Oscar-winning actor Sir Gary Oldman has revealed that the Prince of Wales is a fan of the Apple TV series Slow Horses, after receiving a knighthood for services to drama at Windsor Castle on Tuesday. The 67-year-old London-born star said he felt “very emotional” accepting the honour from Prince William.
Sir Gary recounted that the prince told him, “every time I see you on screen as Jackson Lamb, I just want to give you a good wash.” The actor joked in reply, “Well, I think I’ve scrubbed up OK today.” Prince William also mentioned enjoying Oldman’s performances in The Fifth Element and as Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour.
Reflecting on the honour, Sir Gary said, “It compares to nothing else… I thought the Oscar was a big deal. No disrespect to the academy, but it sort of pales in comparison to this.” He noted that staff at Windsor Castle had approached him about Slow Horses, calling it “a lot of fun” to play the dishevelled MI5 agent.
Regarding the upcoming Harry Potter television series, Sir Gary, who played Sirius Black in the films, said he would have considered taking on the role of Dumbledore if asked. “I’m too old for Sirius Black… I’d have given it some thought,” he added. Of his directorial debut Nil By Mouth, the film earned Baftas for outstanding British film and best original screenplay in 1998.
Sir Gary, who has also played George Smiley in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, described Slow Horses as “truly one of the most enjoyable jobs I’ve had in 47 years doing this.” He expressed gratitude for the knighthood, saying, “I feel very honoured, very humbled and flattered.”
