Jodie Comer names her ultimate acting inspirations: “They seem pretty fearless”
While the British film industry has produced plenty of iconic actors over the years, most of these stars have eventually journeyed across the pond and made it in America, where the bright lights of Hollywood are hard to resist. For Jodie Comer, opportunities in both British productions and Hollywood movies have flooded her way since she broke through with a terrific leading performance in the BBC series Killing Eve, making her one of the most acclaimed stars of her generation.
It’s almost a rite of passage for British actors to appear in the likes of Casualty, Doctors, and Holby City when they’re starting out, and Comer is no exception, ticking off each of these long-running series near the beginning of her career. It was a supporting role in the coming-of-age comedy-drama My Mad Fat Diary that allowed her to gain more significant experience, however, and from there she went on to further prominent roles in Doctor Foster and Thirteen.
Comer has since appeared in a handful of movies, but it seems as though she is highly selective with her offers, and she hasn’t simply rushed into Hollywood and let it engulf her. While her choice to star in 2021’s Free Guy alongside Ryan Reynolds was a little questionable, considering her chops as a genuinely talented star of many gritty British dramas, that same year, she aptly demonstrated her skills with a role in The Last Duel, which was much more impressive.
The actor has also proved herself at home on the stage, winning a Tony for her performance in the one-woman show Prima Facie. Comer can really hold her own in front of an audience, and with an appearance on the show Talking Heads in 2020, the actor only further proved her ability to deliver flawless monologues. It’s not an easy task, but it seems to come naturally to her, who takes her inspiration from various British stars.
One of these is Julie Walters, who cut her teeth in theatre before becoming a film star, rising to prominence with her leading role in Educating Rita on both stage and screen. The film contains a breathtaking performance from Walters, who plays the working-class Liverpudlian hairdresser attempting to find a better life for herself. With unforgettable monologues, it’s not hard to imagine Comer (who is from Liverpool herself) perfectly executing the role on stage, which is something she classifies as her dream role, according to an interview with Soho House.
Alongside Walters, Comer also revealed her admiration for Caroline Aherne, best known for her comedic performances in series like The Fast Show, The Mrs Merton Show, and The Royle Family. While Aherne was never a Hollywood star, her roles in British television were simply iconic, and Comer has evidently been inspired by the actor’s natural wit and dedication to fulfilling sometimes challenging and daring roles.
Another one of her loves is Samantha Morton, who has always pushed herself to star in complex and emotionally demanding roles, like Under the Skin and Morvern Callar. With notable parts in everything from Control, Synecdoche, New York, Minority Report, and She Said, the actor has proved herself in both British indies and big Hollywood productions, which has naturally inspired Comer.
“What I love about these women and the work they do is their humility. I mean, I don’t know them personally, but they seem pretty fearless. There’s such a lack of vanity, which I really adore.”
For what it’s worth, the way that Comer is moving ahead with her career, she’s a name to be reckoned with already.
