Brett Goldstein, the beloved actor known for his role as the gruff-yet-lovable Roy Kent on the hit Apple TV+ series “Ted Lasso,” is stepping into a much darker character for his latest project.
The 42-year-old is not only starring in the new comedy “Shrinking,” but is also serving as a co-creator on the series. And in a surprising twist, Goldstein’s character in “Shrinking” is a far cry from the soccer-loving teddy bear he portrayed on “Ted Lasso.”
A Heavy, Emotional Role
In the second season of “Shrinking,” Goldstein plays Louis, a man who was responsible for the death of the main character’s mother in a tragic drunk driving accident. It’s a heavy, emotional role that required the actor to do extensive research.
“In my role as a drunk driver responsible for this incident, I conducted extensive research,” Goldstein explained. “We read lots of accounts of people on both sides of this thing happening and listened to lots of people’s stories.”
That research helped Goldstein tap into the PTSD and lingering guilt his character experiences. “I just thought about PTSD. I know what it’s like when you’re in a car accident; it sort of loops in your head. So I would just kind of loop it before a scene,” he said.
Shedding the Beard, Embracing the Dark Side
One of the biggest challenges for Goldstein was having to shave off his signature beard for the role. “I cried. I’ve had a beard my whole life. I was born with a beard,” he lamented. “Also, I discovered sadly that it turns out women don’t like me for my personality.”
But beyond the physical transformation, Goldstein relished the opportunity to explore a much darker, more complex character than the affable Roy Kent.
The same process of empathizing with the character, and then when I played it, I thought about PTSD “was his approach.
The Future of ‘Ted Lasso’
Of course, fans are still eager to know what’s in store for Goldstein’s beloved “Ted Lasso” character. While the actor remained coy about any potential future seasons, he did tease that he’s “heard these rumors” about the show’s continued success.
When pressed for more details by “CBS Mornings” co-host Gayle King, Goldstein playfully responded, “You got any info?”
The future of “Ted Lasso” remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Goldstein is more than capable of showcasing his impressive range as an actor. From the heartwarming Roy Kent to the guilt-ridden Louis, the English performer is proving he’s not afraid to take on challenging, multifaceted roles.
A Promising New Project
Meanwhile, fans eagerly anticipate Goldstein’s creative contributions as a co-creator on “Shrinking.” The series, which also stars Jason Segel, has already generated significant buzz for its honest, heartfelt exploration of grief and mental health.
With Goldstein’s involvement both in front of and behind the camera, “Shrinking” is shaping up to be a must-watch for anyone who appreciates complex, character-driven storytelling. The actor’s portrayal of Louis suggests that he is eager to tackle complex, demanding roles that challenge his comfort zone.
Whether he portrays the lovable Roy Kent or the guilt-ridden Louis, Brett Goldstein is an actor to watch in the years to come.
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