David Tennant has opened up about working with "difficult" actors, admitting he "takes it personally" when a bad atmosphere is created on set. The Rivals star made the confession during an appearance on the Inside of You podcast with Michael Rosenbaum.
David Tennant on Difficult Co-Stars
The former Doctor Who star acknowledged that many in the industry are perceived as "self-involved" and "narcissistic." However, he maintains that the majority of actors he has worked with have been "great." The 55-year-old went as far as saying he genuinely enjoys spending time with his fellow performers.
When questioned whether he has worked with anyone he "can't stand," David responded: "I'm sure I have, I'm sure you have too. Most actors are great, I'd say, and I think it's always worth saying that because we do have that reputation as a profession, of being self-involved, narcissistic, and awful."
He added: "But 95 percent of people might have a smattering of that but actually, they're interesting people, they're fun people, they're creative people. I enjoy being with actors. I enjoy hanging out with actors."
David does concede there are certain individuals he finds challenging to collaborate with. He describes these as people who "get going" by creating a "bad atmosphere."
Navigating Challenging Personalities
He elaborated: "But every now and again...the trouble is the industry indulges it because if somebody is worth something to a production, they are cosseted and protected and that breeds a behaviour. That can be difficult to navigate."
"I'm not very good with a bad atmosphere and I take it very personally and find it hard to operate. For some people it's like their engine, isn't it? They come on, they p**s everyone off, and that gives them a little bit of catnip. That gets them going."
"For me it's the absolute opposite. If I feel I'm being accommodated, I want to flay my own skin off, so I find it very difficult to be around that kind of personality, that kind of energy."
Rivals Returns to Disney+
Rivals, adapted from Dame Jilly Cooper's Rutshire Chronicles novel series, makes its comeback on Disney+ today (May 15). The opening three episodes drop at 7am. New instalments will follow on a weekly schedule, with a further batch of episodes due later this year.
David reprises his role as Lord Tony Baddingham, the merciless managing director of Corinium Television. He shares the screen with Emily Atack, Aidan Turner, and Alex Hassall.
The official synopsis for Rivals states: "In the second season, the battle for the Central South West television franchise reaches fever pitch as the war between Corinium and Venturer enters a dangerous new phase. More ruthless than ever, Tony Baddingham is determined to dismantle his rivals piece-by-piece, weaponising scandal and manipulating those closest to him to maintain his grip on power."
