Matthew Rhys Is on a Tear. If Only He Knew It. | The Interview

Especially with the awards, you think Especially with the awards, you think it'll fulfill some some gaping hole it'll fulfill some some gaping hole it'll fulfill some some gaping hole that's been in you your entire life and that's been in you your entire life and that's been in you your entire life and it does nothing. >> I'm Lulu Garcia-Navarro and today I'm >> I'm Lulu Garcia-Navarro and today I'm interviewing actor Matthew Rhys. Rhys is interviewing actor Matthew Rhys. Rhys is interviewing actor Matthew Rhys. Rhys is on a tear. He starred in this year's on a tear. He starred in this year's on a tear. He starred in this year's surprise breakout hit Widows Bay as a surprise breakout hit Widows Bay as a surprise breakout hit Widows Bay as a small town mayor trying desperately to small town mayor trying desperately to small town mayor trying desperately to bring tourism to his sleepy island bring tourism to his sleepy island bring tourism to his sleepy island despite the locals warning that the despite the locals warning that the despite the locals warning that the [music] place is haunted. [music] place is haunted. [music] place is haunted. >> Maybe it's a story to tell pass a long >> Maybe it's a story to tell pass a long >> Maybe it's a story to tell pass a long day at sea. I don't know, but I find it day at sea. I don't know, but I find it day at sea. I don't know, but I find it charming myself. Was there cannibalism? charming myself. Was there cannibalism? charming myself. Was there cannibalism? No. No. No. >> Rhys also starred in The Beast in Me as >> Rhys also starred in The Beast in Me as >> Rhys also starred in The Beast in Me as Noel Jarvis, a New York real estate Noel Jarvis, a New York real estate Noel Jarvis, a New York real estate developer rumored to have murdered his developer rumored to have murdered his developer rumored to have murdered his wife. wife. wife. >> Why is that funny? >> Why is that funny? >> Why is that funny? >> [laughter and gasps] >> [laughter and gasps] >> [laughter and gasps] >> Uh I'm interesting. >> Uh I'm interesting. >> Uh I'm interesting. And I got stories, believe me. People And I got stories, believe me. People And I got stories, believe me. People think they know, they don't. think they know, they don't. think they know, they don't. >> Both of those parts won him Emmy >> Both of those parts won him Emmy >> Both of those parts won him Emmy nominations this year, but as I found nominations this year, but as I found nominations this year, but as I found out when we spoke, it doesn't mean he's out when we spoke, it doesn't mean he's out when we spoke, it doesn't mean he's feeling secure in his career. feeling secure in his career. feeling secure in his career. >> I've never felt that >> I've never felt that >> I've never felt that kind of confidence, that kind of confidence, that kind of confidence, that self-assuredness that I always wished I self-assuredness that I always wished I self-assuredness that I always wished I had.

had. had. >> We got into that and talked about some >> We got into that and talked about some >> We got into that and talked about some of his other memorable roles. of his other memorable roles. of his other memorable roles. >> Hi. >> Hi. >> Hi. >> Hi, I'm Hanna. >> Hi, I'm Hanna. >> Hi, I'm Hanna. >> Hanna Hanna. >> Hanna Hanna. >> Hanna Hanna. >> And about his life with his partner Keri >> And about his life with his partner Keri >> And about his life with his partner Keri [music] Russell, who he fell in love [music] Russell, who he fell in love [music] Russell, who he fell in love with on the set of The Americans. >> You're my wife. >> You're my wife. Is that right? Is that right? Is that right? >> Here's my conversation with Matthew >> Here's my conversation with Matthew >> Here's my conversation with Matthew Rhys. But first, a quick message. If Rhys. But first, a quick message. If Rhys. But first, a quick message. If you're not a subscriber, we have some you're not a subscriber, we have some you're not a subscriber, we have some news for you. You can explore the times news for you. You can explore the times news for you. You can explore the times for free without paywalls during your for free without paywalls during your for free without paywalls during your first month in The New York Times app. first month in The New York Times app. first month in The New York Times app. Just download the app and we hope you Just download the app and we hope you Just download the app and we hope you enjoy it. Okay, on to the interview. enjoy it. Okay, on to the interview. enjoy it. Okay, on to the interview. Matthew Rhys, thank you so much for Matthew Rhys, thank you so much for Matthew Rhys, thank you so much for being here. being here. being here. >> Thank you for the invite. >> Thank you for the invite. >> Thank you for the invite. >> Um so >> Um so >> Um so the best description of you that I've the best description of you that I've the best description of you that I've seen is actually your own. seen is actually your own. seen is actually your own. >> Oh god, yes. [laughter] Here we go. >> Oh god, yes. [laughter] Here we go. >> Oh god, yes. [laughter] Here we go. Yeah, immediately panicked. Yeah, immediately panicked. Yeah, immediately panicked. >> All right, you said once that you are >> All right, you said once that you are >> All right, you said once that you are {quote} eternally seeking to channel the {quote} eternally seeking to channel the {quote} eternally seeking to channel the spirit of David Niven. spirit of David Niven. spirit of David Niven. And that of course is referring to the And that of course is referring to the And that of course is referring to the great leading man who has Welsh roots, I great leading man who has Welsh roots, I great leading man who has Welsh roots, I discovered. His autobiography The Moon discovered. His autobiography The Moon discovered. His autobiography The Moon is a Balloon is one of my absolute is a Balloon is one of my absolute is a Balloon is one of my absolute favorite books um in the world.

favorite books um in the world. favorite books um in the world. >> Agreed. >> Agreed. >> Agreed. >> Can you tell me what you meant by that? >> Can you tell me what you meant by that? >> Can you tell me what you meant by that? >> Yes, I feel m- my life or or >> Yes, I feel m- my life or or >> Yes, I feel m- my life or or how I am in the world, I'm always how I am in the world, I'm always how I am in the world, I'm always really like a nervous Nellie and I'm really like a nervous Nellie and I'm really like a nervous Nellie and I'm always like, "Oh my god, I said the always like, "Oh my god, I said the always like, "Oh my god, I said the wrong thing. I did the wrong thing." And wrong thing. I did the wrong thing." And wrong thing. I did the wrong thing." And then I look at Niven and he's always so then I look at Niven and he's always so then I look at Niven and he's always so quietly self-assured and calm and quietly self-assured and calm and quietly self-assured and calm and seemingly said the right thing even when seemingly said the right thing even when seemingly said the right thing even when a naked person ran behind him at the a naked person ran behind him at the a naked person ran behind him at the Oscars. And I just wish I could be that Oscars. And I just wish I could be that Oscars. And I just wish I could be that person and say the right thing or and be person and say the right thing or and be person and say the right thing or and be gracious and effortless and always gracious and effortless and always gracious and effortless and always a- think of others and every every time a- think of others and every every time a- think of others and every every time you read of an actor who worked with you read of an actor who worked with you read of an actor who worked with David Niven, they always say David Niven, they always say David Niven, they always say he was just so gracious to everyone and he was just so gracious to everyone and he was just so gracious to everyone and thought of others all the time thought of others all the time thought of others all the time and said the right thing and always and said the right thing and always and said the right thing and always calm. And I was like, calm. And I was like, calm. And I was like, "God, I wish I could be that person." "God, I wish I could be that person." "God, I wish I could be that person." >> Yeah. It's interesting the way that you >> Yeah. It's interesting the way that you >> Yeah. It's interesting the way that you view him because he is witty view him because he is witty view him because he is witty and charming and always said the right and charming and always said the right and charming and always said the right thing but also um thing but also um thing but also um maybe a bit frivolous, maybe a bit um maybe a bit frivolous, maybe a bit um maybe a bit frivolous, maybe a bit um >> Frivolous in in what sense or with what?

>> Frivolous in in what sense or with what? >> Frivolous in in what sense or with what? >> Well, I mean >> Well, I mean >> Well, I mean you know, he was the perfect party guest you know, he was the perfect party guest you know, he was the perfect party guest >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> and in terms of his acting, he was a >> and in terms of his acting, he was a >> and in terms of his acting, he was a good actor, I wouldn't say a great good actor, I wouldn't say a great good actor, I wouldn't say a great actor. actor. actor. >> And when I think of your work, I think >> And when I think of your work, I think >> And when I think of your work, I think more of sort of the great Welsh actors, more of sort of the great Welsh actors, more of sort of the great Welsh actors, you know, Richard Burton and Anthony you know, Richard Burton and Anthony you know, Richard Burton and Anthony Hopkins and the OG Ray Milland um Hopkins and the OG Ray Milland um Hopkins and the OG Ray Milland um you know, who were sort of brooding dark you know, who were sort of brooding dark you know, who were sort of brooding dark characters. characters. characters. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And >> And >> And so I guess what you're saying is David so I guess what you're saying is David so I guess what you're saying is David Niven in life and perhaps others in Niven in life and perhaps others in Niven in life and perhaps others in work? work? work? >> Oh, absolutely. Absolutely. And I would >> Oh, absolutely. Absolutely. And I would >> Oh, absolutely. Absolutely. And I would say that say that say that I would say Richard Burton i- is on par I would say Richard Burton i- is on par I would say Richard Burton i- is on par with Niven in that sense as to who I with Niven in that sense as to who I with Niven in that sense as to who I would aspire to be Cuz Burton, would aspire to be Cuz Burton, would aspire to be Cuz Burton, seemingly, he was the first seemingly, he was the first seemingly, he was the first to kind of be very to kind of be very to kind of be very very unwelsh to me, which was very unwelsh to me, which was very unwelsh to me, which was arresting and and inspiring. arresting and and inspiring. arresting and and inspiring. >> What is unwelsh? >> What is unwelsh? >> What is unwelsh? >> I think I think we're a we're a small >> I think I think we're a we're a small >> I think I think we're a we're a small country country country who have who have suffered for being who have who have suffered for being who have who have suffered for being England's neighbor, the small kind of England's neighbor, the small kind of England's neighbor, the small kind of cousin who's always ignored and put into cousin who's always ignored and put into cousin who's always ignored and put into the corner.

the corner. the corner. Um and kind of told what to do by Um and kind of told what to do by Um and kind of told what to do by England. And though And they are for I England. And though And they are for I England. And though And they are for I think there's a great kind of think there's a great kind of think there's a great kind of subservience and and and and insecurity subservience and and and and insecurity subservience and and and and insecurity to a degree nationally. to a degree nationally. to a degree nationally. And [snorts] he was one of the first to And [snorts] he was one of the first to And [snorts] he was one of the first to kind of really, with this great kind of really, with this great kind of really, with this great confidence and hubris, going, "I'm not confidence and hubris, going, "I'm not confidence and hubris, going, "I'm not going to be that. I'll take Hollywood by going to be that. I'll take Hollywood by going to be that. I'll take Hollywood by storm. I will challenge Onassis for the storm. I will challenge Onassis for the storm. I will challenge Onassis for the diamond. I will I will" He was very diamond. I will I will" He was very diamond. I will I will" He was very unwelsh in his unwelsh in his unwelsh in his >> bravado. >> bravado. >> bravado. >> Yes. Yeah. And I And to me it was like, >> Yes. Yeah. And I And to me it was like, >> Yes. Yeah. And I And to me it was like, "Wow, we're allowed We're allowed to be "Wow, we're allowed We're allowed to be "Wow, we're allowed We're allowed to be that." that." that." >> I want to go just back to the David >> I want to go just back to the David >> I want to go just back to the David Niven thing. Niven thing. Niven thing. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Because you described being a nervous >> Because you described being a nervous >> Because you described being a nervous Nellie. Can you just elaborate on that a Nellie. Can you just elaborate on that a Nellie. Can you just elaborate on that a little bit? Like what what do you mean? little bit? Like what what do you mean? little bit? Like what what do you mean? >> Well, I think Well, I think that just >> Well, I think Well, I think that just >> Well, I think Well, I think that just stems from from the early days of kind stems from from the early days of kind stems from from the early days of kind of of of kind of growing up in a in a school that kind of growing up in a in a school that kind of growing up in a in a school that was was was heavily into sports and being heavily into sports and being heavily into sports and being the only one who wanted to do acting. the only one who wanted to do acting. the only one who wanted to do acting. And then you go to drama college in And then you go to drama college in And then you go to drama college in I went to drama college in London and I went to drama college in London and I went to drama college in London and then being the kind of then being the kind of then being the kind of the young Welsh person I like I've the young Welsh person I like I've the young Welsh person I like I've always And now I'm just, you know, always And now I'm just, you know, always And now I'm just, you know, another fish out of water in in America.

