Recently, I had the privilege of attending an engaging session with Academy Award nominee Andrew Garfield at The Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, CA. As the Tony Award winner took the stage, the audience erupted in applause, acknowledging his impressive achievements. Along with a Tony and a British Academy Television Award, Garfield boasts a Golden Globe, two Academy Award nominations, a Laurence Olivier Award, and three British Academy Film Awards all before the age of 38.
Dave Karger from Turner Classic Movies engaged in a conversation with Garfield, commending him for his remarkable performances in 2021 with movies like Spider-Man: No Way Home, Eyes of Tammy Faye, and Tick, Tick…Boom! Here’s a glimpse into what the audience learned about this talented actor during their 90-minute interaction:
DK: You were born at Cedars Sinai Hospital. What stands out to you about Los Angeles?
AG: My early years in Los Angeles involved living in Marina del Rey with my English mother from Essex who wed my California-born father. These memories resonate with me even though we eventually moved to England when I was three. I’ve always felt a connection to California, particularly areas like Big Sur to San Francisco. Growing up with both British and American influences exposed me to diverse dialects.
DK: How was your experience as a drama student in your teenage years?
AG: My time as a drama student at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama was pivotal. From working on a Doritos commercial in Spain to being influenced by remarkable performances like ‘Angels in America’ and Mark Rylance’s work at the Globe Theater, my journey shaped me. I sought mentorship from talents like Mark Rylance, Tom Hanks, and Michael J. Fox to navigate the industry.
DK: Do you support any sports teams, British or Californian?
AG: Sports fandom isn’t my forte. I enjoy watching but don’t have a particular allegiance. Additionally, I don’t indulge in drinking, making me the odd one out in a pub setting during sporting events.
DK: You’ve had a prolific acting career. What was your experience with the movie ‘Boy A’?
AG: ‘Boy A’ marked a significant role for me early in my career. Delving into deep themes, I found the process enriching. Working with talents like Robert Redford, Meryl Streep, and Tom Cruise in ‘Lions for Lambs’ was eye-opening. Each project presented unique challenges and opportunities for growth, instilling in me a sense of humility and ongoing self-discovery.
DK: Reflecting on your role in ‘Social Network,’ what was the audition process like?
AG: Auditioning for ‘Social Network’ was a compelling journey. The script resonated with me instantly, and I was drawn to the complexity of the characters. The audition process was intense, but landing the role opened doors to a transformative experience of collaborating with exceptional talents like David Fincher and Aaron Sorkin.
DK: How did you approach the emotional depth of ‘tick, tick…Boom!’?
AG: Channeling emotions for ‘tick, tick…Boom!’ was a profound experience. Each scene required tapping into vulnerable and raw emotions, especially in moments of loss and personal growth. Portraying such depth allowed me to connect with the essence of the character and his journey, making the process deeply moving and unforgettable.
DK: Did you have to learn piano and singing for the movie ‘tick, tick….Boom’?
AG: Preparing for ‘tick, tick….Boom!’ demanded a new set of skills like playing the piano and singing. Drawing from past experiences, especially in theatrical productions like ‘Angels of America,’ laid the groundwork for this challenging role. Committing to mastering these new skills was a fulfilling and enriching journey.
DK: Is there a line from ‘tick, tick….Boom!’ that resonates with you?
AG: “What a way to spend a day.” embodies the essence of the film and encapsulates the profound journey embarked upon in ‘tick, tick….Boom!’.
Watch Andrew Garfield’s exceptional performance in tick, tick… BOOM! on Netflix to witness his remarkable portrayal.
Image Source: BAKOUNINE / Shutterstock
