David Harewood has said his new lead role in Channel 4 drama Pierre is the first time he has been given a black character that allowed him to “open his wings” as an actor. The series follows the life and work of London duty solicitor Pierre Jeffreys, described as a force of nature battling to keep his clients away from a system that would otherwise “chew them up and spit them out”.
First fully fledged human being
Speaking about the role, written by creators Roy Williams and John Donnelly, the former Homeland actor said: “I have been an actor for nearly 40 years, often you play the black policeman or the black doctor, this is the first time I have played a fully fledged human being who’s charming, funny, romantic. Just to have that depth and range in the character was a real joy to me.”
He added: “To finally get a character I could fit into like that. I would say it is the first time in my career I could open my wings and really fly. And that huge thanks to both Roy and John for bringing this character. I’ve finally got to play such a rich character.”
Research and character dynamics
To prepare for the role, Harewood spent time with duty solicitors, who are often on call all hours and deal with people at police stations who otherwise would not get legal help. The 60-year-old said: “They’re protecting people and trying to make sure the law works for everyone, rather than just those who can afford expensive lawyers. That’s something that is important to Pierre. He’s become successful, but he hasn’t forgotten where he came from.”
Overworked Pierre’s hours in the series affect his marriage and health, shown through interactions with on-screen wife Celeste, played by Sara Powell, and best friend DS Ronnie Miller, played by Jason Flemyng. The crime drama’s recurring themes include friendship, family, class, race and injustice.
Background and family reflections
Harewood was born in Birmingham to parents who emigrated from Barbados. The youngest of four children, he married his wife Kirsty in 2013 and they have two grown-up daughters. Speaking to the Guardian in 2013, he said: “I try to ensure my daughters are not spoilt. They are very aware of how lucky they are and appreciate it. We have had some lean years, so they know it's not all about luxury, travel and hotels. They are grounded and I'm grateful for that.”
Reflecting on similarities with his character, Harewood said: “Pierre has come from a tougher background, but he’s now middle class and has built a very comfortable life. He still identifies with his working-class roots, though, and I think that creates an interesting tension. We see that particularly through his relationship with his son, Eli.”
He continued: “Eli has grown up with opportunities that Pierre didn’t have. He’s had a very different childhood, a very different education and a different level of comfort. There’s this question of what happens when your children grow up in a world that is much more privileged than the one you came from. It’s interesting because you don’t often see a Black middle-class family portrayed in this way. Pierre and Celeste are successful; they have a lovely home, and they’re raising their son, but that doesn’t mean they’re somehow removed from the complexities of race or class.”
He added: “Black parents can see their children becoming more educated, more informed and, in some ways, more ‘bougie’. That can create tensions, but it’s not as simple as one generation being right and the other being wrong.”
Pierre streams from Monday 5 October at 9pm on Channel 4.
