British actor Clive Owen recently made an appearance on “The Late Late Show with James Corden“, where he shared an interesting story about his experience meeting James Corden backstage at a play in 2012. Owen revealed that he wasn’t accustomed to the backstage culture in the UK, where actors often go and say hello to the cast after a performance. Despite not knowing anyone in the play, Owen initially declined James Corden‘s invitation to come backstage, but eventually, he was convinced to do so. Owen and Corden had a great chat, mostly about football, and formed a connection that led to Owen’s appearance on “The Late Late Show” years later.
During his conversation with Corden, Owen also discussed his experience living in Los Angeles. Contrary to popular belief, Owen never considered moving to LA when he was a young actor. He only visited the city for small British films and found the experience of meeting industry professionals both difficult and strange. However, everything changed for Owen after he starred in the movie “Croupier,” which had a significant impact on his career. Suddenly, he was meeting directors and experiencing a shift in the way people perceived him. Owen explains that coming to LA as a young actor can be challenging, and it often requires having a notable project or opportunity in hand, as just hustling and trying to make connections can be discouraging.
Corden also delved into Owen’s background, mentioning that the actor hails from Coventry, a city in the Midlands region of the UK. Owen described Coventry as a place that was significant in the car industry during the ’70s but didn’t have a strong reputation for producing actors. When asked about his decision to pursue acting, Owen revealed that he faced skepticism from his friends and family. However, joining a local youth theater group proved to be a turning point for him, solidifying his passion for acting. After two years of unemployment in Coventry, Owen decided to apply to drama school. He was accepted into the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), an accomplishment he considers to be the biggest break in his career.
In a surprising twist, Clive Owen declared his appearance on “Curb Your Enthusiasm” as the highlight of his career. Owen expressed his love for the show and how he thoroughly enjoyed being part of it. He even admitted to feeling nervous due to the quick wit and talent of the cast members. Owen’s enthusiasm for “Curb Your Enthusiasm” showcases his affection for the series, even though it doesn’t fall under the list of directors he has worked with, such as Robert Altman, Mike Nichols, Spike Lee, and Alfonso Cuarón.
The conversation with Corden then shifted towards Owen’s latest project, “Impeachment: American Crime Story,” where he portrays former President Bill Clinton. Corden asked Owen if he had any apprehensions about taking on such a high-profile role. Owen admitted that initially, he was unsure of the idea, particularly because he’s English and doesn’t physically resemble Clinton. However, after in-depth discussions with the show’s creators, Ryan Murphy and Brad, and researching the original footage of Clinton, Owen became fascinated with the challenge. He appreciated the clarity that comes from recreating historical events and the opportunity to inhabit a character with a clear objective.
As the interview came to a close, Corden complimented Owen on his acting career, citing the illustrious directors he has worked with. Owen humbly acknowledged the accomplishments but stuck to his assertion that appearing on “Curb Your Enthusiasm” was the pinnacle for him. He discussed how working on the show allowed him to appreciate the objective nature of recreating iconic moments, such as Clinton’s infamous denial of sexual relations. Despite the pressure of being under scrutiny in such a high-profile show, Owen embraced the challenge.
“Impeachment: American Crime Story” is set to premiere on Tuesday, September 7th, and is predicted to be the biggest TV show of the fall. Owen’s portrayal of President Bill Clinton is already generating buzz, showcasing his talent and versatility as an actor. Viewers can tune in to witness Owen’s exceptional performance in this highly anticipated series.
