“Finding a career away from Daisy was a big thing for me”

As a seasoned cinephile with a family that rivals a zoo in terms of chaos, I can confidently say that “Stags” should be added to your watchlist without any hesitation. My living room isn’t exactly a cinema these days, it’s more like a battleground where dinosaurs from YouTube videos reign supreme.

Add Stags to your watchlist.

What’s the view from your sofa?

In our household, we’re taking care of two extremely energetic toddlers, which makes life quite unpredictable and lively. Instead of enjoying a TV show that suits my taste, I often find myself engrossed in various dinosaur videos on YouTube instead.

I take it you and your partner Rebecca Howlett have little or no control over the remote, then?

As someone who grew up watching shows like Art Attack and SMart, I can confidently say that the quality of children’s TV has come a long way since then. Nowadays, with programs like Bluey gracing our screens, it’s clear that creators are putting more thought, effort, and creativity into making content for young audiences. In my experience, I often find myself juggling work and family responsibilities, which means I don’t always get to spend quality time with my own kids. But when I do, we can enjoy watching shows like Bluey together, and it brings us closer as a family. It’s amazing to see how much children’s television has evolved in recent years, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for this genre.

What makes you switch off the TV?

I have a phobia of daytime TV because it’s a reminder that I’m not really doing anything with my life. If I hear the opening credits to This Morning, I think, ‘God, I need to get out. I need to get changed. I need to make the bed!’ That’s my own personal issue…

As a proud collaborator with my talented sibling, Daisy May Cooper, we jointly penned the hilarious BBC comedy “This Country.” At first, I hadn’t envisioned myself appearing in the show…

In my early 20s, I found myself at a turning point. Since graduating from drama school, Daisy hadn’t been able to secure any roles. To fill our time, we began writing about characters from our hometown of Cirencester. Initially, I had no plans to participate, but Daisy insisted that only I could capture the local accent! It was an unexpected stroke of luck.

You became overnight stars — how did you cope with the fame?

1. We found it incredibly intense, but staying rooted in our hometown provided a sense of stability. Locally, people have grown tired of us – we’re no longer newsworthy! However, the excitement in London when we’re spotted is truly invigorating. It took an extensive journey to bring our show to life, filled with ups and downs. Never underestimate the process. Just a few years ago, I was studying sports science at Exeter University.

I was never meant to be in This Country, but Daisy said I was the only one who could do the accent!

Did you have a back-up career if you couldn’t get This Country made?

During challenging times, we found ourselves at rock bottom, pausing our personal lives without an alternative plan. Yet, our parents were unwaveringly supportive, allowing us to stay under their roof without any rental fees. Their encouragement and belief in our idea, which we felt was too promising to be ignored, fueled our resilience throughout this period. We are deeply grateful for their support and hope that the persistence of our dream will eventually pay off, whether it takes a decade, two or even three decades.

How have you found life since This Country finished in 2020?

For several years, I pondered over my career aspirations, and venturing away from Daisy was a significant step for me. Acting appeals to me because it offers an exciting mix of experiences. Each week brings something new – I’m engaged in my personal projects, contributing to other people’s productions, and lending my voice in voiceovers. Having children has given me a sense of stability as well. Currently, I am embracing more job opportunities that come my way.

Among the projects you mentioned are the movie “See How They Run” and the upcoming Paramount+ comedy titled “Stags”. Can you share your experience transitioning from working on low-key BBC comedies to larger set productions?

It was quite intimidating, but this small-scale production felt like a comfortable sanctuary. Previously, I felt out of my depth on other sets. In “See How They Run,” I worked alongside Adrien Brody and Sam Rockwell… I couldn’t even meet their gaze because I was so in awe of them! However, in “Stags,” I finally feel at home.

As this comedy is about stag dos, what’s the worst one you’ve been on?

About two weeks past, I found myself participating in a bachelor party at Butlin’s, Bognor Regis – an adventure, indeed! The most unruly of the lot were the fathers and uncles, men who had been away from the nightlife for quite some time. They let loose, drinking to their hearts’ content, and even shed their shirts in the heat of the moment!

2024-08-08 18:04

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