Celebrity
And how he really feels aboutPeaky Blinders.
Joe Coles had a long day.
Cole takes it in his stride, quite literally.
That same year, he showcased his leading man ability in the prison revenge taleOffender.
Now, hes turned his hand to an existing classic: espionage dramaThe Ipcress File.
You pick jobs based on merit and script, and this felt right.
This connection to the primary source makes all the difference, the actor muses.
The movie is set just in London, but this [series] is transatlantic, he explains.
Its set in Berlin, Beirut, the Pacific Islands, and London.
We went to Croatia [to film] and had a good old time there, he tells me.
To be working at a time where no one could leave their homes…
It was nice to get out and do something.
You get an extra understanding of privilege.
Aside from his work trips, Cole spent his lockdown in London, living with two of his siblings.
One of his sibling housemates was his fellow actor, and one-timePeaky Blindersco-star, Finn Cole.
But Joe laughs at the idea of there being any competition.
With streaming platforms, it doesnt really matter when a show is on TV, he reasons.
I liken it to a band going on stage and not playing their biggest hit.
But its a little bit different with acting, Cole says.
With acting, once youve finished that role, the role is done.
People can rewatch my role, but I dont have to do it again.
He explains: I watch what Im in, and I have an opinion on what Ive done.
If I think its good, then whatever else happens, I dont really mind.
Cole is only too aware of the need to give up control when it comes to the critics.
Its important to have other things going on, and not be consumed by it, he reasons.
This measured response is in stark contrast to how he felt in the early days of his career.
I had no idea if I was going to get on TV, he admits.
You rely on things being seen and doing well.
Now that Im more established, its not as much of a concern.
I didnt know that being an actor was a thing you could do, really, he explains.
The rest, as they say, is history.
He speaks fondly of his drama school teacher Ms. OShea, who he often credits as an important influence.
Teachers have an amazing place in society, and they dont get paid enough, he tells me earnestly.
My mums a teacher and, up until recently, so was one of my brothers.
My mums helped so many kids over 30 years.
Although he had a strong support web link, Coles determination to succeed in acting came from within.
You have to have a mad passion for it, and I did, he states.
The star highlights one particular incident which fired him up.
I walked into a drama audition, and there were hundreds of kids sitting around, he recalls.
The principal came out and said, Only one person in this room is going to make it.
I remember thinking, Thats absolute rubbish!
Theres so many people in here that have talent.
I like to challenge myself in indifferent ways.
