Jason Isaacs Might Say Too Much

At 10:00 p.m. in London, Jason Isaacs is still up and about, as he’s battling jet lag after frequent trips between America over the past few weeks. Despite everyone else in the house being asleep, he’s taking his time and even demonstrating card tricks. Known by many in the U.K., thanks to his extensive TV career, Isaacs might not be as well-known in the U.S., except perhaps among dedicated Harry Potter fans where he played Lucius Malfoy. His recent role in The White Lotus has gained him new followers on streaming platforms. Although his choices may have kept him from being one of England’s wealthiest actors, Isaacs is incredibly prolific and has been a consistent presence in the industry for the past 30 years, often appearing alongside big names like Mel Gibson, Brad Pitt, Nicolas Cage, and many others he’s happy to discuss but cautious about naming.

Upon encountering Tim Ratliff, my initial assumption was that he’s a wealthy, southern Protestant gentleman who fits a certain stereotype. However, it came as a surprise to me when I discovered later on that Tim is actually Jewish. Just thought I should clear that up for you.

You’ve discussed adopting different accents and even aiming to sound more refined at University, which you referred to as code-switching. Is this an accurate description?

Have you ever encountered individuals such as Tim Ratliff in their usual environments?

Indeed, I have. We even played golf together. In the year 1985, when I graduated from university, Reagan and Thatcher were dismantling financial regulations, which opened up the industry to newcomers. This led to an explosion in England’s finance scene. If you could write your own name, you were given multiple phones, a pager, an Armani suit, and a Porsche. Although I attended drama school, I often socialized with these individuals, and some of those connections still remain today. Some of them squandered their fortunes on drugs, while others have retired and now own large parts of a countryside location. Tim was not unfamiliar to me at all.

The revelation that you were the only one taping for a role in “The White Lotus” came as a surprise to me, but not to everyone else, apparently. Even Dave Bernad, Mike White’s collaborator, informed you that you were the sole candidate being taped for this part. Although he might have meant it as encouragement, it instead filled you with dread. This realization made you think that you were the first one offered the role, but that wasn’t accurate. I know one of the other potential candidates turned it down, which I’m glad about. The audition process then required you to go into an office and perform like you did when you were 25. Unfortunately, just as in your younger days, you felt yourself stumbling and mumbling, fearing that you had ruined the audition.

You’ve discussed at length the enjoyable moments you experienced on set with your White Lotus co-stars, but I haven’t heard much about your on-screen spouse, Parker Posey. Can you share your experiences of collaborating with her?

You’ve shared many stories about the fun times you spent on set with your White Lotus kids, but I’ve not come across many insights about your TV partner, Parker Posey. Could you tell us more about working with her?

What does that expression imply?
She was acting in a way that far surpassed her opponent’s abilities, which allowed her some freedom to behave eccentrically. And similarly, I am currently doing the same thing. Consequently, I didn’t pay much attention to her or engage in conversation with her, as I was deeply immersed in my own thoughts. As a result, I can’t give you a clear description of what it would be like to interact with her extensively.

Did you feel irritated when Tony Dokoupil probed about the scene where your bathrobe opened on The White Lotus, and he hinted at whether you used a prosthetic penis? Some viewers assumed you were upset, but I found it amusing. After all, people are free to ask me anything they want. Having been a lawyer, I enjoy a good debate.

As a movie aficionado, I found myself taken aback by the excessive attention given to the subject at hand that day. Theo James, an exceptional actor from season two, found himself repeatedly questioned about using a prosthetic appendage. In hindsight, I felt I should have steered clear of addressing such a sensitive topic. Alas, I erred in my judgment and learned a valuable lesson.

Why bring that up?
I figured I’d respond, I suppose I won’t discuss it then.. When they persisted with their questions, I’d counter with, “Are you genuinely curious to see my genitals? Do you want to see it on-air or would you prefer a private session? As a professional journalist, this is the topic you wish to focus on?” I assumed this would put an end to it, but instead it became the sole subject of conversation for a week until the brothers’ handjob incident happened and fortunately took over the spotlight.

Few actors would consider themselves fortunate to land a role on White Lotus, yet it’s also been reported that each actor earned $40,000 per episode, which seems meager. Frankly, I was unaware this information had gone public. Typically, actors are reluctant to discuss their earnings in the open because it’s often wildly disproportionate to the work we do – applying makeup and adopting funny voices – and tends to anger the public. However, considering the usual compensation for major TV shows, this is a relatively low payment. Yet, given the opportunity, I believe many of us would have gladly paid to be part of it. We might even have offered a body part.

