Dane Williams, the actor and model starring as Aaron in Channel 4 and A24's London-set coming-of-age sitcom It Gets Worse, has opened up about playing the show's heartthrob and the challenges of embodying a character he describes as "a bit of a dick."
The sitcom, which also stars Leo Reich, Lena Dunham and Andrew Scott, follows a trio of twentysomething graduates in London who are thrown into disarray after being evicted by their landlord. Williams's character Aaron is the mysterious man about town who causes friction within the friendship group.
Playing a Complex Character
Williams explains that Aaron is "charming, earnest, a little pretentious, but ultimately lost and insecure." He adds, "I think his internal conflict can make him a bit of a dick to people."
This complexity is what makes Aaron fun to portray. Williams notes, "[When there's] something going on internally vs what's actually being shown on the outside, as an actor, that's more nuanced and exciting to play because you're not giving it all away."
From Devon to London
Having previously appeared in What it Feels Like for a Girl, House of David and Beyond Paradise, Williams has enjoyed testing how he approaches different characters. He creates journals for each character, develops deep backstories, and draws comparisons with his own qualities.
Originally from Devon, Williams moved to London to attend the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. He settled in Brixton, which he found enriching as a person of Caribbean descent who was one of the only mixed-race children in his neighbourhood growing up.
On Mixed-Race Identity
Williams reflects on his experiences: "Being mixed race always has conflict about what group you belong to." He contrasts life in London with his rural upbringing, noting that "being mixed race in London is very different compared to growing up in a rural area."
He adds, "They're two very different experiences which can mean sometimes when you're trying to enter the communities in London they may not always validate your own blackness. However, I've also met so many amazing groups of people of colour and people who just welcome me in."
Williams concedes one similarity with Aaron: a former fondness for silly outfits. "I think that mishaps are part of it, and I think that was really key to exploring what my style was," he laughs. He remains open to further self-discovery, saying, "People should try different things to figure out what works for them."
It Gets Worse is on Channel 4 now.