another fish out of water in in America. another fish out of water in in America. I always I've always felt a slightly I always I've always felt a slightly I always I've always felt a slightly not fitting in. I know And it's the not fitting in. I know And it's the not fitting in. I know And it's the boring actor's cliché, boring actor's cliché, boring actor's cliché, I've never fitted in. But And I don't I've never fitted in. But And I don't I've never fitted in. But And I don't say it's a say it's a say it's a cross I've had to bear. I'm just saying cross I've had to bear. I'm just saying cross I've had to bear. I'm just saying there's a slight feeling of it. Um there's a slight feeling of it. Um there's a slight feeling of it. Um And I've never just, you know, all the And I've never just, you know, all the And I've never just, you know, all the all the stuff that all the stuff that all the stuff that me and my mob always moan about. I've me and my mob always moan about. I've me and my mob always moan about. I've never felt that never felt that never felt that kind of kind of kind of kind of confidence, that kind of confidence, that kind of confidence, that self-assuredness that I always wished I self-assuredness that I always wished I self-assuredness that I always wished I had, which is maybe why we always had, which is maybe why we always had, which is maybe why we always pretend to be other people. pretend to be other people. pretend to be other people. >> You fake it pretty well. >> You fake it pretty well. >> You fake it pretty well. >> [laughter] >> In so many ways, not just the acting. >> In so many ways, not just the acting. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> [gasps] >> [gasps] >> [gasps] >> Um I'm interested in this period that >> Um I'm interested in this period that >> Um I'm interested in this period that you had where you had early success. You you had where you had early success. You you had where you had early success. You were in a stage play of The Graduate on were in a stage play of The Graduate on were in a stage play of The Graduate on London's West End, and then you had this London's West End, and then you had this London's West End, and then you had this period of not being able to find work. period of not being able to find work. period of not being able to find work. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> In your early parts of your career, did >> In your early parts of your career, did >> In your early parts of your career, did you ever turn anything down even though you ever turn anything down even though you ever turn anything down even though you needed the job because you wanted to you needed the job because you wanted to you needed the job because you wanted to have a certain kind of career? Were you have a certain kind of career? Were you have a certain kind of career? Were you being choosy or were you just not being choosy or were you just not being choosy or were you just not finding the kinds of roles that you finding the kinds of roles that you finding the kinds of roles that you wanted?

wanted? wanted? >> Oh no, no, it's never never choosy, >> Oh no, no, it's never never choosy, >> Oh no, no, it's never never choosy, especially almost throughout my entire especially almost throughout my entire especially almost throughout my entire 20s. It was never It was never a choice 20s. It was never It was never a choice 20s. It was never It was never a choice I had. I would It was just There's only I had. I would It was just There's only I had. I would It was just There's only one There's one job I turned down that I one There's one job I turned down that I one There's one job I turned down that I to this day bitterly regret, which was to this day bitterly regret, which was to this day bitterly regret, which was to play Hamlet. to play Hamlet. to play Hamlet. >> Oh. >> Oh. >> Oh. >> And I was 24, and I >> And I was 24, and I >> And I was 24, and I >> down Hamlet? >> down Hamlet? >> down Hamlet? >> I know, because I the it's field It felt >> I know, because I the it's field It felt >> I know, because I the it's field It felt so field felt like so field felt like so field felt like a mountain I was too young to climb. And a mountain I was too young to climb. And a mountain I was too young to climb. And I was like, I don't have the emotional I was like, I don't have the emotional I was like, I don't have the emotional maturity to play Hamlet at 24. maturity to play Hamlet at 24. maturity to play Hamlet at 24. And now And now And now sadly [clears throat] the Dane has sadly [clears throat] the Dane has sadly [clears throat] the Dane has passed. Um but I yeah, I don't feel, you passed. Um but I yeah, I don't feel, you passed. Um but I yeah, I don't feel, you know, I'll ever get that chance again. know, I'll ever get that chance again. know, I'll ever get that chance again. >> You knew that you didn't have the >> You knew that you didn't have the >> You knew that you didn't have the emotional maturity? emotional maturity? emotional maturity? >> saying I remember saying it to my agent >> saying I remember saying it to my agent >> saying I remember saying it to my agent at the time. I was like, I can't play at the time. I was like, I can't play at the time. I was like, I can't play Hamlet now. I don't Hamlet now. I don't Hamlet now. I don't I don't have that in me. It's That's I don't have that in me. It's That's I don't have that in me. It's That's Maybe in Maybe in Maybe in 5 6 years, but not now. There's no way I 5 6 years, but not now. There's no way I 5 6 years, but not now. There's no way I could play it now. could play it now. could play it now. And then Ben Whishaw did it at 21. And then Ben Whishaw did it at 21. And then Ben Whishaw did it at 21. >> What do you feel like you have to have >> What do you feel like you have to have >> What do you feel like you have to have inside of you in order to play a role? inside of you in order to play a role? inside of you in order to play a role? Like what are you I mean, Like what are you I mean, Like what are you I mean, when you were younger, did you feel like when you were younger, did you feel like when you were younger, did you feel like there had to be there had to be there had to be emotional material there for you to sort emotional material there for you to sort emotional material there for you to sort of be able to channel the The person?

of be able to channel the The person? of be able to channel the The person? >> Exactly. I I you know, Ham obviously >> Exactly. I I you know, Ham obviously >> Exactly. I I you know, Ham obviously Hamlet's going through so much at the Hamlet's going through so much at the Hamlet's going through so much at the time. time. time. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Uh I just felt I've I haven't worn >> Uh I just felt I've I haven't worn >> Uh I just felt I've I haven't worn enough shirts. [snorts] I haven't lived enough shirts. [snorts] I haven't lived enough shirts. [snorts] I haven't lived a life yet in order to kind of a life yet in order to kind of a life yet in order to kind of >> And you can't pretend? Isn't that >> And you can't pretend? Isn't that >> And you can't pretend? Isn't that acting? acting? acting? >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> I don't mean to be to tell you your >> I don't mean to be to tell you your >> I don't mean to be to tell you your business. business. business. >> Oh, believe me how right you are. Yes. >> Oh, believe me how right you are. Yes. >> Oh, believe me how right you are. Yes. Uh and I look back and go, "Why didn't I Uh and I look back and go, "Why didn't I Uh and I look back and go, "Why didn't I just pretend?" I think I think uh you just pretend?" I think I think uh you just pretend?" I think I think uh you know, we do we do kind of put Hamlet on know, we do we do kind of put Hamlet on know, we do we do kind of put Hamlet on a plinth and we kind of see it as this a plinth and we kind of see it as this a plinth and we kind of see it as this Everest that Everest that Everest that kind of be summited, should be summited kind of be summited, should be summited kind of be summited, should be summited cuz it's there, it should be summited. cuz it's there, it should be summited. cuz it's there, it should be summited. Um and it was for me. I was like, this Um and it was for me. I was like, this Um and it was for me. I was like, this you know, it's it was a um you know, it's it was a um you know, it's it was a um It's just one of those roles. It's just one of those roles. It's just one of those roles. >> it was low self-esteem? >> it was low self-esteem? >> it was low self-esteem? >> Without question. >> Without question. >> Without question. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> I think any number of other actors would >> I think any number of other actors would >> I think any number of other actors would go, "Of course I'm going to do it." go, "Of course I'm going to do it." go, "Of course I'm going to do it." >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And I'll do it well. And and I was like, >> And I'll do it well. And and I was like, >> And I'll do it well. And and I was like, I can't do that. Uh that's not in me. I can't do that. Uh that's not in me. I can't do that. Uh that's not in me. I'm not I can't I can't do it. I'm not I can't I can't do it. I'm not I can't I can't do it. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> I bitterly regret that. >> I bitterly regret that. >> I bitterly regret that. >> You mentioned something. You studied at >> You mentioned something. You studied at >> You mentioned something. You studied at RADA, which is the Royal Academy of RADA, which is the Royal Academy of RADA, which is the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. And that's sort Dramatic Art in London. And that's sort Dramatic Art in London. And that's sort of the highest echelon acting school.

of the highest echelon acting school. of the highest echelon acting school. What would you say the sort of main What would you say the sort of main What would you say the sort of main differences between American acting and differences between American acting and differences between American acting and and and and British acting or the acting that you I British acting or the acting that you I British acting or the acting that you I mean, I have thoughts about this, but mean, I have thoughts about this, but mean, I have thoughts about this, but the acting that you kind of the acting that you kind of the acting that you kind of were brought up in because just hearing were brought up in because just hearing were brought up in because just hearing you say that that you kind of needed you say that that you kind of needed you say that that you kind of needed some emotional material to do it. some emotional material to do it. some emotional material to do it. I mean, that I mean, that I mean, that that speaks to you know, a philosophy of that speaks to you know, a philosophy of that speaks to you know, a philosophy of acting that I'm wondering acting that I'm wondering acting that I'm wondering what it is exactly. what it is exactly. what it is exactly. >> think the that philosophy [snorts] is? >> think the that philosophy [snorts] is? >> think the that philosophy [snorts] is? Is it more American? Is it more American? Is it more American? >> I would say it's more it's more >> I would say it's more it's more >> I would say it's more it's more American. American. American. >> I agree. I agree. And and we were taught >> I agree. I agree. And and we were taught >> I agree. I agree. And and we were taught by a a New York acting teacher um by a a New York acting teacher um by a a New York acting teacher um at while at RADA um called Doreen at while at RADA um called Doreen at while at RADA um called Doreen Cannon. She was from the kind of royalty Cannon. She was from the kind of royalty Cannon. She was from the kind of royalty of New York acting schools. of New York acting schools. of New York acting schools. >> method acting? >> method acting? >> method acting? >> Stella Adler Yeah, she'd come through >> Stella Adler Yeah, she'd come through >> Stella Adler Yeah, she'd come through that. So she Yes, that was her her ethos that. So she Yes, that was her her ethos that. So she Yes, that was her her ethos and that was the way we were taught. It and that was the way we were taught. It and that was the way we were taught. It was this great subversive moment in in was this great subversive moment in in was this great subversive moment in in the RADA history where black Americans the RADA history where black Americans the RADA history where black Americans were brought in to teach acting. You were brought in to teach acting. You were brought in to teach acting. You know, it's [clears throat] kind of let's know, it's [clears throat] kind of let's know, it's [clears throat] kind of let's reinvent the wheel here. reinvent the wheel here. reinvent the wheel here. >> Yeah, and how did that um >> Yeah, and how did that um >> Yeah, and how did that um how did that inform how you learned how how did that inform how you learned how how did that inform how you learned how to act?

to act? to act? >> It I loved it because also as much as I >> It I loved it because also as much as I >> It I loved it because also as much as I was watching Richard Burton, the huge was watching Richard Burton, the huge was watching Richard Burton, the huge heroes for me were Brando and De Niro heroes for me were Brando and De Niro heroes for me were Brando and De Niro and Pacino. So all of a sudden I felt and Pacino. So all of a sudden I felt and Pacino. So all of a sudden I felt like I was getting an insight into their like I was getting an insight into their like I was getting an insight into their world, the way they did it. And I you world, the way they did it. And I you world, the way they did it. And I you know, grew up watching their movies. So know, grew up watching their movies. So know, grew up watching their movies. So all of a sudden I was like, "Oh my god, all of a sudden I was like, "Oh my god, all of a sudden I was like, "Oh my god, we're getting the secrets." we're getting the secrets." we're getting the secrets." >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um so it was very exciting to me. It was >> Um so it was very exciting to me. It was >> Um so it was very exciting to me. It was It was getting away from this idea that It was getting away from this idea that It was getting away from this idea that it was pretense. It suddenly became very it was pretense. It suddenly became very it was pretense. It suddenly became very real. And and and in a way I suppose a real. And and and in a way I suppose a real. And and and in a way I suppose a little more little more little more This is a self-justification of dressing This is a self-justification of dressing This is a self-justification of dressing up for a living, but kind of more worthy up for a living, but kind of more worthy up for a living, but kind of more worthy or noble that if if you do it for real, or noble that if if you do it for real, or noble that if if you do it for real, it's not facade, which is a little more it's not facade, which is a little more it's not facade, which is a little more humiliating. humiliating. humiliating. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Um well, there's a lot of debate now >> Um well, there's a lot of debate now >> Um well, there's a lot of debate now because um female actors have talked because um female actors have talked because um female actors have talked [clears throat] about how this is a it's [clears throat] about how this is a it's [clears throat] about how this is a it's a male conceit to be a method actor that a male conceit to be a method actor that a male conceit to be a method actor that it's because, you know, men are much it's because, you know, men are much it's because, you know, men are much more comfortable, you know, navel-gazing more comfortable, you know, navel-gazing more comfortable, you know, navel-gazing and women have to use their brains in and women have to use their brains in and women have to use their brains in other ways. I mean, what what do you other ways. I mean, what what do you other ways. I mean, what what do you think about that sort of think about that sort of think about that sort of um um um debate?

debate? debate? >> I agree. I I agree that it's it's the >> I agree. I I agree that it's it's the >> I agree. I I agree that it's it's the the term has become this kind of a the term has become this kind of a the term has become this kind of a pariah now for for bad behavior. And and pariah now for for bad behavior. And and pariah now for for bad behavior. And and what I what I what I loved about the what I what I what I loved about the what I what I what I loved about the training we had at college is that they training we had at college is that they training we had at college is that they stripped the myth from it. They're like, stripped the myth from it. They're like, stripped the myth from it. They're like, "Look, it's like a switch. It's like a "Look, it's like a switch. It's like a "Look, it's like a switch. It's like a toolkit. So there's no self-indulgences. toolkit. So there's no self-indulgences. toolkit. So there's no self-indulgences. There's no kind of being rude to people. There's no kind of being rude to people. There's no kind of being rude to people. There's no doing push-ups before a take. There's no doing push-ups before a take. There's no doing push-ups before a take. You know, you know, like you know, if You know, you know, like you know, if You know, you know, like you know, if you're playing Macbeth, you're not going you're playing Macbeth, you're not going you're playing Macbeth, you're not going to become the King of Scotland." So it's to become the King of Scotland." So it's to become the King of Scotland." So it's like like like it's giving you a tools a toolkit that it's giving you a tools a toolkit that it's giving you a tools a toolkit that you can call upon whenever you need it you can call upon whenever you need it you can call upon whenever you need it and when you should need it. But it also and when you should need it. But it also and when you should need it. But it also makes it a lot more clinical, a lot makes it a lot more clinical, a lot makes it a lot more clinical, a lot easier. There's no You don't stay in easier. There's no You don't stay in easier. There's no You don't stay in character. There's no reason to stay in character. There's no reason to stay in character. There's no reason to stay in character between you know, character between you know, character between you know, characters between action and cut. characters between action and cut. characters between action and cut. That's it. That's it. That's it. >> You don't do it? >> You don't do it? >> You don't do it? >> No. >> No. >> No. >> No. >> No. >> No. >> No. We were taught a method, but I'm not >> No. We were taught a method, but I'm not >> No. We were taught a method, but I'm not I'm not I suppose what in the modern I'm not I suppose what in the modern I'm not I suppose what in the modern term I would say is a a method act I've term I would say is a a method act I've term I would say is a a method act I've never once stayed in character. never once stayed in character. never once stayed in character. >> You don't go home and speak in an >> You don't go home and speak in an >> You don't go home and speak in an American accent or American accent or American accent or >> I do sometimes to annoy the kids.