Given your extensive work history, do you feel any reservations about receiving the same compensation as less-experienced actors such as Patrick Schwarzenegger?

Am I bothered that my earnings may not have been greater? Not at all. I never work for money. To be honest, I’ve managed to live comfortably. People might assume I’m swimming in cash, but the truth is, I tend to match my spending with my income, and over the years, I’ve spent most of what I’ve earned.

In my initial acting role, I found myself in a small part during the 1989 comedy “The Tall Guy” starring Jeff Goldblum. I was cast as a doctor in a dream sequence. Upon arrival on set, I was given a surgeon’s mask and hat, hiding my face completely. Surprisingly, Jeff Goldblum, who wore only his underwear off-camera, paused the scene to recite love poetry by Keats – an unusual method for getting into character. This bizarre work environment left me wondering if I could handle the demands of this industry. Years later at Roland Emmerich’s wedding, I had the chance to sit next to Jeff and remind him of our encounter. He responded nonchalantly with a request for bread – another memorable interaction with a celebrity.

Back in 1992, you starred in the first British staging of Angels in America alongside Daniel Craig at the National Theatre. A decade later, he landed the James Bond role. When a colleague secures an opportunity that sets them up for life – providing financial security, funding their children’s education, and purchasing holiday homes – indeed, it means they won’t have to worry about economic struggles for many generations to come. Yes, that’s correct.

What is the feeling being described?
The individual shares that they differentiate between jealousy and envy. They describe jealousy as, “Oh, I wish I had that,” while envy is when one doesn’t want someone else to possess it. To avoid falling into envy, they consciously shift their focus to something else. If they didn’t work, they believe their situation might worsen. As an actor, they sometimes find themselves questioning why they aren’t as successful as others, but they acknowledge that the glamorous aspects of fame often conceal a difficult lifestyle. They recall an instance during the filming of “The Patriot” when they invited Mel Gibson to join them for karaoke in the bar, only to have the place become filled with people soon after. This experience demonstrated to them how stardom can lead to unwanted attention and intrusions. Although financial security might be appealing, they believe the rest of it is undesirable.

As the actor who portrayed the villainous William Tavington in Emmerich’s The Patriot in 2000, a role that marked a significant turning point in my career, I must admit to having mixed feelings about Mel Gibson, the film’s lead. Frankly, his controversial remarks about Jews have left me perplexed as to how he could be someone I might like.

However, I have found him to be quite personable and intelligent in my interactions with him. Yet, there are things he has said and done that I find utterly unacceptable and beyond forgiveness. It was a friend who invited me to a charity cricket event for Australian film professionals, assuring me that Mel would attend. Initially, I declined, stating that I had no desire to cross paths with him following his regrettable antisemitic outburst during an arrest. My friend persuaded me to attend, arguing that we could raise a substantial amount of money for charity. Reluctantly, I agreed and found Mel present at the event. He called my name across the room, greeting me warmly. I responded with a reserved “Rabbi Gibson, how are we?”

To my surprise, he approached me and shared some very personal stories, admitting to being intoxicated during his arrest and expressing regret for his actions. Although Mel is not someone I would consider a friend, and despite the lasting impact of his words and actions, I found myself instantly granting him forgiveness as he opened up and made himself vulnerable before me. This moment may remain with me as a source of eternal shame, but it also serves as a reminder that redemption and second chances can sometimes be possible, albeit difficult to accept.

Is it right to pardon individuals such as Mel Gibson who reveal their unattractive sides when they’re intoxicated?

It’s not that simple to forgive every action from everyone. To be clear, I’m not claiming to have forgiven Mel. Our encounters are few and far between – perhaps once a decade for just five minutes. We exchange messages occasionally about random topics. The character he introduced in The Passion of the Christ is problematic because it doesn’t align with the gospels’ depiction of that character. I’m still grappling with how to handle him. If he knocked on my door tonight, needing a place to stay because his hotel had been canceled, I would likely say yes, probably.

