Somebody Somewhere’s Ólafur Darri Ólafsson Had to Cool Down Iceland’s Charisma

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As an actor who’s had the privilege of treading the boards for close to three decades, I must say that my journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From working with legends like Stellan Skarsgård to sharing the screen with dear friends like Bridget, every role I’ve played has added a unique brushstroke to the canvas of my life.

Spoilers ahead for episode 6 of Somebody Somewhere’s third season.

In the realm of Somebody Somewhere, my personal exploration revolves around the pursuit of love in its various shapes and forms. For some characters, this journey proves more intricate than others; while Sam (Bridget Everett) and Joel (Jeff Hiller) quickly forged a strong bond of friendship, Sam’s strained relationship with her sister Tricia (Mary Catherine Garrison) required time to mend. Yet, the most challenging part for me, as Sam, is my quest for a romantic partner – an endeavor that proves arduous for someone who continues to wrestle with self-acceptance and self-perception.

In this week’s episode titled “As Much as I Like Not Feeling,” Víglundur Hjartarson, more commonly known as ‘Iceland,’ is portrayed by Icelandic actor Ólafur Darri Ólafsson (also known as Darri). Living temporarily on Sam’s family farm with his canine companion Wesley, Iceland presents something of a puzzle: reserved and possibly a touch aloof until Sam develops a closer bond with him, revealing his charms. In the course of this week’s events, Iceland and Sam share their first official date – a leisurely stroll around the farm. During this walk, Iceland expresses his disapproval of Sam’s self-deprecation. However, when they share a kiss, Sam finds herself shedding tears, creating an emotionally intense moment in a series brimming with such instances. As we move towards next week’s series finale, the nature of their relationship remains uncertain.

Ólafsson from Iceland remarks that he and Sam are performing similarly, both opening up: “He’s saying that they share many similarities in their acts,” says Ólafsson. However, the role demanded him to suppress his genuine feelings towards Bridget, his scene partner, as he found her endearing and hard not to smile around. Therefore, he had to be cautious at work to conceal his affection for her.

How did you end up with this role? Had you been familiar with the show before?

In the movie, although Iceland may not have numerous scenes, his character plays a significant role as Sam’s initial love interest, helping her break out of her shell, despite her struggles with deciphering his feelings towards her and questioning if he dislikes her. The character is quite amusing and eccentric. Playing Lennon required me to restrain my charisma and act more indifferent to conceal my true feelings for Sam.

Do you find any similarities between yourself and the character of Iceland?

In a previous project, I collaborated with Rob Cohen, our director, on the show “Lady Dynamite“. The first night on set, Rob and I played cornhole, which was a new experience for me. I found it incredibly enjoyable. It seemed that people were intentionally trying to let me win so I would feel more comfortable, and as a result, I performed quite well.

In this week’s episode, I had the privilege of guiding you through filming a heartfelt first date scene between our characters, Iceland and Sam. The chemistry between them was palpable, and the anticipation leading up to their tender kiss was truly captivating. Although we don’t know much about Iceland’s past, or even Sam’s for that matter, it felt as though they were both venturing into uncharted territory – making this date all the more special. It seemed as if they hadn’t been on many dates before, or at least not in quite some time. The raw emotion and vulnerability captured on film made every moment a joy to be a part of.

In my perspective as a fan, both Bridget and I appeared to savor each moment carefully in our scenes together. We were not just bringing our own character backstories, but also allowing ourselves to be receptive to the scene’s ambiance. It was like we were directors controlling the narrative while still being open to improvisation, similar to a bird soaring over uncharted territories.

It’s easier for me to delve into deep, personal topics with Bridget because of our past friendship. She’s someone you can share silence with comfortably.

In simpler terms, I appreciate the thoughtful response. It’s crucial for actors to focus on serving the story rather than their personal desires, like “What role should I play next?” Acting is about delving deep within oneself, but it’s all in service of telling a compelling tale. As a producer and writer, I strive to be mindful when creating content, and while I enjoy it when actors write for themselves, I avoid writing with the intention of showcasing my own abilities or proving something new. Instead, I aim to contribute to a story that is interesting and worth telling.

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2024-12-02 07:53