>> I do sometimes to annoy the kids. >> I do sometimes to annoy the kids. They're like, "Ah, stuff it." They're like, "Ah, stuff it." They're like, "Ah, stuff it." >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Yeah, or if I order food on the phone, I >> Yeah, or if I order food on the phone, I >> Yeah, or if I order food on the phone, I do an American accent cuz sometimes do an American accent cuz sometimes do an American accent cuz sometimes you're like you're like you're like it's just quicker. The kids like, "Why it's just quicker. The kids like, "Why it's just quicker. The kids like, "Why are you doing that?" are you doing that?" are you doing that?" >> Yeah. All right. Um I want to talk about >> Yeah. All right. Um I want to talk about >> Yeah. All right. Um I want to talk about uh your Emmy nominated roles. First of uh your Emmy nominated roles. First of uh your Emmy nominated roles. First of all, congratulations. all, congratulations. all, congratulations. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you very much. >> Um >> Um >> Um 19 Emmy nominations for Widows Bay. 19 Emmy nominations for Widows Bay. 19 Emmy nominations for Widows Bay. >> Unbelievable. >> Unbelievable. >> Unbelievable. >> It's >> It's >> It's >> Unbelievable. >> Unbelievable. >> Unbelievable. >> Part of what is obviously so unique >> Part of what is obviously so unique >> Part of what is obviously so unique about the show is this blend of horror about the show is this blend of horror about the show is this blend of horror and comedy. and comedy. and comedy. Um Um Um So, first on the comedy, I saw the So, first on the comedy, I saw the So, first on the comedy, I saw the casting director recently said about you casting director recently said about you casting director recently said about you that no one knew how good you were going that no one knew how good you were going that no one knew how good you were going to be in a comedy role, which made me to be in a comedy role, which made me to be in a comedy role, which made me wonder [laughter] why you were cast, by wonder [laughter] why you were cast, by wonder [laughter] why you were cast, by the way. Um but um you know, they said the way. Um but um you know, they said the way. Um but um you know, they said you'd never really done a role like that you'd never really done a role like that you'd never really done a role like that before. before. before. >> No. >> No. >> No. >> I mean, did you doubt yourself? Why did >> I mean, did you doubt yourself? Why did >> I mean, did you doubt yourself? Why did you want to try to do comedy? Because you want to try to do comedy? Because you want to try to do comedy? Because you're not known as a comedic character. you're not known as a comedic character. you're not known as a comedic character. >> And I and I didn't I I always wanted to >> And I and I didn't I I always wanted to >> And I and I didn't I I always wanted to kind of give comedy a a go. And then and kind of give comedy a a go. And then and kind of give comedy a a go. And then and then the script came in and I was like, then the script came in and I was like, then the script came in and I was like, "Oh my god, this is amazing and original "Oh my god, this is amazing and original "Oh my god, this is amazing and original and weird and quirky." And I was like "Is this comedy or is this kind of part "Is this comedy or is this kind of part you're going to play for real?" And then you're going to play for real?" And then you're going to play for real?" And then I met with Kitty Dippold and Hiro Murai.

I met with Kitty Dippold and Hiro Murai. I met with Kitty Dippold and Hiro Murai. And Hiro said, "Look, the we're not And Hiro said, "Look, the we're not And Hiro said, "Look, the we're not playing this as a comedy. It has to be playing this as a comedy. It has to be playing this as a comedy. It has to be played as a drama, otherwise it doesn't played as a drama, otherwise it doesn't played as a drama, otherwise it doesn't work. It's it'll become self-conscious work. It's it'll become self-conscious work. It's it'll become self-conscious [snorts] and farcical. So, you have to [snorts] and farcical. So, you have to [snorts] and farcical. So, you have to play it for real." And I was like, "Oh, play it for real." And I was like, "Oh, play it for real." And I was like, "Oh, great." great." great." >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> And then you had to do that? >> And then you had to do that? >> And then you had to do that? >> Yeah, the pressure was taken away and I >> Yeah, the pressure was taken away and I >> Yeah, the pressure was taken away and I didn't have to think about it being a didn't have to think about it being a didn't have to think about it being a comedy. comedy. comedy. >> Is that why you've steered away from >> Is that why you've steered away from >> Is that why you've steered away from away from comedy up until now? away from comedy up until now? away from comedy up until now? >> No, I just think >> No, I just think >> No, I just think >> Because I've seen you in roles where >> Because I've seen you in roles where >> Because I've seen you in roles where you're you're yourself, right? And and you're you're yourself, right? And and you're you're yourself, right? And and you're funny. you're funny. you're funny. >> Well, thank you very much. >> Well, thank you very much. >> Well, thank you very much. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I also think I also think I'm I have >> I also think I also think I'm I have >> I also think I also think I'm I have what they call the Celtic lid. You know, what they call the Celtic lid. You know, what they call the Celtic lid. You know, I slightly I slightly I slightly hooded eyes like Robert Mitchum. So, you hooded eyes like Robert Mitchum. So, you hooded eyes like Robert Mitchum. So, you had you don't have a face for comedy. had you don't have a face for comedy. had you don't have a face for comedy. People think you're kind of downtrodden People think you're kind of downtrodden People think you're kind of downtrodden and serious all the time. Like if I have and serious all the time. Like if I have and serious all the time. Like if I have a brighter eye, I might be I might be a brighter eye, I might be I might be a brighter eye, I might be I might be better for comedy. Um but it's not better for comedy. Um but it's not better for comedy. Um but it's not something I've overtly or consciously something I've overtly or consciously something I've overtly or consciously avoided. Um avoided. Um avoided. Um I just think you I just think you I just think you as in so many times with this as in so many times with this as in so many times with this profession, you can slightly get put profession, you can slightly get put profession, you can slightly get put into your little category and you stay into your little category and you stay into your little category and you stay there. there. there. >> Right. Um when you >> Right. Um when you >> Right. Um when you had to go and play um had to go and play um had to go and play um the character, the character, the character, uh did you uh did you uh did you think, all right, I have to play this think, all right, I have to play this think, all right, I have to play this for real? And by the way, other actors for real? And by the way, other actors for real? And by the way, other actors who are who do do comedy say that you who are who do do comedy say that you who are who do do comedy say that you have to play it straight. Like in any have to play it straight. Like in any have to play it straight. Like in any comedy, you have to be completely comedy, you have to be completely comedy, you have to be completely committed to the bit because if not, it committed to the bit because if not, it committed to the bit because if not, it >> Yes, it self-conscious. Yeah, yeah.

>> Yes, it self-conscious. Yeah, yeah. >> Yes, it self-conscious. Yeah, yeah. [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] >> Um >> Um >> Um but this is obviously like a fantastical but this is obviously like a fantastical but this is obviously like a fantastical world. world. world. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. Yes. >> And so how do you commit to the bit when >> And so how do you commit to the bit when >> And so how do you commit to the bit when you're having to be chased by, you know, you're having to be chased by, you know, you're having to be chased by, you know, killer clowns and horny sea hags? killer clowns and horny sea hags? killer clowns and horny sea hags? >> The [laughter] >> The [laughter] >> The [laughter] Almost the same What what What was great Almost the same What what What was great Almost the same What what What was great was was was um um um >> [gasps] >> [gasps] >> [gasps] >> I I was going to say, oh god, I Well, >> I I was going to say, oh god, I Well, >> I I was going to say, oh god, I Well, okay, cuz I hate talking about the pros okay, cuz I hate talking about the pros okay, cuz I hate talking about the pros my process, right? Cuz okay. my process, right? Cuz okay. my process, right? Cuz okay. >> So, so part of the method I was taught >> So, so part of the method I was taught >> So, so part of the method I was taught is when you approach a project, your is when you approach a project, your is when you approach a project, your character should have a super objective. character should have a super objective. character should have a super objective. What is the one thing throughout the What is the one thing throughout the What is the one thing throughout the whole project he desperately wants? whole project he desperately wants? whole project he desperately wants? >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> So, I thought if I give myself a very >> So, I thought if I give myself a very >> So, I thought if I give myself a very strong super objective for this strong super objective for this strong super objective for this for each scene then there's a scenic for each scene then there's a scenic for each scene then there's a scenic objective that feeds the super objective that feeds the super objective that feeds the super objective. objective. objective. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> So, I go, okay, if I if my super >> So, I go, okay, if I if my super >> So, I go, okay, if I if my super objective is I want my son to flourish, objective is I want my son to flourish, objective is I want my son to flourish, to bloom, to succeed on this island, to bloom, to succeed on this island, to bloom, to succeed on this island, every action leading into that super every action leading into that super every action leading into that super objective has to be me going, I have to objective has to be me going, I have to objective has to be me going, I have to make this island succeed. So, it gives make this island succeed. So, it gives make this island succeed. So, it gives you this kind of you this kind of you this kind of focused zeal when the madness is around focused zeal when the madness is around focused zeal when the madness is around you. And that that's what helped me kind you. And that that's what helped me kind you. And that that's what helped me kind of of of when there's kind of all borderline when there's kind of all borderline when there's kind of all borderline farcical madness around you, if you have farcical madness around you, if you have farcical madness around you, if you have this one driving force in your mind, it this one driving force in your mind, it this one driving force in your mind, it tends to for me personally, it helps me tends to for me personally, it helps me tends to for me personally, it helps me kind of keep me slightly on this on this kind of keep me slightly on this on this kind of keep me slightly on this on this path, on this keel that I can I can path, on this keel that I can I can path, on this keel that I can I can stick to. And then it makes the playing stick to. And then it makes the playing stick to. And then it makes the playing of it more real for me, if that makes of it more real for me, if that makes of it more real for me, if that makes sense.

sense. sense. >> It it does. It you know, it's your >> It it does. It you know, it's your >> It it does. It you know, it's your motivation, right? It's everything. motivation, right? It's everything. motivation, right? It's everything. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> I said the M word. Yes, so that's what I >> I said the M word. Yes, so that's what I >> I said the M word. Yes, so that's what I So that's what I Okay, thank you. That's So that's what I Okay, thank you. That's So that's what I Okay, thank you. That's what I try and do. what I try and do. what I try and do. >> So on the horror front, >> So on the horror front, >> So on the horror front, >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> I want to start with just like a big >> I want to start with just like a big >> I want to start with just like a big premise, which is premise, which is premise, which is you know, film and our cultural you know, film and our cultural you know, film and our cultural touchstones say something about us and touchstones say something about us and touchstones say something about us and the moment that we're living in. And I the moment that we're living in. And I the moment that we're living in. And I think, you know, when superhero movies think, you know, when superhero movies think, you know, when superhero movies were really having their moment, we were really having their moment, we were really having their moment, we wanted things to be black and white. We wanted things to be black and white. We wanted things to be black and white. We wanted wanted wanted >> [gasps] >> [gasps] >> [gasps] >> to be saved. We wanted someone to come >> to be saved. We wanted someone to come >> to be saved. We wanted someone to come and sort of make everything okay. And I and sort of make everything okay. And I and sort of make everything okay. And I think what this moment might be telling think what this moment might be telling think what this moment might be telling us is that us is that us is that things aren't what they seem. That things aren't what they seem. That things aren't what they seem. That there's there's there's um um um things is happening behind the scenes things is happening behind the scenes things is happening behind the scenes that are beyond our control and aren't that are beyond our control and aren't that are beyond our control and aren't particularly nice either. particularly nice either. particularly nice either. >> [gasps] >> [gasps] >> [gasps] >> I mean, why do you think horror's having >> I mean, why do you think horror's having >> I mean, why do you think horror's having such a moment? Have you thought about such a moment? Have you thought about such a moment? Have you thought about it? it? it? >> To a degree, but I I haven't come up >> To a degree, but I I haven't come up >> To a degree, but I I haven't come up with anything as erudite as that. Um but with anything as erudite as that. Um but with anything as erudite as that. Um but but but but >> Or do we just like to be scared? I mean, >> Or do we just like to be scared? I mean, >> Or do we just like to be scared? I mean, maybe I'm just giving too much of a maybe I'm just giving too much of a maybe I'm just giving too much of a thing.

