Andrew Scott On 'Ripley,' 'Fleabag' & More

Fresh Air

Primary Topic

This episode features an in-depth conversation with actor Andrew Scott, discussing his roles in 'Ripley,' 'Fleabag,' and his approach to acting.

Episode Summary

In this episode of NPR's "Fresh Air," Terry Gross interviews Andrew Scott, renowned for his role as the 'Hot Priest' in 'Fleabag.' Scott shares insights into his acting career, touching on his roles in 'Sherlock,' 'Saving Private Ryan,' 'Band of Brothers,' and '1917.' The focus then shifts to his latest project, 'Ripley,' where he portrays Tom Ripley, a sociopath and con man. Scott delves into the complexities of Ripley's character, emphasizing the depth and moral ambiguity rather than the labels often attached to such roles. The discussion also covers Scott's portrayal of a conflicted priest in 'Fleabag,' his personal experiences with religion, and the nuances of playing various characters, including his award-winning role in 'All of Us Strangers.' Scott reflects on his acting philosophy, the importance of audience engagement, and his experiences during the pandemic.

Main Takeaways

  1. Andrew Scott discusses the depth of his character, Tom Ripley, focusing on the human elements rather than the sociopathic traits.
  2. Scott highlights the importance of unlearning the audience’s preconceptions to bring authenticity to his roles.
  3. He reflects on his personal and professional experiences, including the impact of his Catholic upbringing on his role in 'Fleabag.'
  4. Scott emphasizes the actor’s role in engaging the audience, allowing them to participate in the storytelling process.
  5. The conversation also touches on Scott's experiences in film and television, including his roles in historical dramas and his approach to playing complex characters.

Episode Chapters

1: Introduction

Terry Gross introduces Andrew Scott, discussing his acting career and roles in 'Fleabag,' 'Sherlock,' and 'Ripley.'

  • Terry Gross: "Like everyone who introduces my guest, I’ll start by telling you that he’s famous as the hot priest in 'Fleabag.'"

2: Discussing 'Ripley'

Scott talks about his role in 'Ripley,' delving into the character's psyche and motivations.

  • Andrew Scott: "I just kind of thought about the character in stages, and like a lot of Shakespearean characters, you don’t play the king. Everybody else plays the king."

3: Acting Philosophy

Scott shares his views on acting, audience engagement, and the nuances of bringing characters to life.

  • Andrew Scott: "The audience participation in performance is really interesting... it invites the audience into a kind of complicity with you."

4: Personal Insights

Scott reflects on his personal experiences, including his upbringing and how it informs his acting.

  • Andrew Scott: "The culture around Catholicism is very hard to dispel, and parts of it are wonderful."

Actionable Advice

  1. Explore Complexity in Characters: Like Scott's approach to Tom Ripley, look beyond stereotypes and labels to understand the deeper motivations and humanity of individuals.
  2. Engage with Your Audience: Follow Scott’s example of making performances interactive, inviting the audience to engage actively with the narrative.
  3. Reflect Personal Experiences in Work: Use personal history and experiences to add depth and authenticity to professional roles.
  4. Unlearn Preconceptions: Approach roles or tasks with an open mind, shedding any preconceived notions to discover the authentic core.
  5. Embrace the Human Struggle: Recognize and depict the nuanced struggle between different facets of identity and duty, as Scott does in 'Fleabag.'

About This Episode

Andrew Scott (best known as "hot priest" from Fleabag) plays con artist Tom Ripley in the Netflix adaptation of The Talented Mr. Ripley. He says his job is to advocate for his characters, not judge them. He spoke with Terry Gross about finding soul in comedy and lightness in drama. Also, Lloyd Schwartz shares a little-known history of "soundies." Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

People

Andrew Scott, Terry Gross

Guest Name(s):

Andrew Scott

Content Warnings:

None