Just prior to your role in The Patriot, Michael Bay chose you for Armageddon as the astrophysicist, a character who devises a plan to save the world from an asteroid. Billy Bob Thornton’s character refers to him as “the smartest man on the planet.” However, the part wasn’t initially meant for you; you were offered a role as one of the astronauts instead. An offer came from ICM agents: “Wonderful news! Michael Bay wants you in Armageddon as an astronaut, and it’s a major break. The only issue is it starts on Tuesday,” to which you replied, “I’m already filming.” The following day, you were set to start shooting Divorcing Jack. A week later, they offered you the role of Quincy, but you weren’t keen. It was just eight days’ work spanning over six months. On your first day, you had a scene with Billy Bob, and after the take, Bay said, “That was fantastic, I truly believed you as a science nerd. Will you be here for the entire production?” To which you replied, “I’m committed for six months, but only for eight days.” He then offered to give you a clipboard and have you around Billy Bob throughout, adding lines occasionally. You accepted, thinking, “Oh dear.” Essentially, you were a featured extra for six months while the main characters were filming. This role took a hit on my ego, and I remember feeling at the lowest point in my career during a scene with Bruce Willis and the astronauts where Billy Bob was explaining the plan, holding a paper mâché asteroid on a lollipop stick.

Have you found Michael Bay to be more vocal than usual during filming? Well, given his work on testosterone-fueled movies, it’s not surprising that he aims to foster a similarly intense environment on set. The same can be said for David Ayer, the director of 2014’s Fury; every morning, it was like a battlefield on his set – very masculine and macho in nature.

Are you asking what it means when someone says they “fight every morning”? In this context, it actually refers to a sparring session or a friendly competitive exercise that actors do every morning on set. When Shia LaBeouf asked me if I wanted to fight, he was inviting me to participate in these daily sparring sessions with the other cast members.

Is what you’re asking about some sort of physical confrontations, like a boxing club perhaps? That’s something David has been preparing them for, but nothing that would cause serious harm, such as broken noses or eyes. As for me, I had no intention of engaging in a fight with Shia LaBeouf.

During the late ’90s, you held supporting roles in films like Armageddon and Event Horizon, a period that appeared turbulent in your personal life. You quit drugs in 1998, around age 35, not due to work pressures, as your career thrived despite your substance use.

In simpler terms, even when you were under the influence of drugs, your professional life was flourishing. Actors can sometimes struggle with personal issues, and this is often overlooked as long as they deliver their lines between ‘action’ and ‘cut’. However, I wasn’t causing any trouble at all. I was more like a mindless zombie, with my brain functioning like a high-speed blender. One of the things I deeply regret is that I didn’t take the time to interact with many wonderful people I had ignored or brushed aside during this period.

What specific group of individuals were you trying to keep away from? Well, it was mostly those who abstained from drugs. I found camaraderie with people who shared my lifestyle and preferred late-night activities, venturing into dangerous parts of town in search of substances we needed. I thought I was socializing with the trendy crowd. In hindsight, I recognize how misguided and narrow-minded that perception was, and how many chances for human connection I let slip by. It wasn’t just people I avoided; I shied away from uncomfortable situations as well. I avoided the loss of friends, awkwardness, pain, sorrow. I would flee from such things. Now, I strive to be more present.

I find it just as astonishing as you do; in fact, it’s equally surprising to me that you’ve remained married to the same woman, Emma Hewitt, who is a talented documentary filmmaker, all these years.

It seems her actions don’t suggest that she would stay with you, but it turned out that you two separated for a while due to what is often referred to as the seven-year itch. She temporarily left you because you were behaving like a zombie, immersed in a state of lethargy and detachment. Despite your apparent indifference, she noticed the darkness within you that others might have missed. Remarkably, she chose to stay with you, and I’m grateful for that as well.

I’ve had a long-standing fascination with pushing boundaries, which is one of the aspects I cherish about acting. The thrill for me lies in putting myself in potentially dangerous situations, whether it’s leaping from heights or scaling towering structures, my pulse racing as if it might burst from my chest. Often, people question the challenging roles I take on and remark, “That must have been a tough scene to portray.” But the truth is, that’s exactly why I do it – to live vicariously through extreme experiences, yet without the real peril or heart-wrenching reality of events like losing a loved one or facing actual gunfire. Frequently, my characters are parents who have lost their children, or witness such tragedies unfold before them. This is something that tends to happen as we grow older. Initially, it was roles of cops and soldiers that were prevalent. My friend Reed Birney once quipped, “Just wait, dear, in a few years, it’ll all be Alzheimer’s.

After The Patriot, there were numerous opportunities for me to portray tough guy characters opposite top Hollywood action stars. However, instead, I chose to take on a supporting role as a drag queen in the 2001 film Sweet November, starring Keanu Reeves and Charlize Theron. Following that, I did a few stage performances, but it seemed as though the door that had been opened for me had suddenly shut closed again. I was left thinking, “Oh no, what went wrong?” I believed I had made it somewhere.

