During a recent appearance on Conan O’Brien‘s talk show, actor David Oyelowo opened up about the challenges of method acting and how his wife handled his obsessive commitment to his roles. Oyelowo, known for his brilliant portrayal of Martin Luther King Jr. in the film Selma, revealed that he fully immersed himself in the character during the three-month shoot.
Conan O’Brien praised Oyelowo’s dedication to method acting, particularly in a role that required bringing to life an iconic historical figure. Oyelowo admitted that playing someone who lived in the same era posed unique challenges, especially when there was ample footage available for reference. He explained that while it was essential to create an authentic interpretation, it was equally crucial to strike a balance and make it clear that he was not attempting to become Dr. King.
The English actor acknowledged the impostor syndrome that often accompanies intense roles like this. Not only did he have to convince himself that he could portray Dr. King convincingly, but he also had the added pressure of persuading everyone on set, from crew members to extras, that he was indeed the civil rights leader. Oyelowo acknowledged that this added layer of scrutiny made it even more challenging to focus on his craft and deliver an authentic performance.
To reduce the pressure, Oyelowo found a way to distance himself from the burden of embodying Dr. King constantly. He referred to it as being in a state of “King light,” where he carried the character with him but didn’t feel the need to be in character every second. This approach allowed him to be more natural on set and avoid the constant pressure to convince others of his portrayal.
However, Oyelowo humorously shared that his method acting didn’t come without consequences at home. During the filming of Selma, he and his wife had just moved into a new house. One day, his wife called him to discuss curtain colors, and he found himself unable to separate his role from reality. Oyelowo jokingly recounted the absurdity of his response, saying, “I think, uh, the gray… I… I am not discussing curtains with Dr. King!” His wife made it clear that she expected such conversations to resume after the film wrapped up.
Additionally, Oyelowo gained around 40 pounds to accurately portray Dr. King’s physical appearance. He humorously recalled his wife’s tolerance for his transformed physique but also how she marked the end of his grace period once the production was over. In a lighthearted moment, she jiggled his man boobs and playfully asked, “So what are we doing now?” Oyelowo realized that it was time to shed the weight and return to his regular shape, leading to a slight shock after being so immersed in his role.
Conan O’Brien chimed in, highlighting the contrast between Oyelowo’s experience and the challenges he faces as a talk show host. O’Brien humorously expressed that he couldn’t use the excuse of playing other characters to explain any physical changes or quirks. Being “stuck” as himself, O’Brien jokingly noted that he couldn’t claim to be playing Conan in the “Conan story.”
David Oyelowo‘s method acting approach and the toll it took on his personal life provide a fascinating insight into the dedication and challenges faced by actors in bringing historical figures to life. Despite the difficulties, Oyelowo’s commitment to authenticity was praised, and his portrayal of Dr. King in Selma was highly acclaimed.
