Star attacks ‘appalling’ lack of opportunity for actors from the North
IAN MCSHANE has said it is “appalling” there are so few opportunities for working-class actors from the North.
The and star, now appearing hotlytipped series was born in Lancashire and his father was a Huddersfield Town footballer. He suggested public school pupils are making it in the industry these days as there are fewer chances for working-class actors.
He told “I find that appalling. The only way to make it is hope that you are cast as a northerner in an independent movie or go into
and work your way out. “For a lot of kids there are no grants for drama school. That’s why everyone talks like that now (puts on a comical upper class voice).
“They’re all public school. Public school boys have this self-confidence for no apparent reason.
“That’s fine, it’s what they are bred for, and I know Tom Hiddleston and Eddie Redmayne and they’re nice guys.
“But there’s room for a little more spreading it around.”
McShane, 74, also spoke of the in death of his friend Sir John Hurt during the interview.
Sir John died in January at the age of 77, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. McShane – who appeared with the star in
in 1962 – said the pair were the last of a dying breed.
“My oldest friend in the business, Johnny Hurt, died in January and I was jolted,” he said.
“We were the last of the breed, but I’m still going on. The kind of acting I do is like being a hired gun. You go in, do what you do and then you leave town.”