thing. thing. >> No, no, because I think it's interesting >> No, no, because I think it's interesting >> No, no, because I think it's interesting as to why why there's this why there's as to why why there's this why there's as to why why there's this why there's this kind of wealth of horror that's this kind of wealth of horror that's this kind of wealth of horror that's doing well. So it seemingly it's kind of doing well. So it seemingly it's kind of doing well. So it seemingly it's kind of more slightly more societal than more slightly more societal than more slightly more societal than anything else. And And anything else. And And anything else. And And >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> And And I would agree because I would I >> And And I would agree because I would I >> And And I would agree because I would I would have thought in in these times of would have thought in in these times of would have thought in in these times of kind of such turbulence, you would kind of such turbulence, you would kind of such turbulence, you would almost want the superheroes more because almost want the superheroes more because almost want the superheroes more because you just need to believe in that kind of you just need to believe in that kind of you just need to believe in that kind of universal sense of justice that universal sense of justice that universal sense of justice that something or someone ultimately something or someone ultimately something or someone ultimately will do the right thing or or or or will do the right thing or or or or will do the right thing or or or or overcome the bad thing. But it is it's overcome the bad thing. But it is it's overcome the bad thing. But it is it's this you know, we're in this strange this you know, we're in this strange this you know, we're in this strange time of kind of constantly being oh my time of kind of constantly being oh my time of kind of constantly being oh my god, this is terrible. god, this is terrible. god, this is terrible. Um Um Um >> Shocks to the system. >> Shocks to the system. >> Shocks to the system. >> Yes, the the it's the things we're >> Yes, the the it's the things we're >> Yes, the the it's the things we're seeing are horrific, but yet seemingly seeing are horrific, but yet seemingly seeing are horrific, but yet seemingly nothing changes or stops, so nothing changes or stops, so nothing changes or stops, so it makes perfect sense that we'd it makes perfect sense that we'd it makes perfect sense that we'd find it in our fictional find it in our fictional find it in our fictional entertainment. entertainment. entertainment. >> Do you think about the cultural moment >> Do you think about the cultural moment >> Do you think about the cultural moment when you're playing a role like this, when you're playing a role like this, when you're playing a role like this, like what it's feeding into, um what how like what it's feeding into, um what how like what it's feeding into, um what how how it might be received in in the how it might be received in in the how it might be received in in the world?

world? world? >> Well, the the the big conversations >> Well, the the the big conversations >> Well, the the the big conversations about Widow's Bay was like how are they about Widow's Bay was like how are they about Widow's Bay was like how are they going to take this? Is like there was a going to take this? Is like there was a going to take this? Is like there was a we were always going by are we going to we were always going by are we going to we were always going by are we going to get this what is this tone of get this what is this tone of get this what is this tone of when I my agent said this is horror when I my agent said this is horror when I my agent said this is horror comedy, I was like whoa, what? No. And comedy, I was like whoa, what? No. And comedy, I was like whoa, what? No. And then I read it and I was like oh, that's then I read it and I was like oh, that's then I read it and I was like oh, that's it's pretty great. it's pretty great. it's pretty great. I didn't think it was pretty great. I I didn't think it was pretty great. I I didn't think it was pretty great. I thought it was fantastic. And I was like thought it was fantastic. And I was like thought it was fantastic. And I was like I know I want to do it, but how is that I know I want to do it, but how is that I know I want to do it, but how is that going to be received? Like that could be going to be received? Like that could be going to be received? Like that could be we could die on our asses with this one. we could die on our asses with this one. we could die on our asses with this one. >> Do you know anything about series two, >> Do you know anything about series two, >> Do you know anything about series two, what's going to happen? what's going to happen? what's going to happen? Do you know, I mean, what is making the Do you know, I mean, what is making the Do you know, I mean, what is making the bell toll? Do you know anything about bell toll? Do you know anything about bell toll? Do you know anything about the real mythology that you can tell the real mythology that you can tell the real mythology that you can tell the people who are going to watch this the people who are going to watch this the people who are going to watch this and want to know? and want to know? and want to know? >> I can tell you wholeheartedly I know >> I can tell you wholeheartedly I know >> I can tell you wholeheartedly I know nothing. And I'll be I'll say this much, nothing. And I'll be I'll say this much, nothing. And I'll be I'll say this much, I'm not even sure if Katie Dipold knows I'm not even sure if Katie Dipold knows I'm not even sure if Katie Dipold knows cuz they've only just got into the room cuz they've only just got into the room cuz they've only just got into the room for season two. And I and I was like I for season two. And I and I was like I for season two. And I and I was like I was texting her going what happened? She was texting her going what happened? She was texting her going what happened? She was I don't know. was I don't know. was I don't know. Um so, they're going to sit down for a Um so, they're going to sit down for a Um so, they're going to sit down for a long time trying to figure it out. long time trying to figure it out. long time trying to figure it out. >> is one of my really big pet peeves as a >> is one of my really big pet peeves as a >> is one of my really big pet peeves as a viewer, um which is viewer, um which is viewer, um which is >> [sighs and gasps] >> [sighs and gasps] >> [sighs and gasps] >> we have to wait to know if a series is a >> we have to wait to know if a series is a >> we have to wait to know if a series is a hit before it gets picked up again. And hit before it gets picked up again. And hit before it gets picked up again. And then there's this long lag time and by then there's this long lag time and by then there's this long lag time and by that point, you know, you're kind of that point, you know, you're kind of that point, you know, you're kind of forgotten everything about the momentum forgotten everything about the momentum forgotten everything about the momentum and the thing that you liked. And you're and the thing that you liked. And you're and the thing that you liked. And you're seeing now all this seeing now all this seeing now all this reporting about viewer drop-off, you reporting about viewer drop-off, you reporting about viewer drop-off, you know, beef running point Netflix series know, beef running point Netflix series know, beef running point Netflix series because that happens. I mean, isn't because that happens. I mean, isn't because that happens. I mean, isn't there a better way?

there a better way? there a better way? >> There has to be because this new model >> There has to be because this new model >> There has to be because this new model is crazy. That's what everyone says. is crazy. That's what everyone says. is crazy. That's what everyone says. It's like now we have to wait over a It's like now we have to wait over a It's like now we have to wait over a year for the next season. I'm of the year for the next season. I'm of the year for the next season. I'm of the same opinion. You watch one season then same opinion. You watch one season then same opinion. You watch one season then you're like, "What? Wait, what? How you're like, "What? Wait, what? How you're like, "What? Wait, what? How long?" long?" long?" >> Yeah, are you worried about losing >> Yeah, are you worried about losing >> Yeah, are you worried about losing momentum? momentum? momentum? >> Yeah, yes. I just hope those editors who >> Yeah, yes. I just hope those editors who >> Yeah, yes. I just hope those editors who do previously on Widows Bay, you know, do previously on Widows Bay, you know, do previously on Widows Bay, you know, kind of a great just before we kind of a great just before we kind of a great just before we we break season 2 and reintroducing it, we break season 2 and reintroducing it, we break season 2 and reintroducing it, but that's that's not the best answer. but that's that's not the best answer. but that's that's not the best answer. >> All right. Um >> All right. Um >> All right. Um The Beast in Me was your other big hit The Beast in Me was your other big hit The Beast in Me was your other big hit this year. You're nominated for an Emmy this year. You're nominated for an Emmy this year. You're nominated for an Emmy for that, too. You play a super rich for that, too. You play a super rich for that, too. You play a super rich mogul who's suspected of killing his mogul who's suspected of killing his mogul who's suspected of killing his wife. wife. wife. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Have you thought about how much you're >> Have you thought about how much you're >> Have you thought about how much you're playing a character that's hiding playing a character that's hiding playing a character that's hiding something? something? something? Because I was obviously in advance of Because I was obviously in advance of Because I was obviously in advance of this interview just going through a lot this interview just going through a lot this interview just going through a lot of your work. In The Americans obviously of your work. In The Americans obviously of your work. In The Americans obviously you were Soviet spy pretending to be an you were Soviet spy pretending to be an you were Soviet spy pretending to be an American and many other things along the American and many other things along the American and many other things along the way. Beast in Me you're a murderer way. Beast in Me you're a murderer way. Beast in Me you're a murderer pretending to not be a murderer. Widows pretending to not be a murderer. Widows pretending to not be a murderer. Widows Bay you clearly know more than you let Bay you clearly know more than you let Bay you clearly know more than you let on on on about what's happening on the island. I about what's happening on the island. I about what's happening on the island. I mean, why are you drawn to those mean, why are you drawn to those mean, why are you drawn to those particular roles? And why do you keep particular roles? And why do you keep particular roles? And why do you keep getting them?

getting them? getting them? >> I Yeah, that's even more disturbing. Um >> I Yeah, that's even more disturbing. Um >> I Yeah, that's even more disturbing. Um I always think when when I always think when when I always think when when when the character has something else when the character has something else when the character has something else going on it just gives you so much more going on it just gives you so much more going on it just gives you so much more to play than something slightly to play than something slightly to play than something slightly shallower or more artificial. It just shallower or more artificial. It just shallower or more artificial. It just kind of layers it in a way that um other kind of layers it in a way that um other kind of layers it in a way that um other parts can't. You've you've got so much parts can't. You've you've got so much parts can't. You've you've got so much going on it going on it going on it sometimes in a way sometimes in a way sometimes in a way >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> takes you out >> takes you out >> takes you out of the acting if that makes sense. of the acting if that makes sense. of the acting if that makes sense. You're kind of You're kind of You're kind of you're you're you're you're playing so many things you start, you're playing so many things you start, you're playing so many things you start, you know, forgetting about the kind of you know, forgetting about the kind of you know, forgetting about the kind of artificiality of it all. artificiality of it all. artificiality of it all. >> I saw a clip where you were discussing >> I saw a clip where you were discussing >> I saw a clip where you were discussing The Beast in Me and you said menace and The Beast in Me and you said menace and The Beast in Me and you said menace and rage is where I like to live. rage is where I like to live. rage is where I like to live. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> And we had a big debate as to whether >> And we had a big debate as to whether >> And we had a big debate as to whether you were kidding or not. Were you? you were kidding or not. Were you? you were kidding or not. Were you? >> I'm >> I'm >> I'm >> But >> But >> But >> I mean, but if you look at your >> I mean, but if you look at your >> I mean, but if you look at your career, I mean, that's not untrue. career, I mean, that's not untrue. career, I mean, that's not untrue. >> No. No. >> No. No. >> No. No. Yeah, I'm sure I'm sure the kids would Yeah, I'm sure I'm sure the kids would Yeah, I'm sure I'm sure the kids would say that's where I do live.

say that's where I do live. say that's where I do live. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> No, no. I was I I was I was making a a >> No, no. I was I I was I was making a a >> No, no. I was I I was I was making a a joke. joke. joke. >> Because your upbringing seems to have >> Because your upbringing seems to have >> Because your upbringing seems to have been so been so been so happy. Was it? It was. You mean, you've happy. Was it? It was. You mean, you've happy. Was it? It was. You mean, you've talked about it was stable and fun. You talked about it was stable and fun. You talked about it was stable and fun. You were out, you know, on the farm and you were out, you know, on the farm and you were out, you know, on the farm and you were out on the sea and it just seemed were out on the sea and it just seemed were out on the sea and it just seemed like a lovely like a lovely like a lovely >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> kind of time. >> kind of time. >> kind of time. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> You don't seem to have some sort of dark >> You don't seem to have some sort of dark >> You don't seem to have some sort of dark origin story. origin story. origin story. >> No. >> No. >> No. >> Um and >> Um and >> Um and and so I'm wondering where the and so I'm wondering where the and so I'm wondering where the attraction to darkness comes from. attraction to darkness comes from. attraction to darkness comes from. >> Right. So, like those it's in the >> Right. So, like those it's in the >> Right. So, like those it's in the shadows the interest lies. I I firmly shadows the interest lies. I I firmly shadows the interest lies. I I firmly believe of that. It's like it's like, believe of that. It's like it's like, believe of that. It's like it's like, "Oh my god, what what's that about? What "Oh my god, what what's that about? What "Oh my god, what what's that about? What what must be that like?" what must be that like?" what must be that like?" >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> And the kind of rage, you know, the rage >> And the kind of rage, you know, the rage >> And the kind of rage, you know, the rage stuff you can kind of go stuff you can kind of go stuff you can kind of go I hate to say it. I hate to say it. I hate to say it. Sometimes I find the rage stuff easy to Sometimes I find the rage stuff easy to Sometimes I find the rage stuff easy to fake cuz it's just sort of it's sort of fake cuz it's just sort of it's sort of fake cuz it's just sort of it's sort of volume and passion. That's about it. Um volume and passion. That's about it. Um volume and passion. That's about it. Um [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] and I think for men it's it's this weird and I think for men it's it's this weird and I think for men it's it's this weird little tap you can find quite easily. little tap you can find quite easily. little tap you can find quite easily. You know, you you can fake that quite You know, you you can fake that quite You know, you you can fake that quite easily if you're just kind of passionate easily if you're just kind of passionate easily if you're just kind of passionate and loud enough.

and loud enough. and loud enough. >> Speaking of um those dark and layered >> Speaking of um those dark and layered >> Speaking of um those dark and layered roles, um roles, um roles, um I want to ask you about a role you I want to ask you about a role you I want to ask you about a role you played in the HBO show Girls in 2017. played in the HBO show Girls in 2017. played in the HBO show Girls in 2017. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh I just rewatched it and it's a >> Uh I just rewatched it and it's a >> Uh I just rewatched it and it's a episode titled American and you episode titled American and you episode titled American and you played Chuck Palmer, a famous author played Chuck Palmer, a famous author played Chuck Palmer, a famous author who'd been Me Too'd for taking advantage who'd been Me Too'd for taking advantage who'd been Me Too'd for taking advantage of younger women. of younger women. of younger women. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And Hannah, played by Lena Dunham, goes >> And Hannah, played by Lena Dunham, goes >> And Hannah, played by Lena Dunham, goes to his apartment, just giving the to his apartment, just giving the to his apartment, just giving the synopsis, synopsis, synopsis, >> um >> um >> um after writing about the allegations. And after writing about the allegations. And after writing about the allegations. And what follows is this incredibly complex what follows is this incredibly complex what follows is this incredibly complex performance. Um and again, you're performance. Um and again, you're performance. Um and again, you're playing this sort of charismatic, playing this sort of charismatic, playing this sort of charismatic, powerful, deeply manipulative person. powerful, deeply manipulative person. powerful, deeply manipulative person. Um Um Um and you have this intellectual argument and you have this intellectual argument and you have this intellectual argument with her about the agency of women and with her about the agency of women and with her about the agency of women and what was really going on for you and how what was really going on for you and how what was really going on for you and how you have been you have been you have been miss um misunderstood. miss um misunderstood. miss um misunderstood. Um and then at the end you expose Um and then at the end you expose Um and then at the end you expose yourself to Hannah. yourself to Hannah. yourself to Hannah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And the >> And the >> And the >> Physically. >> Physically. >> Physically. >> Physically, yes. >> Physically, yes. >> Physically, yes. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Physically. >> Physically. >> Physically. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um >> Um >> Um the look you give in that scene the look you give in that scene the look you give in that scene >> At the end of the episode.

