From 'ted lasso' to academia: phil dunster's unexpected turn
Phil Dunster, the actor who’s charmed audiences as the perpetually-evolving Jamie Tartt on Apple TV’s Ted Lasso, is swapping football kits for tweed jackets, demonstrating a versatility that extends far beyond the pitch. But before we dive into his new HBO series, Rooster, let’s settle a minor, yet surprisingly spirited, debate: the proper way to enjoy a pint of Guinness.
The curious case of the 'splitting the g'
During a recent lunch in Midtown Manhattan, Dunster, born in Northampton and raised in a British military family, patiently explained the intricacies of “splitting the G,” a TikTok-fueled phenomenon where the first sip of Guinness leaves a distinct mark on the pint glass. “Most Irish people probably roll their eyes,” he chuckled, “They’re like, ‘Fuck’s sake, just drink it.’” It’s a trivial detail, perhaps, but it speaks to Dunster’s willingness to embrace the quirks of cultural exchange, a theme that seems to permeate his career.
Beyond the fandom: a rising star evolves
The enduring popularity of Ted Lasso, even after its final season aired in May 2023, is a testament to the show’s comforting, optimistic tone – a quality that struck a chord during trying times. Dunster, however, isn’t resting on his laurels. The constant interruptions from fans eager for a selfie, and the inevitable “Are you the guy from Ted Lasso?” queries, are a constant reminder of the show’s impact. One group even showed him their group chat, affectionately dubbed “Church of Lasso.”
A new role, a new challenge: archie in 'rooster'
Rooster, created by Bill Lawrence (also behind Ted Lasso) and Matt Tarses, sees Dunster stepping into the shoes of Archie, a Russian-literature professor with a penchant for self-importance and a recent romantic entanglement with a graduate student. The shift from arrogant footballer to erudite academic isn't merely a costume change; it's a chance for Dunster to explore the complexities of intellectual vanity. “Archie is an erudite academic,” he observed, mid-turkey burger, “The problem is that he knows that more than anyone.” He's not just playing a character; he’s dissecting the human tendency to overvalue one's own intellect – a far cry from the growth arc of Jamie Tartt.
From shakespeare to dragons: a career in full flight
Dunster’s journey has been anything but linear. After graduating from drama school in Bristol, he found himself onstage performing a modern take on Much Ado About Nothing, where his Claudio brandished a scoped assault rifle. He’s since tackled everything from sitcoms like Catastrophe to a looming role in the live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon 2, a project he describes as “bombastic, playful, and huge.” And while a fourth season of Ted Lasso remains a possibility – his wife, Ellie Heydon, is directing it – Dunster seems genuinely excited about the prospect of expanding his repertoire.
“I was twenty-seven when I started on Ted Lasso. I’ve gotten married since then,” he reflects. “You just age.” That evolution, that accumulation of life experiences, is what allows him to bring depth and nuance to roles as diverse as Jamie Tartt and Archie. It’s a testament to an actor willing to embrace the unexpected, and to the enduring power of a good story, whether it's about football, literature, or dragons. The comfort of a familiar narrative, after all, is a universal need.