Lucy Boynton on The Politician, American Accent & Disneyland

TL;DR

Actor discusses mastering an American accent and experiences in a school-based show.

Transcript

GOOD. ME NEITHER. >> Jimmy: YOU ARE FROM -- WELL, YOU WERE BORN IN NEW YORK AND THEN YOU MOVED TO LONDON WHEN YOU WERE HOW OLD? >> WHEN I WAS ABOUT 4, 5. >> Jimmy: 4 OR 5. SO HOW DO YOU LEARN THE SPECIFIC AMERICAN ACCENT THAT NO ONE CAN DETECT? >> THANK YOU. I MEAN, I WAS BORN THERE. SO I KIND OF LEARNED TO SPEAK WITH AN AMERICAN ACCENT. BU... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤕 Moving from New York to London at a young age shaped the actor's accent and cultural perspective, highlighting the influence of media consumption on identity.
• 🧑‍🎓 The British educational experience varies significantly from American norms, with less emphasis on student leadership roles and formal councils.
• 🫡 The camaraderie and mutual respect among the cast members in productions like Ryan Murphy's contribute to a supportive working environment.
• 🙈 The distinct style of Ryan Murphy's universe reportedly fosters long-term professional relationships, as seen with recurring actors.
• 👶 Utilizing celebrities’ reputations and prestige enhances both the allure and competitiveness of a new show, significantly impacting audience expectations.
• 🤩 Disneyland trips with cast members serve as unique bonding experiences but reveal the contrasting lifestyles of regular visitors and stars.
• 🫵 The acknowledgment of the potential fan engagement with new shows indicates a strong marketing strategy, highlighting its anticipated popularity among viewers.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did you learn to adopt an American accent despite living in London?

The actor explains that they were born in New York and moved to London at a young age. They credit their ability to speak with an American accent to the volume of American television they consumed, such as "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" and "Saved by the Bell," even though their mother was initially not pleased with the time spent watching TV.

Q: What is the British equivalent of student body elections?

The actor clarifies that in the UK, they do not have a student council in the same way America does. Instead, there may be a "head girl," which is a more ceremonial role rather than one with real authority like in American schools. It is a humorous highlight of the differences between British and American school cultures.

Q: What was it like working with a star-studded cast in “The Politician”?

The actor expresses both excitement and intimidation at working with prominent figures like Gwyneth Paltrow and Bette Midler. They mention feeling nervous to meet their on-screen parents, played by January Jones and Dylan McDermott, due to their established reputations in the industry, acknowledging the daunting nature of the production environment.

Q: Can you describe the Disneyland experience with the cast?

The actor shares that the cast celebrated Ben Platt's birthday at Disneyland, where they were afforded the luxury of skipping lines on rides. They reflect on the joy of the experience while noting how repetitive rides can become overwhelming, humorously indicating that appreciation for the wait comes when you realize the thrill is more enjoyable with some anticipation.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The actor shares their childhood experience of moving from New York to London and mastering an American accent through television, despite their mother's initial disapproval.

• They humorously explain the British educational system’s lack of student council roles, comparing it to American student government structures.

• The conversation highlights their excitement and nervousness about working alongside well-known actors in a Ryan Murphy production, pointing to the unique environment and camaraderie on set.