed" as the Albino, that wasn't just acting—it was a man whose eyes were literally rejecting his costume.
Because of that association, Smith apparently couldn't bring himself to watch the finished product. To him, The Princess Bride wasn't a whimsical tale of true love and shrieking eels; it was just "that time my eyes almost fell out in a fake dungeon."
A Masterclass in Supporting Roles
Even with his eyes burning, Smith delivered a performance that felt grounded. That’s the magic of The Princess Bride. Rob Reiner didn't want "cartoon" characters. He wanted the fantasy to feel lived-in.
Smith’s Albino isn't a cackling villain. He’s a blue-collar worker in a torture chamber. He’s got a job to do, and he does it with a sort of weary, professional detachment. "The Pit of Despair! Don't even think... clears throat ... don't even think about trying to escape."
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That cough? That was a choice. It added a layer of "this guy has spent too much time in a damp basement" that made the world feel real.
Working with the Legends
The 1986 shoot at Shepperton Studios and various locations across the UK was a bit of a "who's who" of the era. Smith was rubbing shoulders with Cary Elwes, Christopher Guest (who played Count Rugen, his boss), and André the Giant.
Actually, there’s a funny contrast there. While Mel Smith was suffering through his eye allergies, André the Giant was dealing with massive back pain. The set was basically a collection of very talented people in various states of physical discomfort, all trying to make a kids' movie.
The Mel Smith Legacy Beyond the Pit
If you only know Mel Smith from his role in The Princess Bride, you’re missing out on about 90% of his genius. He wasn't just an actor; he was a powerhouse behind the scenes.
- Directing Smash Hits: He directed Bean (1997), which was a massive global success.
- The Tall Guy: He gave us this cult classic starring Jeff Goldblum.
- Talkback Productions: He co-founded one of the most influential production companies in the UK, responsible for things like Da Ali G Show.
He had a sharp, satirical mind that helped define a generation of British humor. His work with Griff Rhys Jones is legendary. They had this "head-to-head" sketch format that everyone in Britain could mimic.
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Finding the Truth in the Character
There’s a specific nuance Smith brought to the Albino that often gets overlooked. In the book by William Goldman, the character is even more grotesque. Smith, however, gives him a touch of humanity.
You almost feel bad for him. He’s stuck in a hole, serving a six-fingered sociopath, probably not getting paid enough, and clearly suffering from a chronic respiratory issue. It’s a testament to Mel's skill that he could find that "everyman" quality even under an inch of grey makeup.
What We Can Learn from the Albino
Looking back at Mel Smith in The Princess Bride today, it’s a reminder that great art often requires a bit of suffering. Not that we want actors to be in pain, but Smith's commitment to the bit—despite the allergy—helped create a scene that has stood the test of time for nearly 40 years.
If you're a fan of the film, the next time you watch the Pit of Despair sequence, pay attention to his eyes. You’ll see the redness. You’ll see the watering. Now you know it wasn't just the "dampness" of the pit.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check out Alas Smith and Jones on YouTube to see Mel in his natural comedy element.
- Watch The Tall Guy to see his directorial style; it’s a hidden gem of the 80s.
- Read Cary Elwes’ book, As You Wish, where he goes into more detail about the chaotic but lovely vibe on the set.
Mel Smith passed away in 2013, but his contribution to the "perfect" movie remains. He was a comedy giant who took a small, painful role and made it iconic. Even if he never wanted to see it himself, the rest of the world is sure glad he did it.