Bafta-winner Lennie James calls out damage of the current Trump era and why we need working class voices

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Lennie James, a British writer, actor, and director who recently turned 60, divides his time between the UK and the USA. He’s known for creating and starring in the dramas Save Me and Save Me Too, playing the role of DCI Tony Gates in Line of Duty, and for winning a Bafta award this May for his performance as Barry Walker in Mr Loverman.

Taylor Sheridan is known for playing Morgan Jones in both The Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead. Now, he’s taking on a new challenge as Frank Moses, a powerful crime boss, in the American drama Mayor of Kingstown. The show explores life in a town completely shaped by the nearby prison system. With success in America, what does living the ‘American dream’ really mean?

You’ve been living in the US for a bit now. What differences have you noticed between American and British culture?

Britain and America share a language, but despite many similarities, key differences exist. These differences largely stem from variations in attitudes towards guns and the influence of race. Of course, the sheer size of the United States also plays a significant role in shaping its culture compared to Britain.

The show ‘Mayor of Kingstown’ focuses on the world of private prisons. As someone from the UK, did that premise seem unusual to you?

The prison system is frighteningly profitable. This creates a need for inmates, which can influence sentencing decisions and who ends up in prison. It’s easy to see, especially with the current administration, who is likely to be incarcerated and contribute to this industry.

Have you felt the difference in the past few years since Donald Trump became president again?

If you’re a person of color, LGBTQ+, or a woman, you’ve likely noticed how quickly progress made towards equality is being undone. It’s clear what’s happening and how it feels to see these setbacks.

In Mayor of Kingstown you play erudite gangster Frank Moses. What attracted you to the role?

I’m now seeking roles that really push my boundaries, maybe even feel a little intimidating, and aren’t the typical parts people would cast me in. This character immediately caught my attention. I wanted to portray him as friendly and harmless on the surface, and it was incredibly enjoyable to play with that contrast.

You won a Bafta for Mr Loverman earlier this year. How have you found the reaction to that show?

It’s interesting how people react when they recognize me from ‘Mr. Loverman.’ They seem to have more to say, but hold back. Several times, I’ve tried to chat with them longer, but they’ve politely declined, saying they just wanted to express their gratitude, shake my hand, and move on. It always surprises me how much is communicated in just a few sentences, and then we go our separate ways.

Do Black British actors generally find more acting work in the US compared to the UK?

As a film fan, I remember being in LA back in 2005 and it felt like there were just so many more opportunities for actors overall. I’m not saying things are perfect for Black actors – there are definitely still challenges. But honestly, I was experiencing the same hustle as actors from France, Scandinavia, South Asia, everywhere! We were all there for the same reason: more choices, more projects happening. It felt like a real boom time for anyone trying to make it.

You experienced the loss of your mother at age ten, and you and your brother were then raised in the care system in South London. Do you think it’s increasingly difficult for people with similar backgrounds to succeed in acting?

Growing up, this wasn’t the life I imagined for myself. Honestly, I didn’t even realize it was something I could imagine. It was the chances I got along the way that made all of this happen.

Currently, opportunities seem to be shrinking for working-class people, and we need to actively work to expand them again. Ignoring or failing to protect the voices of the working class is a serious mistake.

Your drama Save Me from 2018 really captured what life is like for people living on council estates. What do you feel TV shows usually get wrong when they depict working-class stories?

It’s frustrating when people talk down to working-class communities, create exaggerated stereotypes, or portray them as overly emotional. They often misunderstand what motivates and guides people’s lives in these communities. It’s usually not about people disliking their lives, but rather wanting to improve things while still appreciating what they have – and that’s an important distinction. Some depictions feel superficial and lack genuine understanding, like observing from a distance.

In the past, you mentored kids with similar backgrounds to you. Do you still do that?

Right now, I don’t have enough time or stability to dedicate to mentoring properly, as it requires consistent effort. I do, however, mentor young Black male actors in my field. I focus on helping them communicate effectively – how to confidently advocate for themselves without intimidating others, specifically avoiding unintentionally coming across as aggressive. I also guide them on how to handle and navigate success, sharing lessons I’ve learned, sometimes the hard way.

Do you have any career ambitions unfulfilled?

I have some exciting projects I’m hoping to pursue, but I don’t want to risk talking about them and ruining my chances! What I can say is that I’d love to write and direct a movie someday. I have a specific story in mind, and I’m eager to bring it to life as a director. The biggest challenge is actually getting the story down on paper. Writing is much more difficult than acting, though I actually enjoy the editing process. My biggest hurdle is overcoming my fear of starting with a blank page – it’s something I’ve struggled with for a long time.

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2025-10-28 03:46