Are you expressing remorse for having declined those opportunities in the past? While I don’t think I was wrong from a career or artistic perspective, I do feel financially disappointed because there were numerous things I could have pursued over the years that would have made me wealthy. As I approach the end of my career, I can’t help but wonder if perhaps I wasn’t so smart and should have taken some of those opportunities to secure a financial future, like others have done. I often find myself browsing through streamers, admiring well-known actors, thinking, “Wow, when did they do that?” It seems as though they simply took a break somewhere and earned a substantial amount of money. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to do the same.

It appears that Jennifer Coolidge has been appearing in a lot of Discover credit-card ads, and it seems reasonable to assume that this might be due to her role in The White Lotus. Many other cast members of The White Lotus have also landed endorsement deals, such as Parker for Gap, Patrick for various fashion items, Sam Nivola for multiple brands, and Sarah Catherine Hook for sneakers. While some actors might see these opportunities as a way to expand their career, the speaker mentions that they haven’t had the chance to participate in commercials yet because no one has approached them. However, if an opportunity to endorse products like incontinence pants, kettles, tea bags, or other items arises, they would be open to it.

At approximately the same period when you were filming your initial Harry Potter movie, you assumed two roles – Captain Hook and Mr. Darling – in a 2003 lavish adaptation of Peter Pan, helmed by director P.J. Hogan from Australia. The production was grand in scale, involving multiple studios and spanning over 14 months. During this time, I had executives frequently visiting Australia to pump me up with extravagant praise, insisting I was a significant figure. However, I remained skeptical and didn’t let the flattery get to me. Unfortunately, the film failed at the box office. Despite my belief that it’s a masterpiece, audiences seemed uninterested, perhaps due to previous exposure to Hook with Robin Williams or the animated version. The experience was professionally devastating for me, marking a significant downfall in my career. I struggled to secure roles afterward and even considered changing agents and possibly my occupation altogether, fearing I wouldn’t work again. The lowest point in my career was after Peter Pan. I was deeply disheartened but not as much as I would have been if I had believed the compliments bestowed upon me. I tried to impart this lesson of not overvaluing the outcomes to the young actors in The White Lotus – don’t invest too heavily in the success or failure of a project.

You’re wondering if I have any insights about J.K. Rowling’s recent opinions regarding trans women, particularly her statements that seem to suggest a conflict between trans rights and those of biological women. She has expressed empathy towards trans women, but you find her comments on the matter increasingly harsh and unkind on social media recently. You’re drawing a parallel between her behavior and Elon Musk’s perceived change in demeanor during his rise to billionaire status. In simpler terms, are you asking me to interpret J.K. Rowling’s thoughts and actions?

Actually, I didn’t know much about our connection, so I was curious if you might have some insights or thoughts since it seems like you’re acquainted with her.

Is that all there is? You’ve worked for J.K. Rowling’s charity Lumos, and people persistently urge you to discuss her stance on transgender individuals. Initially, I hesitated as I don’t have a close relationship with her, I’m an older straight white man, and it seemed inappropriate for me to comment on feminist and transgender matters. However, after supporting the trans comedian Jordan Gray and writing about her experiences, I was labeled as a trans rights advocate. This wasn’t my intention, but I came to be seen as sticking up against J.K. Rowling. I don’t comprehend her behavior on Twitter. However, it’s common for people to shout at each other online. I’ve listened to the seven-part podcast, “The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling,” where she clarified her position. Essentially, she says, “I may be on the wrong side of history, but this is what I feel strongly about.” It’s not my place to argue or debate, but if a vote were to occur, I know which side I’d support.

Grew up Jewish in Liverpool during the 70s, which seemed like a very difficult period. The title of an article from an Irish newspaper, “Jason Isaac’s Terror-Filled Teenage Years: Tormented and Beaten by Fascists,” made me question if it was exaggerated or accurate?

No, absolutely not. It’s complete nonsense. There were a few incidents when I was a teenager. The National Front was a British fascist group that ran for elections. There were times we were pursued by a car full of people armed with pickax handles and chains, and we had to run and hide. I recall people giving the Nazi salute while marching through the streets, and everyone would take shelter in a Chinese restaurant. The owners would lock the doors, and the waiters would come out with machetes, standing guard because there were skinheads marching down the street. However, these incidents were only a handful over the entire span of my life.

In 1988, while you were attending university, your parents moved to Israel. At the premiere of “The White Lotus” in February, you donned a yellow pin as a tribute to the Israeli hostages taken on October 7th. Whenever I’m on a red carpet or press line, I usually wear it too.

