Merseyside actor Bobby Schofield has said he feels "overwhelmed" after being nominated for a prestigious International Emmy Award. The Kirkby-born star has been recognised for his performance as Joe in Unforgivable.
The BBC drama, written by Jimmy McGovern, explores the subject of child abuse and how it can rip apart a family. Bobby won acclaim for his complex portrayal in a challenging role as a convicted sex offender, whose prison sentence is about to come to an end.
Only UK nominee in Best Actor category
The actor is the only UK representative to be nominated in the Best Actor category at the ceremony, which will take place in New York on November 23. The Scouser is one of many actors flying the flag for the city on the global stage and he is thrilled to be recognised at such a prestigious ceremony.
He said: "Playing Joe in Unforgivable was one of the most challenging roles I’ve taken on. I felt a responsibility to portray him truthfully without ever losing sight of the harm he caused and the people living with its consequences. I’m overwhelmed to receive an International Emmy nomination for this work.
"Thank you to Jimmy McGovern and [producer] Colin McKeown for trusting me with Joe, to Julia Ford for her guidance, and to Anna Maxwell Martin and Anna Friel for the care they brought to telling this story."
He added: "And thank you to my amazing fiancé for understanding how withdrawn and unlike myself I was while working on this job, and for supporting me afterwards, when the storm had passed and I finally had time to reflect. I’m grateful to everyone who helped us tell this difficult story with the care it deserved."
Support from friends and family
Bobby also shared his thanks to This City Is Ours star Shaun Fagan, as he added: "Thank you to my dear friend of many years Shaun for convincing me to take on the role, and to Amy Hubbard for believing in me all those years ago."
The two run acting school The Dock Studio in the city with fellow Scouse actor Paddy Rowan. A post on the studio's official Instagram account in collaboration with Bobby's profile said: "Well, this is a bit special.
"Our very own Bobby has been nominated for BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR at the International Emmy Awards for his performance in friend of the studio Jimmy McGovern’s Unforgivable. To be nominated alongside Javier Cámara, Ricardo Darín and Ian Roberts is an incredible achievement and one we couldn’t be prouder of. From everyone at The Dock, congratulations Bob. INTERNATIONAL EMMY NOMINEE."
Bobby hails from a talented family as his dad is legendary Liverpool performer Drew Schofield. Drew is renowned for his performance as Scully and is the actor who gave Stephen Graham the inspiration to pursue a career in the industry.
Beatles role latest achievement
The International Emmy nod is the latest achievement in Bobby's burgeoning career. He has been cast as Neil Aspinall in The Beatles cinematic event series and was pictured on the balcony of the town hall as filming took place last weekend.
Neil played a key role in the Fab Four's story as he was the band's first road manager on their journey to conquering the world. Bobby was honoured to take on such an important role in the eagerly anticipated films.
He said: "Proud beyond belief to be in this one!!!! The Beatles was my childhood! Endless plays of the White Album in my ma's kitchen to songs being played by my dad and uncles at family parties!
"Seeing Willy Russell's John, Paul, George, Ringo and Burt back in 1998 at the Playhouse when I was five and being curious as to why there were four fellers dressed in mad colourful military uniforms!
"Starting working at 19 and seeing the impact they had on the world when working away for the first time! Being so proud to be from the same city, what a f*****g gig to be on !!!!! Xxxxxx"