>> At the end of the episode. >> At the end of the episode. >> is really quite something. It was >> is really quite something. It was >> is really quite something. It was amazing watching it again. amazing watching it again. amazing watching it again. Can you tell me what you remember Can you tell me what you remember Can you tell me what you remember working on that episode and what you working on that episode and what you working on that episode and what you understood about the character then? >> Y- yes and and >> Y- yes and and you know, Lena was incredible in in in you know, Lena was incredible in in in you know, Lena was incredible in in in that she kind of that she kind of that she kind of I hope I'm not speaking out of turn on I hope I'm not speaking out of turn on I hope I'm not speaking out of turn on her behalf. But she kind of explained um her behalf. But she kind of explained um her behalf. But she kind of explained um what had happened to her. what had happened to her. what had happened to her. Um Um Um So it was drawn from uh truth. So it was drawn from uh truth. So it was drawn from uh truth. Uh so she gave me this the background to Uh so she gave me this the background to Uh so she gave me this the background to to this to this to this where this kind of uh piece of fictional where this kind of uh piece of fictional where this kind of uh piece of fictional writing came from. Um writing came from. Um writing came from. Um in a very in a very detailed way which in a very in a very detailed way which in a very in a very detailed way which helped enormously. And then helped enormously. And then helped enormously. And then which I've never done before, we which I've never done before, we which I've never done before, we rehearsed it like almost like a play. We rehearsed it like almost like a play. We rehearsed it like almost like a play. We went to the location and rehearsed and went to the location and rehearsed and went to the location and rehearsed and rehearsed and rehearsed. Um rehearsed and rehearsed. Um rehearsed and rehearsed. Um which is which is which is utterly luxurious in television where utterly luxurious in television where utterly luxurious in television where you just there is no time. So I just you just there is no time. So I just you just there is no time. So I just remember thinking, "Wow, remember thinking, "Wow, remember thinking, "Wow, we have all this time to get this right we have all this time to get this right we have all this time to get this right because it definitely needs to be got because it definitely needs to be got because it definitely needs to be got right."

right." right." >> Especially at that moment, right? It was >> Especially at that moment, right? It was >> Especially at that moment, right? It was the the the subject of a huge discussion. subject of a huge discussion. subject of a huge discussion. >> Did >> Did >> Did in in that discussion with her, were you in in that discussion with her, were you in in that discussion with her, were you trying to trying to trying to honor her memory or were you trying to honor her memory or were you trying to honor her memory or were you trying to be um be um be um you know, interpret the character in you know, interpret the character in you know, interpret the character in your own way? your own way? your own way? >> No, more exactly that. Trying to honor >> No, more exactly that. Trying to honor >> No, more exactly that. Trying to honor exactly what she'd written. Um and kind exactly what she'd written. Um and kind exactly what she'd written. Um and kind of of of place it in a in a in a very real way, place it in a in a in a very real way, place it in a in a in a very real way, but also she was interested in the real but also she was interested in the real but also she was interested in the real discussion of it. And the the that discussion of it. And the the that discussion of it. And the the that that he couldn't just be um that he couldn't just be um that he couldn't just be um kind of villainized kind of villainized kind of villainized off the bat. There had to be off the bat. There had to be off the bat. There had to be there had to be some kind of true there had to be some kind of true there had to be some kind of true discussion or discourse within this discussion or discourse within this discussion or discourse within this event that kind of that lead that leads event that kind of that lead that leads event that kind of that lead that leads to it. She wanted the kind of push and to it. She wanted the kind of push and to it. She wanted the kind of push and pull of both sides for it to land in a pull of both sides for it to land in a pull of both sides for it to land in a very real place that ultimately that very real place that ultimately that very real place that ultimately that then would hopefully pay off the ending then would hopefully pay off the ending then would hopefully pay off the ending a a a >> lot more. >> lot more. >> lot more. >> Yeah, I mean it did, obviously. Um but >> Yeah, I mean it did, obviously. Um but >> Yeah, I mean it did, obviously. Um but what was that look? What because what was that look? What because what was that look? What because >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> because what strikes me seeing it now is >> because what strikes me seeing it now is >> because what strikes me seeing it now is that that that you know, it was this moment in time you know, it was this moment in time you know, it was this moment in time where we were just starting to have the where we were just starting to have the where we were just starting to have the conversation about consent and power and conversation about consent and power and conversation about consent and power and abuse.

abuse. abuse. >> And >> And >> And Lena and the show's creators talked Lena and the show's creators talked Lena and the show's creators talked about it, you know, in the after episode about it, you know, in the after episode about it, you know, in the after episode discussion and talked about how they discussion and talked about how they discussion and talked about how they wanted the world to be nuanced. wanted the world to be nuanced. wanted the world to be nuanced. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> But watching it now for me is just a >> But watching it now for me is just a >> But watching it now for me is just a straight-up bad guy. straight-up bad guy. straight-up bad guy. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> And um >> And um >> And um >> But that to me that was what the look is >> But that to me that was what the look is >> But that to me that was what the look is at the end. He goes, "It doesn't matter at the end. He goes, "It doesn't matter at the end. He goes, "It doesn't matter what we've discussed. what we've discussed. what we've discussed. Ultimately, this is all I want to do." Ultimately, this is all I want to do." Ultimately, this is all I want to do." That that all all that kind of That that all all that kind of That that all all that kind of quote-unquote quote-unquote quote-unquote discussion and you know, kind of discussion and you know, kind of discussion and you know, kind of back and forth is meaningless back and forth is meaningless back and forth is meaningless because once that happens, cuz because once that happens, cuz because once that happens, cuz ultimately it's that's all he wants. ultimately it's that's all he wants. ultimately it's that's all he wants. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Um you also got to choose a prosthetic Um you also got to choose a prosthetic Um you also got to choose a prosthetic penis in that penis in that penis in that >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> role. >> role. >> role. >> I actually didn't. I didn't I was given >> I actually didn't. I didn't I was given >> I actually didn't. I didn't I was given the choice and I thought, "I can't the choice and I thought, "I can't the choice and I thought, "I can't choose my own." It had so because I choose my own." It had so because I choose my own." It had so because I don't know. don't know. don't know. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> I was like, "Somebody else choose it." >> I was like, "Somebody else choose it." >> I was like, "Somebody else choose it." Cuz then I then I can't be judged about Cuz then I then I can't be judged about Cuz then I then I can't be judged about the my choice. the my choice. the my choice. >> Is that the strangest problem that >> Is that the strangest problem that >> Is that the strangest problem that you've had? you've had? you've had? >> Without question. With I've never >> Without question. With I've never >> Without question. With I've never encountered a tray encountered a tray encountered a tray of prosthetic penises before and the of prosthetic penises before and the of prosthetic penises before and the prop master going, "Do you want to Would prop master going, "Do you want to Would prop master going, "Do you want to Would you want to And I was like, "No, you you want to And I was like, "No, you you want to And I was like, "No, you choose." So, just something that I like choose." So, just something that I like choose." So, just something that I like spoke to the Richard, the director, and spoke to the Richard, the director, and spoke to the Richard, the director, and "Why don't you you pick pick what you "Why don't you you pick pick what you "Why don't you you pick pick what you think will help aid the shot at the think will help aid the shot at the think will help aid the shot at the end?"

end?" end?" >> Okay, we're going to do a weird pivot >> Okay, we're going to do a weird pivot >> Okay, we're going to do a weird pivot because I don't know how to um because I don't know how to um because I don't know how to um get out of prosthetic penises in a get out of prosthetic penises in a get out of prosthetic penises in a graceful way. graceful way. graceful way. >> So, I saw uh a clip of you >> So, I saw uh a clip of you >> So, I saw uh a clip of you uh it saying in Welsh, "It's all uh it saying in Welsh, "It's all uh it saying in Welsh, "It's all downhill from here." Speaking about your downhill from here." Speaking about your downhill from here." Speaking about your Emmy nominations. Emmy nominations. Emmy nominations. >> And of course my common language Well, I >> And of course my common language Well, I >> And of course my common language Well, I have the louder one than my mother had have the louder one than my mother had have the louder one than my mother had points and um points and um points and um They better not be with us than even They better not be with us than even They better not be with us than even higher party in this matter at your talk higher party in this matter at your talk higher party in this matter at your talk than I guess. than I guess. than I guess. >> And I was wondering if you know, give me >> And I was wondering if you know, give me >> And I was wondering if you know, give me the context. I mean, the Welsh very the context. I mean, the Welsh very the context. I mean, the Welsh very pessimistic. You can't just be pessimistic. You can't just be pessimistic. You can't just be >> You can't just be like, "I'm amazing and >> You can't just be like, "I'm amazing and >> You can't just be like, "I'm amazing and this is wonderful." this is wonderful." this is wonderful." >> no. No. I and I I would attribute this >> no. No. I and I I would attribute this >> no. No. I and I I would attribute this to the to all the Celtic countries. It to the to all the Celtic countries. It to the to all the Celtic countries. It It's almost like an Olympic sport to It's almost like an Olympic sport to It's almost like an Olympic sport to to take someone down once they think to take someone down once they think to take someone down once they think they're above their station. they're above their station. they're above their station. And you know, I my parents go, "Well, he And you know, I my parents go, "Well, he And you know, I my parents go, "Well, he you know, he he you know, he he you know, he he he thinks he you know, he What What's my he thinks he you know, he What What's my he thinks he you know, he What What's my dad always say? dad always say? dad always say? Uh God, if he was chocolate, he'd eat Uh God, if he was chocolate, he'd eat Uh God, if he was chocolate, he'd eat himself. You know, or he goes, "He's himself. You know, or he goes, "He's himself. You know, or he goes, "He's >> He says that about you? >> He says that about you? >> He says that about you? >> You know, just about anyone who kind of >> You know, just about anyone who kind of >> You know, just about anyone who kind of slightly thinks they might be better slightly thinks they might be better slightly thinks they might be better than everyone else. Um I just think I do than everyone else. Um I just think I do than everyone else. Um I just think I do I really find it like a this real I really find it like a this real I really find it like a this real Celtic um Celtic um Celtic um characteristic that all the Celts have, characteristic that all the Celts have, characteristic that all the Celts have, like that that anyone who thinks they're like that that anyone who thinks they're like that that anyone who thinks they're slightly better than the rest slightly better than the rest slightly better than the rest it needs to be lopped at the at the it needs to be lopped at the at the it needs to be lopped at the at the knees. Um and and I do also think that knees. Um and and I do also think that knees. Um and and I do also think that especially for the Welsh, we we do have especially for the Welsh, we we do have especially for the Welsh, we we do have a wildly strong sense of pessimism a wildly strong sense of pessimism a wildly strong sense of pessimism coursing through our veins.

coursing through our veins. coursing through our veins. >> Hm. >> Hm. >> Hm. I mean, it seems to be very at odds with I mean, it seems to be very at odds with I mean, it seems to be very at odds with the American idea of always be selling the American idea of always be selling the American idea of always be selling and and in particular self. I mean, do and and in particular self. I mean, do and and in particular self. I mean, do you struggle with your own success? you struggle with your own success? you struggle with your own success? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I mean, yes and no because I think I I mean, yes and no because I think I I mean, yes and no because I think I think what think what think what I I have this ongoing I have this I have I I have this ongoing I have this I have I I have this ongoing I have this I have the parrot keep saying it's all going to the parrot keep saying it's all going to the parrot keep saying it's all going to fail, right? You know, it's all going to fail, right? You know, it's all going to fail, right? You know, it's all going to go downhill. go downhill. go downhill. Um so I have that all the time and and Um so I have that all the time and and Um so I have that all the time and and this sounds this sounds this sounds a perverse name drop, but I I a perverse name drop, but I I a perverse name drop, but I I Tom Hanks' motto is like this too shall Tom Hanks' motto is like this too shall Tom Hanks' motto is like this too shall pass. And he says that about everything. pass. And he says that about everything. pass. And he says that about everything. You've been out of work for a long time, You've been out of work for a long time, You've been out of work for a long time, this too shall pass. You win two Oscars, this too shall pass. You win two Oscars, this too shall pass. You win two Oscars, this too shall pass. And I what I what I this too shall pass. And I what I what I this too shall pass. And I what I what I remember is after doing The Graduate remember is after doing The Graduate remember is after doing The Graduate with Kathleen Turner thinking I was just with Kathleen Turner thinking I was just with Kathleen Turner thinking I was just on an ascent. I was like, this is it. on an ascent. I was like, this is it. on an ascent. I was like, this is it. And then I was out of work for a long And then I was out of work for a long And then I was out of work for a long time. And I realized the entire time. And I realized the entire time. And I realized the entire the entire journey is the roller the entire journey is the roller the entire journey is the roller coaster. You're just up and then you're coaster. You're just up and then you're coaster. You're just up and then you're down and you're up and so at this point, down and you're up and so at this point, down and you're up and so at this point, I know this sounds stupid, I know this sounds stupid, I know this sounds stupid, but I kind of go this is just it's a but I kind of go this is just it's a but I kind of go this is just it's a it's a moment. It's a fantastic moment, it's a moment. It's a fantastic moment, it's a moment. It's a fantastic moment, but it's a moment.

