Jonathan Pryce (‘The Crown’ and ‘Slow Horses’): ‘I have secrets that I don’t reveal’ [Exclusive Video Interview]
“I couldn’t stop smiling,” admits Sir Jonathan Pryce about scoring two Emmy nominations this year. In our recent webchat he jokes, “I thought I could make a living of this [acting] when I got the nominations.” Watch our exclusive video interview above.
One nomination is for his supporting turn on past Emmy drama series champ “The Crown.” The cast of the Netflix series reset every two seasons to showcase a different era from the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. For the final two installments of the show, Pryce played the Queen’s husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. He explains, “I got to play him as an old man, and I don’t know if you noticed, I’m an old man. So, you bring to his life experience all your life experience. As an actor I try to bring the character as close to me as I can.”
In the series finale ‘Sleep, Dearie Sleep,’ Philip talks with the Queen (Imelda Staunton) about her reign and what is to come next. Pryce says, “All the years of ‘The Crown’ and everything that happened narrowed down to two people bidding farewell to it. I found it very touching my final take, walking away there was a huge lump in my throat. It was the last time I was going to speak as Philip. The last time I was going to speak to Imelda as the character. Saying goodbye, not in a sad way, but realizing we and ‘The Crown’ had done a good job.”
It’s not the first time Pryce has played a historical figure. In 2020, he received an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Pope Francis in “The Two Popes.” He says, “It could be daunting playing such a public figure that everyone around the world has an idea about. You realise you have matured as an actor when you don’t let that get to you. You play them as honestly and truthfully as possible.”
Pryce’s other Emmy bid is for his guest performance in the Apple TV+ series “Slow Horses.” The series broke into the drama series category for the first time as did it’s lead star Gary Oldman. Pryce adds, “I’ve been in it from the beginning, from the birth of the show, and it’s a slow burn. He adds, “Gary Oldman’s character is totally original and it’s such an original show.”
In the British spy thriller, Pryce plays retired MI5 officer David Cartwright. He reflects, “I’m playing a man who has a secret. As an actor that’s a very good thing as you’re not revealing everything. Nearly always, if a character is good enough, I have secrets that I don’t reveal to the other actors or director. Occasionally if I’ve made the mistake of saying what I’m thinking and the director’s liked it, I’ve thought, ‘I can’t do it now. I’ve given my secret away.’”
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