Q&A with actor David Oyelowo plus all about the new Les Mis
The two-time Golden Globe nominee stars in a new adaptation of the classic French novel Les Misérables
THE acclaimed British actor stars in a new six-part BBC adaptation of Les Misérables. Based on the 19th-century novel by French writer Victor Hugo, it follows ex-convict Jean Valjean (Dominic West) as he tries to lead a better life while being pursued relentlessly by his former jailer, Javert (Oyelowo).
YOU caught up with David (42) – whose movie credits include Gringo (2018), A United Kingdom (2016) and The Butler (2013) – to find out more.
Is the TV series similar to the 2012 musical movie version of Les Misérables? No, for starters it’s not a musical – there’s no dancing or singing. It’s been adapted from the novel and made into six parts. For those not familiar with the story, it’s a sweeping, epic rendition of the book, which really is a ginormous tome. How did you get the role of Javert? I was approached for the role but I had to take a moment.
I wasn’t interested in just playing a villain. As I was familiar with the book I wanted to really, really dive beneath the character. He has an incredibly strong moral code and I had to find a way to delve deep. What was your experience working with Dominic and Lily Collins, who plays the destitute Fantine? Extraordinary. Dom captures the humanity of his character in a way that’s truly mesmerising – his character goes from being a criminal to a philanthropist and father. Lily is just heartbreaking in her role – she’s really something. Where was the series filmed? In Brussels, Belgium, and in the northern parts of
France [where the book is set]. Feeling all that history, especially in France, made us really connect more with the roles. Why do you think people today are still interested in this tale? Because it has such epic themes – it covers religion, sexuality, politics and the idea of redemption and humanity. And we can identify with these fallen characters. You’ve played so many parts in your career – which has had the most impact on you? Playing Dr Martin Luther King Jnr in Selma [the 2014 film was nominated for a best picture Oscar]. Emotionally it changed my life. You’re a father of four, three sons and a daughter, and your wife, Jessica, also acts. Are any of your kids interested in following a career in showbiz? Well, they all love movies; they’ve spent a lot of time on film sets growing up. Caleb, my 13-year-old, has acting aspirations and he’s pretty good. Asher, who’s 17, is a brilliant musician and he’s actually interested in composing music scores. The other two [nine-year-old Penuel and six-year-old Zoe] are still a bit young. Tells us a bit about your upcoming movie Come Away, with Angelina Jolie. It’s been billed as a prequel to the stories of Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland, correct? Yes, it’s a reimagined origin story, with those two stories being put together. Alice and Peter are reimagined as brother and sister and Angie and I play their parents. We also both worked as producers on the movie. You speak fondly of Angelina – are you friends outside of work? Yes, she’s been a friend of mine for years. My kids and hers have often hung out together. She’s lovely and a talented actress. You’ve been married for 21 years – a lifetime in Hollywood terms! Can you share your secret? When Jessica and I got married we were given a useful piece of advice – don’t let the sun go down on your wrath, which means don’t go to bed angry with each other. Also, that marriage should be the centre and children are a welcome addition; people forget that and focus only on their kids. In 2016 you received an OBE from Prince William for your services to drama. Rumour has it you have friends in royal circles – is that true? Yeah (laughs). I’ve been privileged to have hung out with the royals. I’ve spent quite a bit of time with Prince Charles – he’s the ambassador of The Prince’s Trust. People don’t know this, but he’s actually a funny man.