71 In-spire
LS
British actors have always done seemingly well
in Hollywood and you have followed suit in your
endeavours. You may have achieved a great deal so far
in your career to date, but what other goals have you
set your sights on achieving?
Of course the main thing for all actors is to have a
successful career. If I'm honest, yes I want to be doing
more work out of the States. I have some Hollywood
projects under my belt, playing Americans but to date
the bulk of my work has been here. For me, in the next
year I'd like to do more in the way of US projects but
its all about roles. I am interested in keeping the career
varied and interesting. Following playing such a comedic
role in Amar, Akbar and Tony I am sure that I will want
to get my head down in a solid drama again. I'm lucky to
have great representation here and in the US which put
me forward for roles that interest me. They seem to have
a confidence in me that means I don't just go to play one
particular type of role. I appreciate that support because
it means we're all on the same page; it mirrors how I feel
about my career.
With the major highs, there can be an equal share of
lows. Have you had any periods where you have had
to face any moments of
adversity and if yes, how
have you overcome them?
Yes, like anyone I have
had to face moments of
adversity. Whether that be
the death of a loved one,
or pet to any best laid plans in your career not working
out. It's not the lack of these that sets people apart, it's
their reaction to them. I've had my fair share of lows
and all I can think of that gets me through, is the love
and support of those around me combined with my own
courage and tenacity. You choose those to have around
you on a daily basis and that is hugely important. Make
sure you choose well! I think people deserve to feel good
and that choice is ultimately yours.
What would you say are the pros and cons of being an
actor?
Having money one moment and none the next..? I guess
it's the instability but that's all part of the excitement if
I'm honest. Plus you need lows in order to appreciate the
highs. Relationships can be tough I would say. Not just
loved ones but friends. I mean if you're unhappy with
your career, someone is going to bear the brunt of that.
If you are working away, for long hours, you are going
to be less of the person that someone fell in love with
potentially. It's immersive acting, so you commit a lot to
it. I guess in those moments, something suffers, which
is a shame. It doesn't mean it's impossible. It just means
you need a lot of understanding, respect for your loved
ones as well as respect from them.
What would be your dream role and why?
That's a tough one. It's about variety for me, rather than
a particular role. I guess if I could wave a wand over it
right now, I'd put myself in some kind of period action
adventure film, playing a character of heroic altruism.
As a human being, it is vital that you stand for
something.
What are you most passionate about and what would
you say is important to you?
I would say, I am passionate about helping those that
need it. If a friend asked me to do something, no
matter how hard or painful it sounded, if they needed
me I'd do it, if they didn't have the strength alone, I'd
be there. I'm passionate about anyone in need. So for
me, charity work is becoming more important as I get
older. Raising money for Kick 4 Life was an insight
into how generous people can be. I think
that generosity is important. We currently
have a government in England that is
diverting our opinions on national debt
and working hard to have us believe that
those on benefits are responsible for our
problems. They're not! They take up a
small percentage of the problems with our
nations' spending. It's the equivalent of telling you to
save energy by turning your light bulb off, whilst we're
powering The Shard in London. I'm not saying I have
the answer. However, I honestly believe there has to be
a better way to help get people working and therefore
contributing to society, than to just handing out tax
breaks to millionaires. So for me, it's all about help of
those that need it.
Do you have any positive quotes that you apply to your
life, if yes what are they?
I quite like the one from Churchill, "If you're going
through Hell, keep going" it's obviously the same
message as, "They say the best way out, is through". I feel
that whenever I don't feel good about a situation, there
is satisfaction in the knowledge that as sure as the sun is
going to rise, that you will get through a tough time.
"Whatever you do, do
it with pride. Do what
you love and you will
have lived well."