In a recent episode of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” the charismatic host was joined by the legendary actor Gary Oldman. Oldman, who rarely does long-form interviews, sat down with Colbert to discuss his latest project, the Apple TV+ series “Slow Horses.” The show revolves around a unit of misfit British spies led by Oldman’s character, Jackson Lamb, a grouchy and flatulent spy known for his boozing.
During the interview, Colbert asked Oldman about his experience with interviews, to which Oldman jokingly referred to them as a “necessary sort of evil.” The two delved into various aspects of Oldman’s career, including his knack for portraying iconic characters such as Dracula, Lee Harvey Oswald, Beethoven, and Winston Churchill.
Colbert also brought up Oldman’s ability to master different accents, to which Oldman revealed that he had to have a dialect coach reacquaint him with his English accent during the filming of “Tinker Taylor Soldier Spy.” Oldman emphasized the importance of finding the character’s voice, as it often provides clues about their physicality and mannerisms.
The conversation then shifted to “Slow Horses” and how Oldman came to be a part of the show. Oldman shared that he had always been a fan of long-form TV shows and expressed his desire to be a part of a well-written series that allowed him to repeat a character. He humorously outlined his requirements, including not wanting to wear wigs or prosthetic makeup, and wanting a closer voice to his own. “Slow Horses” turned out to be the perfect project that ticked all the boxes for him.
Colbert couldn’t resist asking about one of Jackson Lamb’s trademarks – his flatulence. While Oldman is known for immersing himself in his characters, he admitted that he cannot fart on command, causing Colbert to express his disappointment in a lighthearted manner.
Throughout the interview, Oldman showcased his wit and charm, engaging in playful banter with Colbert. Their chemistry was evident as they shared a few hilariously edited clips, incorporating the “undefinable Jackson Lamb quality” into some of Oldman’s iconic performances.
The interview concluded with a discussion about Oldman’s extensive career and the idea of adding flatulence to his previous characters. Colbert playfully suggested how it could have enhanced certain performances, leaving Oldman with a sense of humor about the whole idea.
This lively conversation between Stephen Colbert and Gary Oldman provided viewers with an inside look into Oldman’s life and work, especially his fascinating portrayal of the grumpy yet beloved Jackson Lamb in “Slow Horses.” It was an interview that showcased Oldman’s talent, humor, and versatility as an actor, making it a must-watch for fans of both the chat show and the iconic Gary Oldman.