but it's a moment. but it's a moment. >> After The Graduate, you mean you were >> After The Graduate, you mean you were >> After The Graduate, you mean you were going to join the military at a certain going to join the military at a certain going to join the military at a certain point. point. point. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> They didn't believe me. >> They didn't believe me. >> They didn't believe me. >> Which is really sad for an actor. >> Which is really sad for an actor. >> Which is really sad for an actor. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] You couldn't even convince the You couldn't even convince the You couldn't even convince the recruiter. recruiter. recruiter. >> No. I remember I went in and I met I met >> No. I remember I went in and I met I met >> No. I remember I went in and I met I met the sergeant and he was like, you should the sergeant and he was like, you should the sergeant and he was like, you should come back next week and meet meet an come back next week and meet meet an come back next week and meet meet an officer. I said, okay. Went back to for officer. I said, okay. Went back to for officer. I said, okay. Went back to for the interview and this officer was so the interview and this officer was so the interview and this officer was so suspicious of me going, why do you want suspicious of me going, why do you want suspicious of me going, why do you want to join the military? And then like 5 to join the military? And then like 5 to join the military? And then like 5 days later I got the letter saying, days later I got the letter saying, days later I got the letter saying, thank you for your interest in the thank you for your interest in the thank you for your interest in the British Army, but It is sort of amazing British Army, but It is sort of amazing British Army, but It is sort of amazing that that officer was like, there's that that officer was like, there's that that officer was like, there's something not right about this kid. They something not right about this kid. They something not right about this kid. They like, I don't believe him. like, I don't believe him. like, I don't believe him. >> Back to that Welsh pessimism. >> Back to that Welsh pessimism. >> Back to that Welsh pessimism. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I mean, >> I mean, >> I mean, what do you think the biggest culture what do you think the biggest culture what do you think the biggest culture clash is between your American living clash is between your American living clash is between your American living self and your sort of Welsh self? self and your sort of Welsh self? self and your sort of Welsh self? >> I always admire to me the Americans have >> I always admire to me the Americans have >> I always admire to me the Americans have such confidence. But what I find in New such confidence. But what I find in New such confidence. But what I find in New York York York that I do sometimes is I fake this that I do sometimes is I fake this that I do sometimes is I fake this confidence cuz there's this kind of some confidence cuz there's this kind of some confidence cuz there's this kind of some some say it's aggressive, I find it like some say it's aggressive, I find it like some say it's aggressive, I find it like more confident.

more confident. more confident. Because there's like this and it's an Because there's like this and it's an Because there's like this and it's an honesty, too. honesty, too. honesty, too. That like you see it it's like That like you see it it's like That like you see it it's like it's like subway justice. Do you know it's like subway justice. Do you know it's like subway justice. Do you know sometimes when you get those people and sometimes when you get those people and sometimes when you get those people and it's not necessarily just men. Women go it's not necessarily just men. Women go it's not necessarily just men. Women go like, "Hey, you can't you can't sit like, "Hey, you can't you can't sit like, "Hey, you can't you can't sit there." Like or like, you know, "Give up there." Like or like, you know, "Give up there." Like or like, you know, "Give up the chair." Or like what I the chair." Or like what I the chair." Or like what I remember going, "Oh my god, people are remember going, "Oh my god, people are remember going, "Oh my god, people are like this. They're not just like like this. They're not just like like this. They're not just like those bit parts in in movies about New those bit parts in in movies about New those bit parts in in movies about New York. The people are like this." And I York. The people are like this." And I York. The people are like this." And I found it's liberating. And I was found it's liberating. And I was found it's liberating. And I was >> kids have that American confidence? >> kids have that American confidence? >> kids have that American confidence? >> To a degree, yeah. But more so far more >> To a degree, yeah. But more so far more >> To a degree, yeah. But more so far more so than I did as a kid of their age. so than I did as a kid of their age. so than I did as a kid of their age. >> Hm. >> Hm. >> Hm. All right, you told the Guardian in 2014 All right, you told the Guardian in 2014 All right, you told the Guardian in 2014 that the most important thing to you was that the most important thing to you was that the most important thing to you was the survival of the Welsh language. the survival of the Welsh language. the survival of the Welsh language. >> Probably was then, yeah. >> Probably was then, yeah. >> Probably was then, yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> it still is. And I would you know, I >> it still is. And I would you know, I >> it still is. And I would you know, I grew up in the '80s when the the the grew up in the '80s when the the the grew up in the '80s when the the the language itself was language itself was language itself was threatened. And and you know, I remember threatened. And and you know, I remember threatened. And and you know, I remember the protest marches and the kind of the protest marches and the kind of the protest marches and the kind of >> [sighs and gasps] >> [sighs and gasps] >> [sighs and gasps] >> you know, trying to get a language bill >> you know, trying to get a language bill >> you know, trying to get a language bill and a language act and trying to you and a language act and trying to you and a language act and trying to you know know know one of the oldest languages in Europe, one of the oldest languages in Europe, one of the oldest languages in Europe, you couldn't you couldn't you couldn't couldn't open a bank account in the couldn't open a bank account in the couldn't open a bank account in the Welsh language. There was it it had no Welsh language. There was it it had no Welsh language. There was it it had no status.

status. status. >> I don't think I truly understand sort of >> I don't think I truly understand sort of >> I don't think I truly understand sort of the history of the history of the history of how how how the Welsh language and and Wales in the Welsh language and and Wales in the Welsh language and and Wales in particular was subsumed under sort of particular was subsumed under sort of particular was subsumed under sort of British culture. British culture. British culture. >> Yes, English. Yes. Yes. They they like >> Yes, English. Yes. Yes. They they like >> Yes, English. Yes. Yes. They they like if we strip a nation of its language, if we strip a nation of its language, if we strip a nation of its language, we'll you know, we can we can dominate. we'll you know, we can we can dominate. we'll you know, we can we can dominate. And that's what they did. They tried to And that's what they did. They tried to And that's what they did. They tried to eradicate the language. But I think as a eradicate the language. But I think as a eradicate the language. But I think as a result of that, what the what it result of that, what the what it result of that, what the what it did was create a fire in the Welsh to did was create a fire in the Welsh to did was create a fire in the Welsh to say, "You absolutely will not kill this say, "You absolutely will not kill this say, "You absolutely will not kill this language." language." language." Um and they fought it for hundreds of Um and they fought it for hundreds of Um and they fought it for hundreds of years. There was my grandmother's years. There was my grandmother's years. There was my grandmother's generation was the generation where they generation was the generation where they generation was the generation where they used to have the where the used to have the where the used to have the where the the piece of wood around their neck the piece of wood around their neck the piece of wood around their neck saying they wouldn't speak Welsh, you saying they wouldn't speak Welsh, you saying they wouldn't speak Welsh, you know, otherwise. It was called the Welsh know, otherwise. It was called the Welsh know, otherwise. It was called the Welsh knot. And and and this is the the knot. And and and this is the the knot. And and and this is the the English did well. English did well. English did well. They would turn communities on each They would turn communities on each They would turn communities on each other. So, a child hearing another child other. So, a child hearing another child other. So, a child hearing another child speaking Welsh was allowed to put the speaking Welsh was allowed to put the speaking Welsh was allowed to put the piece of wood around their neck and then piece of wood around their neck and then piece of wood around their neck and then that child at the end of the day would that child at the end of the day would that child at the end of the day would be flogged. So, this is how they kind of be flogged. So, this is how they kind of be flogged. So, this is how they kind of did it. So, there was a zeal to my did it. So, there was a zeal to my did it. So, there was a zeal to my parents going parents going parents going this language will not die. It will this language will not die. It will this language will not die. It will never die. We'll make sure it doesn't.

never die. We'll make sure it doesn't. never die. We'll make sure it doesn't. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. You've talked about You've talked about You've talked about one of the reasons you find doing the one of the reasons you find doing the one of the reasons you find doing the American accent easy but the British the American accent easy but the British the American accent easy but the British the English accent hard English accent hard English accent hard >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> is because of that colonial baggage. >> is because of that colonial baggage. >> is because of that colonial baggage. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. And that's when >> Absolutely. Absolutely. And that's when >> Absolutely. Absolutely. And that's when I feel the most fake when I have to do a I feel the most fake when I have to do a I feel the most fake when I have to do a southern English accent, when I have to southern English accent, when I have to southern English accent, when I have to get the received pronunciation RP. get the received pronunciation RP. get the received pronunciation RP. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> That's when I feel like, oh, I just feel >> That's when I feel like, oh, I just feel >> That's when I feel like, oh, I just feel fake. fake. fake. >> Fake and also distasteful. >> Fake and also distasteful. >> Fake and also distasteful. >> Yes. I just sit because we used to grow >> Yes. I just sit because we used to grow >> Yes. I just sit because we used to grow we grew up in our house mimicking that we grew up in our house mimicking that we grew up in our house mimicking that language in a derogatory way going, oh, language in a derogatory way going, oh, language in a derogatory way going, oh, yes, darling, do do pass the cucumber yes, darling, do do pass the cucumber yes, darling, do do pass the cucumber sandwiches, you know? So, so it the the sandwiches, you know? So, so it the the sandwiches, you know? So, so it the the connotation of it was wildly negative. connotation of it was wildly negative. connotation of it was wildly negative. >> You're voicing Han Solo >> You're voicing Han Solo >> You're voicing Han Solo >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> in the first ever Welsh dub of Star >> in the first ever Welsh dub of Star >> in the first ever Welsh dub of Star Wars. Wars. Wars. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I mean, amazing. >> I mean, amazing. >> I mean, amazing. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Have you already done it? >> Have you already done it? >> Have you already done it? >> Yes. Yeah. >> Yes. Yeah. >> Yes. Yeah. >> Okay. So, please please do a scene for >> Okay. So, please please do a scene for >> Okay. So, please please do a scene for me. Absolutely [laughter] say something me. Absolutely [laughter] say something me. Absolutely [laughter] say something in Welsh where you're playing Han Solo. in Welsh where you're playing Han Solo. in Welsh where you're playing Han Solo. >> god. What was What was weird is >> god. What was What was weird is >> god. What was What was weird is obviously they'd had to translate all obviously they'd had to translate all obviously they'd had to translate all these these these um you know, things that we'd grown up um you know, things that we'd grown up um you know, things that we'd grown up with knowing Star Wars and then I was with knowing Star Wars and then I was with knowing Star Wars and then I was saying it in Welsh and it was kind of saying it in Welsh and it was kind of saying it in Welsh and it was kind of like pal of karkey. You kind of go, like pal of karkey. You kind of go, like pal of karkey. You kind of go, you know, it kind of you know, it kind of you know, it kind of >> What is that?

