As a seasoned movie buff with a soft spot for British humor and a keen interest in the lives of actors, I find myself captivated by Simon Bird’s journey from The Inbetweeners to his current roles. His unique blend of comedy and drama resonates deeply, as he manages to maintain the charm that made us fall in love with Will McKenzie while exploring new territories.
This article first appeared in TopMob magazine.
Often recognized as “Will” from The Inbetweeners, Simon Bird has continued his acting career, appearing in various cherished series, not just within the realm of comedy.
That hasn’t stopped people from shouting Inbetweeners references at him, though…
Speaking in the latest TopMob magazine, he discusses his view from the sofa, TV turn-offs and more.
What’s the view from your sofa?
I often find myself wishing for knowledge about something else. Typically, my spouse and I spend our evenings in bed watching TV while huddled over my compact laptop, using a set of worn, outdated headphones to avoid disturbing the kids [Bird’s family includes an eight-year-old and a six-year-old with author Lisa Owens]. The scene is rather dismal and unfortunate.
Which perhaps answers the second question: who controls the TV remote?
The outcome of their daily fights, which are growing more intense, isn’t predictable because my son is fearless when it comes to playing rough, even though my daughter has an advantage in height and reach. We aim to find shows that everyone enjoys – think Bluey, Gladiators, Race Across the World, and other popular choices, as we strive to keep them entertained.
What have you enjoyed watching recently on the laptop?
Expressing myself in a more casual and relatable manner: I must admit, it feels like I’m channeling an old-school centrist dad with a hint of nostalgia, but my wife and I have become quite hooked on shows that tug at the heartstrings, such as The Last Dance and 99. We’re also immersed in Couples Therapy on iPlayer, a documentary series about couples going through counseling. It’s fascinating how we find ourselves sympathizing with both sides of each couple, and the thrill when the therapist agrees with my viewpoint leaves me walking on cloud nine for days!
Any TV turn-offs?
Watching comedies is challenging for me these days. It’s somewhat like taking a break from work for someone who enjoys their job (busman’s holiday), but the main reason is that deep down, I have a strong competitive and envious nature. If it’s funny and well-done, I can’t help but wish I was part of it.
What was your biggest TV influence?
In a refreshingly unique manner, “The Office” seemed to present a comedy devoid of traditional one-liners or exaggerated storylines. Instead, it cleverly poked fun at everyday conversation patterns and behaviors found in our actual lives.
As a teenager, I discovered electricity to be utterly fascinating. I could have rattled off the Christmas specials verbatim back then.
Did that inspire you to start acting?
As a movie enthusiast, I’d have to clarify that acting wasn’t something I aspired for. My journey began at the university where I joined Footlights just for a good laugh. One day, our show made it to the Edinburgh Fringe, and that’s when Iain Morris, the genius behind The Inbetweeners, spotted us. He started offering Joe Thomas and me £25 a week to pen jokes for his XFM radio program. After graduation, we established our workspace in his office and refused to budge. Two years down the line, we managed to persuade him to let us be part of The Inbetweeners.
Did you ever worry about being pigeonholed after The Inbetweeners?
As a devoted admirer, let me share that Robert Popper, having been a script editor, opened the door for me in the series Friday Night Dinner – a clear case of nepotism, leading to my brief tenure. Yet, the echoes of The Inbetweeners still follow me, with strangers shouting lines at me on the street. Even when I’m taking my children out, they pause to ponder before hollering “briefcase w****r” at me. It may never cease until the end of my days, and thankfully, it shouldn’t!
Is Everyone Else Burning a shift from what you’re used to, and perhaps an unusual topic for sitcoms – portraying Puritanical Christian cults in preparation for the end times?
It sounds edgy to set it inside a bizarre Christian sect, but the comic challenges the Lewis family face are universal. Me and Kate O’Flynn are parents struggling to adapt to a rapidly changing world, and our kids are dealing with overbearing parents. On one level it’s a Manchester family in a puritanical cult, on another level it’s very relatable.
You’ve played a teenager in two sitcoms. How does it feel to finally play your age?
It seems I unexpectedly took on the role of a father, which perhaps hastened my maturing process. As soon as I turned forty, I strained my back muscle almost immediately. Whenever I mention my back pain to anyone over forty, their response is always, “Welcome to the adult world.
The Christian press love the show. Has anyone been offended?
No one has complained. No one Jewish complained about Friday Night Dinner. And I actually think this is the most traditional series I’ve done. It’s a traditional family sitcom wrapped inside something subversive.
The latest issue of TopMob is out now – subscribe here.
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2024-10-21 18:35