Acclaimed British actor Gary Oldman has spoken candidly about the difficulties he faced during his teenage years, describing adolescence as a "painful" period in his life. The Oscar-winning star made the remarks during an interview at the British Emmy Awards, where he also discussed his latest role in Netflix's hit series Slow Horses.
A Difficult Adolescence
Oldman, known for his intense and transformative performances, revealed that his teenage years were far from easy. "Adolescence was painful," he admitted, though he didn't elaborate on specific challenges. The actor, now 66, has previously spoken about growing up in a working-class family in south London.
Success with Slow Horses
The conversation quickly turned to Oldman's current success with the critically acclaimed spy thriller Slow Horses, in which he plays the brilliant but dishevelled MI5 agent Jackson Lamb. The Netflix series has earned Oldman widespread praise, with many calling it one of his finest performances.
"Jackson Lamb is a gift of a character," Oldman said of his role. "He's complex, flawed, but ultimately brilliant at what he does - just in his own unconventional way."
British Emmy Recognition
The interview took place at the British Emmy Awards, where Oldman was being honoured for his outstanding contribution to television. The actor, who has previously won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour, seemed genuinely moved by the recognition from his peers in the British television industry.
When asked about the secret to his longevity in the business, Oldman quipped: "Showing up is half the battle. The other half is not getting fired." His self-deprecating humour and candid reflections provided a rare glimpse into the man behind some of cinema's most memorable characters.