>> What is that? >> What is that? >> It's kind of like um >> It's kind of like um >> It's kind of like um it's like tractor beam. it's like tractor beam. it's like tractor beam. >> Oh, okay. >> Oh, okay. >> Oh, okay. >> Um there were words I've never used >> Um there were words I've never used >> Um there were words I've never used before and I was tripping on them going, before and I was tripping on them going, before and I was tripping on them going, I can't even say it. Um I can't even say it. Um I can't even say it. Um and at the same time it was this and at the same time it was this and at the same time it was this wildly familiar wildly familiar wildly familiar thing that I I got to do and it thing that I I got to do and it thing that I I got to do and it I mean, it was so surreal. The whole I mean, it was so surreal. The whole I mean, it was so surreal. The whole thing was surreal. And then also, you thing was surreal. And then also, you thing was surreal. And then also, you kind of go, "I can't voice Harrison kind of go, "I can't voice Harrison kind of go, "I can't voice Harrison Ford. It's like Ford. It's like Ford. It's like Do you talk to him about that?" No. Do you talk to him about that?" No. Do you talk to him about that?" No. I'm too scared. But But I'm too scared. But But I'm too scared. But But But in in the same in the same vein, you But in in the same in the same vein, you But in in the same in the same vein, you know, I was so glad this is what I would know, I was so glad this is what I would know, I was so glad this is what I would have wanted growing up as a as a young have wanted growing up as a as a young have wanted growing up as a as a young Welsh kid is to Welsh kid is to Welsh kid is to is to have these things that would be is to have these things that would be is to have these things that would be commonplace. Like, yeah, we'll translate commonplace. Like, yeah, we'll translate commonplace. Like, yeah, we'll translate Star Wars into Welsh. Um Star Wars into Welsh. Um Star Wars into Welsh. Um so, it buoyed me so, it buoyed me so, it buoyed me enormously to kind of go, "Right. So, enormously to kind of go, "Right. So, enormously to kind of go, "Right. So, there're going to be a there're going to be a there're going to be a a generation of kids who'll watch Star a generation of kids who'll watch Star a generation of kids who'll watch Star Wars in Welsh." Wars in Welsh." Wars in Welsh." Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. I want to talk about um I want to talk about um I want to talk about um Keri Russell. She's your partner. Thank Keri Russell. She's your partner. Thank Keri Russell. She's your partner. Thank God. You first God. You first God. You first worked together um worked together um worked together um in The Americans, which is just one of in The Americans, which is just one of in The Americans, which is just one of my all-time favorite shows.

my all-time favorite shows. my all-time favorite shows. What is it like to fall in love with What is it like to fall in love with What is it like to fall in love with your co-star? your co-star? your co-star? Kind of I remember at the time going, Kind of I remember at the time going, Kind of I remember at the time going, "Oh, no." Because I wouldn't advise it. You know, and and I wouldn't advise it. You know, and and back in my 20s, I'd done it and it back in my 20s, I'd done it and it back in my 20s, I'd done it and it had ended disastrously and usually had ended disastrously and usually had ended disastrously and usually doesn't do the job any favors. And I doesn't do the job any favors. And I doesn't do the job any favors. And I kind of went, "I'm never doing that kind of went, "I'm never doing that kind of went, "I'm never doing that again." again." again." And then kind of in my mid-30s, The And then kind of in my mid-30s, The And then kind of in my mid-30s, The Americans happens and I was like, "Oh, Americans happens and I was like, "Oh, Americans happens and I was like, "Oh, no. This is happening again." Um no. This is happening again." Um no. This is happening again." Um Do you question it because it might Do you question it because it might Do you question it because it might because, you know, obviously you're because, you know, obviously you're because, you know, obviously you're playing a romantic partner. So, you're playing a romantic partner. So, you're playing a romantic partner. So, you're going, "Hang on. going, "Hang on. going, "Hang on. You know, let's be very serious about You know, let's be very serious about You know, let's be very serious about this." And you know, Keri had two kids this." And you know, Keri had two kids this." And you know, Keri had two kids and it wasn't something I was going to and it wasn't something I was going to and it wasn't something I was going to enter into lightly. enter into lightly. enter into lightly. Um And then sometimes you can't fight it, And then sometimes you can't fight it, you know. It's you know. It's you know. It's ordained. It's uh ordained. It's uh ordained. It's uh It was It was It was It was and it was going to happen and it It was and it was going to happen and it It was and it was going to happen and it did. I'm curious about this also because did. I'm curious about this also because did. I'm curious about this also because just when you are on this long-running just when you are on this long-running just when you are on this long-running series and you're working with someone series and you're working with someone series and you're working with someone and you're romantically involved with and you're romantically involved with and you're romantically involved with someone.

someone. someone. You know, usually your You know, usually your You know, usually your our personal worlds and our work worlds our personal worlds and our work worlds our personal worlds and our work worlds are are separate. are are separate. are are separate. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah. >> I mean, is there any anything tricky >> I mean, is there any anything tricky >> I mean, is there any anything tricky about having that merge? about having that merge? about having that merge? >> Wildly tricky. Because, you know, by by >> Wildly tricky. Because, you know, by by >> Wildly tricky. Because, you know, by by the end of The Americans she was the end of The Americans she was the end of The Americans she was pregnant with our child. [laughter] pregnant with our child. [laughter] pregnant with our child. [laughter] Um and I was trying to direct a pregnant Um and I was trying to direct a pregnant Um and I was trying to direct a pregnant um um um but yeah, I'm not I'm not good enough or but yeah, I'm not I'm not good enough or but yeah, I'm not I'm not good enough or mature enough to kind of mature enough to kind of mature enough to kind of because sometimes when we would argue, because sometimes when we would argue, because sometimes when we would argue, I'd bring that into the scene and the I'd bring that into the scene and the I'd bring that into the scene and the director's like, "What is going on? director's like, "What is going on? director's like, "What is going on? You're meant to be getting on really You're meant to be getting on really You're meant to be getting on really well." And I was like, well." And I was like, well." And I was like, um and vice versa, you know? So, she's um and vice versa, you know? So, she's um and vice versa, you know? So, she's far more mature than me as um far more mature than me as um far more mature than me as um So, yeah, I found that hard. I really So, yeah, I found that hard. I really So, yeah, I found that hard. I really did. I struggled with it. did. I struggled with it. did. I struggled with it. >> Yeah, would you work together again? >> Yeah, would you work together again? >> Yeah, would you work together again? >> Without question, 100%. I'm always >> Without question, 100%. I'm always >> Without question, 100%. I'm always saying, "But I want to do something like saying, "But I want to do something like saying, "But I want to do something like Hart to Hart or Moonlighting, something Hart to Hart or Moonlighting, something Hart to Hart or Moonlighting, something like that." like that." like that." >> [gasps and laughter] >> [gasps and laughter] >> [gasps and laughter] >> Um >> Um >> Um >> Although, she'd probably want to be >> Although, she'd probably want to be >> Although, she'd probably want to be Bruce Willis. Bruce Willis. Bruce Willis. >> Are you competitive with her? >> Are you competitive with her? >> Are you competitive with her? Cuz my husband's a journalist and I'm Cuz my husband's a journalist and I'm Cuz my husband's a journalist and I'm He's not competitive with me, but I'm He's not competitive with me, but I'm He's not competitive with me, but I'm very competitive [laughter] with him. very competitive [laughter] with him. very competitive [laughter] with him. >> Brilliant. >> Brilliant. >> Brilliant. Brilliant. Um Brilliant. Um Brilliant. Um No. No. And I No.

No. No. And I No. No. No. And I No. >> Hm. >> Hm. >> Hm. >> I'm genuinely trying to think that >> I'm genuinely trying to think that >> I'm genuinely trying to think that through properly. Um No, and I think through properly. Um No, and I think through properly. Um No, and I think we're two very different people and one we're two very different people and one we're two very different people and one We have two very different attitudes We have two very different attitudes We have two very different attitudes towards towards towards acting as well. She has got I think acting as well. She has got I think acting as well. She has got I think quite a complicated um relationship with quite a complicated um relationship with quite a complicated um relationship with acting in that she kind of goes, "Oh, acting in that she kind of goes, "Oh, acting in that she kind of goes, "Oh, well, I you know, I'm not well, I you know, I'm not well, I you know, I'm not um um um And she always goes, "Oh, Matthew's And she always goes, "Oh, Matthew's And she always goes, "Oh, Matthew's trained." So, I'm like, "This What are trained." So, I'm like, "This What are trained." So, I'm like, "This What are you It makes you It makes you It makes no difference." Um no difference." Um no difference." Um >> It's like someone having gone to Harvard >> It's like someone having gone to Harvard >> It's like someone having gone to Harvard and someone like, you know, and being and someone like, you know, and being and someone like, you know, and being successful and someone being, you know, successful and someone being, you know, successful and someone being, you know, journeyman and being equally successful. journeyman and being equally successful. journeyman and being equally successful. >> just either you can do it or you can or >> just either you can do it or you can or >> just either you can do it or you can or you can't. Or you you know, you'll you can't. Or you you know, you'll you can't. Or you you know, you'll succeed or you won't. There's no By that succeed or you won't. There's no By that succeed or you won't. There's no By that point point point has no bearing. has no bearing. has no bearing. >> What makes her a great actor in your >> What makes her a great actor in your >> What makes her a great actor in your view? view? view? >> I just believe her always. Like I'm I'm >> I just believe her always. Like I'm I'm >> I just believe her always. Like I'm I'm always there 100% with her. She can't always there 100% with her. She can't always there 100% with her. She can't She in a way she was just can't fake it. She in a way she was just can't fake it. She in a way she was just can't fake it. So you're So you're So you're you're 100% invested on the ride then.

you're 100% invested on the ride then. you're 100% invested on the ride then. And And that to me is the kind of almost And And that to me is the kind of almost And And that to me is the kind of almost all of it all of it all of it for acting with me. If I believe it then for acting with me. If I believe it then for acting with me. If I believe it then I'm off I'm with you. And it doesn't I'm off I'm with you. And it doesn't I'm off I'm with you. And it doesn't matter where we go. Um and I always matter where we go. Um and I always matter where we go. Um and I always believe her. believe her. believe her. >> How do you both um >> How do you both um >> How do you both um organize your lives? Um I I feel like organize your lives? Um I I feel like organize your lives? Um I I feel like men don't get asked this enough which is men don't get asked this enough which is men don't get asked this enough which is why I'm asking you. In the sense we why I'm asking you. In the sense we why I'm asking you. In the sense we always ask women how are they organizing always ask women how are they organizing always ask women how are they organizing their lives? And I'm just I'm wondering their lives? And I'm just I'm wondering their lives? And I'm just I'm wondering actually as both actors she's in the actually as both actors she's in the actually as both actors she's in the middle of The Diplomat and that's you middle of The Diplomat and that's you middle of The Diplomat and that's you know a ongoing series uh thank God. And know a ongoing series uh thank God. And know a ongoing series uh thank God. And um um um So So So how do you organize parenting and acting how do you organize parenting and acting how do you organize parenting and acting and all that stuff and children? and all that stuff and children? and all that stuff and children? >> it's like a circ- it's like a circus. We >> it's like a circ- it's like a circus. We >> it's like a circ- it's like a circus. We both we both have uh Moleskine planners. both we both have uh Moleskine planners. both we both have uh Moleskine planners. We don't We don't We don't do the We don't We don't We don't do the We don't We don't We don't do the calendar thing. Yeah. calendar thing. Yeah. calendar thing. Yeah. >> So we sit down with little nubs of >> So we sit down with little nubs of >> So we sit down with little nubs of pencils. Uh that's how we That's how we pencils. Uh that's how we That's how we pencils. Uh that's how we That's how we do it. But it's It is one of the hardest do it. But it's It is one of the hardest do it. But it's It is one of the hardest elements of a you know uh the the circus elements of a you know uh the the circus elements of a you know uh the the circus life. I mean I keep making the joke I'm life. I mean I keep making the joke I'm life. I mean I keep making the joke I'm like we're just saving money for the like we're just saving money for the like we're just saving money for the kids' therapy when they're older because kids' therapy when they're older because kids' therapy when they're older because they're like they're never around. Um So it's hard. It's hard. It's It's been So it's hard. It's hard. It's It's been It's plate spinning.

It's plate spinning. It's plate spinning. >> Have you ever turned something down so >> Have you ever turned something down so >> Have you ever turned something down so that Keri could do it? that Keri could do it? that Keri could do it? Or vice versa? Or vice versa? Or vice versa? >> Um >> Um >> Um But the But the But the the one rule we kind of have if if if the one rule we kind of have if if if the one rule we kind of have if if if [clears throat] there's a [clears throat] there's a [clears throat] there's a a project comes along where like I can't a project comes along where like I can't a project comes along where like I can't turn this down then we make it work turn this down then we make it work turn this down then we make it work whatever whatever it is. There are some whatever whatever it is. There are some whatever whatever it is. There are some There have been projects whereby um There have been projects whereby um There have been projects whereby um clearly a very quite clearly a very quite clearly a very quite um impressive when managers go listen impressive when managers go listen this film is shooting is these are the this film is shooting is these are the this film is shooting is these are the dates, this is the cast, this is the dates, this is the cast, this is the dates, this is the cast, this is the director. I go I don't want to read it. director. I go I don't want to read it. director. I go I don't want to read it. Just turn it down. Just turn it down. Just turn it down. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Cuz I can't I would rather not read it >> Cuz I can't I would rather not read it >> Cuz I can't I would rather not read it and go, oh my god. and go, oh my god. and go, oh my god. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But I know like she's in the middle of >> But I know like she's in the middle of >> But I know like she's in the middle of The Diplomat, I can't do it. So don't The Diplomat, I can't do it. So don't The Diplomat, I can't do it. So don't send it to me. I've done that a couple send it to me. I've done that a couple send it to me. I've done that a couple of times, but of times, but of times, but >> That's I mean, that's not nothing. >> That's I mean, that's not nothing. >> That's I mean, that's not nothing. >> she's done the same, too. So, you know, >> she's done the same, too. So, you know, >> she's done the same, too. So, you know, it's it's equal in that sense. it's it's equal in that sense. it's it's equal in that sense. >> Mhm. She's also nominated for um The >> Mhm. She's also nominated for um The >> Mhm. She's also nominated for um The Diplomat. You're this real Emmy power Diplomat. You're this real Emmy power Diplomat. You're this real Emmy power couple this year. Uh couple this year. Uh couple this year. Uh >> Yeah, yeah.