Are you currently leaning one way or another on the Gaza issue? The public opinion has significantly changed since then. Personally, I choose not to express my views in just a few sentences because the matter is complex and deserves more attention. I wear this hostage pin as a symbol of solidarity with those who have been unjustly detained, particularly peace activists from border communities. These individuals were providing essential services such as transporting sick children to hospitals and collaborating with people in Gaza. There are Holocaust survivors, kidnapped children, starving and tortured individuals who cannot receive assistance from the Red Cross. While it’s crucial to consider the safety of civilians worldwide, we must not forget those who have been held captive for over 600 days and have essentially been forgotten. When I wore the pin initially, families of the hostages reached out to me and expressed their gratitude. Now, I am conscious that they are observing my actions and that it matters to them. If I would want others to wear a symbol of hope if my own family member was held captive in a tunnel, then why shouldn’t I do the same?

Discussing the intricate debates surrounding Netanyahu and his cabinet, the Israeli Defense Forces’ actions, the authenticity of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s food distribution, the credibility of Hamas’ press releases, and the presence of journalists in these situations is a complex matter. It requires careful consideration rather than a casual stance or soundbite. My hope, shared by many I presume, is for peace – a sentiment I don’t believe anyone, except perhaps the extremists on all sides, would disagree with. I wish for an end to ongoing conflicts and tensions.

Your point about the ribbon is compassionate. Why don’t you think more actors haven’t worn it? I get labeled as a Zionist or a Zionazi, and even a yellow pin for innocent people becomes perceived as political, but it really isn’t.

In 2006, you starred in a Showtime series titled “Brotherhood,” which portrayed gang life in Providence and ran for three seasons. Although it didn’t attract a massive audience, it brought both you and Jason Clarke significant recognition. Around 2010, British newspapers began to profile you as the next potential star to conquer American television, similar to Hugh Laurie. At that point, I was considered the poster boy for pilots, receiving numerous pilot offers each year. The shows I didn’t select, which weren’t intriguing, are likely still airing today. Meanwhile, those who missed out on my choices may be enjoying their yachts somewhere. However, I made some choices for series that were not renewed or pilots that did not get produced. As a result, I lost favor with the people involved in making pilots because, empirically, I was not the safe bet.

In the 2023 miniseries Archie, you portrayed Cary Grant exceptionally well. The series explores his tumultuous late-life marriage to Dyan Cannon, a woman much younger than him. Did you engage in conversations with her while preparing for your role?

I had numerous discussions with Dyan, who is now in her 80s. She was incredibly gracious in opening up about some very personal aspects of her life. I asked her questions like where he would physically abuse her, how frequently such incidents occurred, the nature of their intimate moments, and other intricate details regarding their relationship dynamics.

Were you the first woman Cary Grant had a child with, when you two were intimate together?” This is less direct but still conveys the same curiosity about who came first in their relationship. The response would then address the conception of their daughter Jennifer and clear up any misunderstandings about Cary Grant’s sexuality or behavior during their relationship.

In simpler terms, you’ve shared a story about working with a famous actor who not only pushed you out of the frame but was also a terrible bully and didn’t perform consistently. This was an awful experience for you, unlike anything you had ever encountered before. Previously, you would have considered it an honor to even walk on the same ground as this person.

You mentioned working with actors who were both highly acclaimed as “crazy” and terribly bad, requiring editing fixes. I’ve found that what one person considers terrible, another might find fascinating. There’s a certain charm in eccentricity or madness. I remember there was an actor I thought was so bad, I couldn’t stand watching them, but my wife said, “Don’t you see? That’s why you can’t look away. They don’t seem to understand their lines, but their actions are captivating.” And when I returned to the set, I realized she was right. Mostly, I judge people based on their behavior, not their acting skills. This includes selfishness, rudeness, bullying, or complaining about those who help them get ready, earning less in a year than they make in a day for picking up dirty underwear. Or not showing up, leaving early, thinking they know more than the director, or using drugs and calling prostitutes to their trailer. I encounter all these things on set.

It seems you’re left trying to identify a group of anonymous, poorly behaved celebrities. I wouldn’t dare provide even the slightest hint as to their identities. Recently, during a book fair, I interviewed a friend, an accomplished author, and someone approached saying, “I’m from Penguin. You tell stories exceptionally well. Have you ever considered writing a memoir?” To which I responded, “Not for a million years unless everyone I know is deceased.” Because I have tales to tell, I know where many secrets are hidden. Sometimes, I dream about attending a press tour and revealing the truth, but it’s only in my lottery-winning dreams that this might happen. There’s no benefit, other than self-punishment and destruction, in sharing the truth about people I’ve collaborated with or experiences I’ve lived through. The world of acting revolves around secrets.

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2025-06-16 17:57