>> Yeah, yeah. >> Yeah, yeah. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Emmy power couple. >> Emmy power couple. >> Emmy power couple. >> Emmy power couple. That's going to be on >> Emmy power couple. That's going to be on >> Emmy power couple. That's going to be on your plaque. your plaque. your plaque. >> EPC. >> EPC. >> EPC. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I mean, >> I mean, >> I mean, do you talk about it and have you gamed do you talk about it and have you gamed do you talk about it and have you gamed out the different scenarios? Because, out the different scenarios? Because, out the different scenarios? Because, you know, you you won for The Americans, you know, you you won for The Americans, you know, you you won for The Americans, she didn't. She's been nominated eight she didn't. She's been nominated eight she didn't. She's been nominated eight times, I believe, and has not won. times, I believe, and has not won. times, I believe, and has not won. >> know. I know. >> know. I know. >> know. I know. >> Um I mean, >> Um I mean, >> Um I mean, do you do you talk about like she wins, do you do you talk about like she wins, do you do you talk about like she wins, you lose, you lose, she wins? What are you lose, you lose, she wins? What are you lose, you lose, she wins? What are our faces going to do? Um [laughter] you our faces going to do? Um [laughter] you our faces going to do? Um [laughter] you know, when they when they pan to us know, when they when they pan to us know, when they when they pan to us immediately? immediately? immediately? >> make jokes. Like I say, if you don't win >> make jokes. Like I say, if you don't win >> make jokes. Like I say, if you don't win this time, I'm going to go this time, I'm going to go this time, I'm going to go snake. snake. snake. Um she's like, don't you do that. Um she's like, don't you do that. Um she's like, don't you do that. >> I mean, Jay-Z does it for Beyoncé. >> I mean, Jay-Z does it for Beyoncé. >> I mean, Jay-Z does it for Beyoncé. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> I mean, there could be a thing, right? >> I mean, there could be a thing, right? >> I mean, there could be a thing, right? >> Right. I should start thing going >> Right. I should start thing going >> Right. I should start thing going like if she doesn't if she doesn't win. like if she doesn't if she doesn't win. like if she doesn't if she doesn't win. Um no, we don't we don't we don't really Um no, we don't we don't we don't really Um no, we don't we don't we don't really talk about that. We talk about more the talk about that. We talk about more the talk about that. We talk about more the the logistics of the night and which the logistics of the night and which the logistics of the night and which party you're going to go to after. party you're going to go to after. party you're going to go to after. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. Um would you rather she wins than you? Um would you rather she wins than you? Um would you rather she wins than you? Like if you could Like if you could Like if you could >> 100% 100%. >> 100% 100%. >> 100% 100%. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. I saw Samantha Morton recently she I saw Samantha Morton recently she I saw Samantha Morton recently she hasn't worked at all since doing The hasn't worked at all since doing The hasn't worked at all since doing The Odyssey. Um Odyssey. Um Odyssey. Um >> Mhm.

>> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Yeah. Um and it reminded me >> Yeah. Um and it reminded me >> Yeah. Um and it reminded me of of of what we've just talked about, which is, what we've just talked about, which is, what we've just talked about, which is, you know, those times in your life where you know, those times in your life where you know, those times in your life where you've had these fallow periods where, you've had these fallow periods where, you've had these fallow periods where, you know, you've had to sort of you know, you've had to sort of you know, you've had to sort of take the Tom Hanks view of like this is take the Tom Hanks view of like this is take the Tom Hanks view of like this is a moment and it too shall pass and you a moment and it too shall pass and you a moment and it too shall pass and you have to take the long view of your have to take the long view of your have to take the long view of your career. career. career. >> Has this moment right now where, you >> Has this moment right now where, you >> Has this moment right now where, you know, know, know, nominated for two Emmys, nominated for two Emmys, nominated for two Emmys, um really have the hot show of the um really have the hot show of the um really have the hot show of the summer where everyone's talking about summer where everyone's talking about summer where everyone's talking about it. Um it. Um it. Um in a in a in a Emmy power couple, Emmy power couple, Emmy power couple, >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> the only PC. >> the only PC. >> the only PC. >> Um have you finally do you think >> Um have you finally do you think >> Um have you finally do you think cemented your status with this though? cemented your status with this though? cemented your status with this though? Do you finally feel safe? >> Yes and no. I know it's kind of a long >> Yes and no. I know it's kind of a long answer. You you I find myself at moments answer. You you I find myself at moments answer. You you I find myself at moments going, maybe I can relax. And then and going, maybe I can relax. And then and going, maybe I can relax. And then and then you kind of go then you kind of go then you kind of go oh, that's the death nail if you do. Do oh, that's the death nail if you do. Do oh, that's the death nail if you do. Do you know what I mean? Um you know what I mean? Um you know what I mean? Um and you've I've just been through it.

and you've I've just been through it. and you've I've just been through it. I've been through the up and down so I've been through the up and down so I've been through the up and down so much. I kind of go I'm never much. I kind of go I'm never much. I kind of go I'm never quite comfortable. quite comfortable. quite comfortable. And and and in a way I think it it gives And and and in a way I think it it gives And and and in a way I think it it gives you something. It keeps you a bit a you something. It keeps you a bit a you something. It keeps you a bit a little bit hungry. little bit hungry. little bit hungry. >> What are you hungry for now? >> What are you hungry for now? >> What are you hungry for now? >> Movies to me is still the kind of >> Movies to me is still the kind of >> Movies to me is still the kind of the grail because we grew up watching the grail because we grew up watching the grail because we grew up watching big Hollywood movies. big Hollywood movies. big Hollywood movies. And I was like, ooh, movies. Do you know And I was like, ooh, movies. Do you know And I was like, ooh, movies. Do you know what I mean? They still have that what I mean? They still have that what I mean? They still have that allure. The Oscars still have the allure allure. The Oscars still have the allure allure. The Oscars still have the allure to me cuz you kind of go to me cuz you kind of go to me cuz you kind of go that's another echelon. You always think that's another echelon. You always think that's another echelon. You always think especially with the awards, you think especially with the awards, you think especially with the awards, you think it'll fulfill some gaping hole that's it'll fulfill some gaping hole that's it'll fulfill some gaping hole that's been in you entire life. And you go if I been in you entire life. And you go if I been in you entire life. And you go if I just win an award, it'll fulfill just win an award, it'll fulfill just win an award, it'll fulfill everything. And it does nothing. The the everything. And it does nothing. The the everything. And it does nothing. The the kind of drive or the what you're that kind of drive or the what you're that kind of drive or the what you're that whatever hole you're trying to fill whatever hole you're trying to fill whatever hole you're trying to fill is still very much is still very much is still very much at the center of your gut. at the center of your gut. at the center of your gut. >> Is that why you continue to audition? I >> Is that why you continue to audition? I >> Is that why you continue to audition? I mean, you mean, you mean, you audition for role um and you didn't get. audition for role um and you didn't get. audition for role um and you didn't get. You really wanted to be in the Bob Dylan You really wanted to be in the Bob Dylan You really wanted to be in the Bob Dylan biopic.

biopic. biopic. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I mean, is that what drives the the need >> I mean, is that what drives the the need >> I mean, is that what drives the the need to go and kind of still do that at this to go and kind of still do that at this to go and kind of still do that at this stage? stage? stage? >> And I thought I thought And also, you >> And I thought I thought And also, you >> And I thought I thought And also, you can't you like if you want something, can't you like if you want something, can't you like if you want something, get after it. Go and do it. Get it, you get after it. Go and do it. Get it, you get after it. Go and do it. Get it, you know, prove to them you can do it. I I know, prove to them you can do it. I I know, prove to them you can do it. I I still still still I still have the I still the I was kind I still have the I still the I was kind I still have the I still the I was kind of relieved that I still had that hunger of relieved that I still had that hunger of relieved that I still had that hunger to come and go, I'll audition. I'm not, to come and go, I'll audition. I'm not, to come and go, I'll audition. I'm not, you know, I'll go, yeah, of course I you know, I'll go, yeah, of course I you know, I'll go, yeah, of course I will. will. will. >> But you didn't get it. How do you deal >> But you didn't get it. How do you deal >> But you didn't get it. How do you deal with rejection at this stage in your with rejection at this stage in your with rejection at this stage in your career? career? career? >> say, I was like, who got it? And they >> say, I was like, who got it? And they >> say, I was like, who got it? And they went, Ed Norton. I was like, oh, okay. went, Ed Norton. I was like, oh, okay. went, Ed Norton. I was like, oh, okay. >> [laughter] >> That's um >> That's um terrible. It was like I'd had no terrible. It was like I'd had no terrible. It was like I'd had no audition for a little bit and I didn't audition for a little bit and I didn't audition for a little bit and I didn't get it. I felt happy cuz get it. I felt happy cuz get it. I felt happy cuz it reminds you of everything you used to it reminds you of everything you used to it reminds you of everything you used to do. You used to make yourself do. You used to make yourself do. You used to make yourself vulnerable. You used to give yourself vulnerable. You used to give yourself vulnerable. You used to give yourself all this hope and then you'd be knocked all this hope and then you'd be knocked all this hope and then you'd be knocked down. down. down. It was good. I was I was I got I was got It was good. I was I was I got I was got It was good. I was I was I got I was got I was kind of it enlivened me again. It I was kind of it enlivened me again. It I was kind of it enlivened me again. It kind of gave me a I remembered the kind of gave me a I remembered the kind of gave me a I remembered the hunger of your 20s when you're like, I'm hunger of your 20s when you're like, I'm hunger of your 20s when you're like, I'm going to get that part. going to get that part. going to get that part. >> All right, last question.

>> All right, last question. >> All right, last question. >> Geography. >> Geography. >> Geography. >> Exactly. Yes. Tell me about Finland. >> Exactly. Yes. Tell me about Finland. >> Exactly. Yes. Tell me about Finland. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> No. >> No. >> No. Um you talked about having the super Um you talked about having the super Um you talked about having the super objective, right? Um in your work. Um objective, right? Um in your work. Um objective, right? Um in your work. Um and it serves your motivation no matter and it serves your motivation no matter and it serves your motivation no matter what you're doing. And I'm wondering what you're doing. And I'm wondering what you're doing. And I'm wondering what your super objective is in life. what your super objective is in life. what your super objective is in life. >> Yeah. Well, I mean, we touched on it cuz >> Yeah. Well, I mean, we touched on it cuz >> Yeah. Well, I mean, we touched on it cuz you keep thinking if if I just do this, you keep thinking if if I just do this, you keep thinking if if I just do this, I'll feel satisfied. If I just if I win I'll feel satisfied. If I just if I win I'll feel satisfied. If I just if I win an award, I'll feel an award, I'll feel an award, I'll feel uh how superficial I uh how superficial I uh how superficial I I'll feel it'll I'll feel it'll I'll feel it'll it'll yes, and I'll fulfill something in it'll yes, and I'll fulfill something in it'll yes, and I'll fulfill something in myself. And I think ultimately it's to myself. And I think ultimately it's to myself. And I think ultimately it's to do a part where I can look back and I do a part where I can look back and I do a part where I can look back and I go, go, go, I'm satisfied with that. I'm satisfied with that. I'm satisfied with that. That's what keeps you That's what keeps you That's what keeps you moving forward is like, okay, moving forward is like, okay, moving forward is like, okay, when am I going to do one part that I when am I going to do one part that I when am I going to do one part that I look at and go, look at and go, look at and go, I did it. I did it. I did it. >> Your Hamlet. >> Your Hamlet. >> Your Hamlet. >> [laughter] >> Yes. My Hamlet at 79 years of age. >> Yes. My Hamlet at 79 years of age. >> [laughter and gasps] >> [laughter and gasps] >> [laughter and gasps] >> Um >> Um >> Um and and and it's and is there [snorts] a super it's and is there [snorts] a super it's and is there [snorts] a super objective in terms of the way you live objective in terms of the way you live objective in terms of the way you live your life?

your life? your life? >> [gasps] >> [gasps] >> [gasps] >> Harking back to your first question >> Harking back to your first question >> Harking back to your first question about David Niven, I want to get to a about David Niven, I want to get to a about David Niven, I want to get to a place where I just feel confident and place where I just feel confident and place where I just feel confident and just kind of just kind of just kind of I'm not faking that. I'm not faking the I'm not faking that. I'm not faking the I'm not faking that. I'm not faking the kind of kind of kind of oh, I'm you know, I'm happily confident, oh, I'm you know, I'm happily confident, oh, I'm you know, I'm happily confident, but I genuinely feel but I genuinely feel but I genuinely feel calm and confident in myself. calm and confident in myself. calm and confident in myself. When will that come? When will that come? When will that come? >> Matthew Rhys, I wish it on all of us. I >> Matthew Rhys, I wish it on all of us. I >> Matthew Rhys, I wish it on all of us. I don't think that you're alone in that don't think that you're alone in that don't think that you're alone in that particular struggle. I don't think that particular struggle. I don't think that particular struggle. I don't think that you're alone in that particular you're alone in that particular you're alone in that particular struggle. struggle. struggle. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Let us let us all sail that good ship >> Let us let us all sail that good ship >> Let us let us all sail that good ship until we find it. Until we find [music] it. Thank you so Until we find [music] it. Thank you so much. much. much. >> Thank you for this invite. >> Thank you for this invite. >> Thank you for this invite. >> And I've greatly enjoyed it. >> And I've greatly enjoyed it. >> And I've greatly enjoyed it. >> Likewise. >> I'm Lulu Garcia-Navarro. >> I'm Lulu Garcia-Navarro. >> And I'm [music] David Marchese. >> And I'm [music] David Marchese. >> And I'm [music] David Marchese. >> And we're the hosts of The Interview, an >> And we're the hosts of The Interview, an >> And we're the hosts of The Interview, an audio and video [music] podcast from The audio and video [music] podcast from The audio and video [music] podcast from The New York Times. New York Times. New York Times. >> Every week we interview fascinating and >> Every week we interview fascinating and >> Every week we interview fascinating and influential people from all walks of influential people from all walks of influential people from all walks of life. life. life. >> Subscribe to our YouTube channel so >> Subscribe to our YouTube channel so >> Subscribe to our YouTube channel so you'll never miss an episode.