IN CONVERSATION WITH CHARLIE ROWE
interview by JANA LETONJA
British actor Charlie Rowe can currently be seen starring in BBC’s ‘Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light’ and will next be seen in feature film ‘The Yellow Tie’. He is best known for his role of Ray Williams, the A&R executive that discovered Sir Elton John in Paramount’s ‘Rocketman’. Most recently, he starred in Apple TV+’s hit series ‘Slow Horses’, as well as leading Universal/Roadside Attractions’s ‘Nate & Gigi’.
full look EMPORIO ARMANI
You have some exciting projects on the horizon, including ‘Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light’ and ‘The Yellow Tie’. Can you tell us a bit about your roles in each of these and what drew you to these characters?
This year seems to be all about playing sons of tremendously strong and impressive fathers. In 'Wolf Hall', I portray Gregory Cromwell, son of Thomas Cromwell, and in 'The Yellow Tie', I play the son of the famous Romanian conductor, Celibidache. What’s unique about 'The Yellow Tie' is that the director is Celibidache's real son, so I’m playing him in a way in a fascinating dynamic that definitely added to the appeal.
For 'Wolf Hall', the draw was in the details. The immensely talented cast, director Peter Kosminsky, the BBC and of course, Hilary Mantel’s masterful writing. Interestingly, I was originally cast in the series ten years ago but had to step away due to scheduling conflicts. Coming back now, a decade later, brings this experience full circle in a way that feels incredibly meaningful.
In 'Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light', you play Gregory Cromwell. How did you approach portraying such a historical figure, and what can the fans expect from series in general?
Fans can expect a tense, meditative and whip smart portrayal of some of the most intriguing characters and periods in British history. When working on Gregory Cromwell, I started with Hilary Mantel's incredible writing. Her work is so rich with detail and probably the closest we have to the truth of those times.
Bringing Gregory to life involved piecing together every detail I could find. I read extensively, followed every lead, and let the historical fragments guide me. In the end, I even drove to Launde Abbey to soak up Gregory’s home and final resting place firsthand. My thanks to everyone at Launde Abbey for the gracious and spontaneous tour, it added a powerful layer to understanding Gregory’s world.
full look FENDI
In ‘The Yellow Tie’, you’ll be starring alongside John Malkovich. What can you share with us about this film, without giving too much away?
The film delves into the life of the legendary conductor Serge Celibidache and his family, unfolding across two timelines, his past and his present. In the present-day storyline, I portray his son. As mentioned, an experience made even more exceptional because I was playing the director. Working under the direction of Serge’s real son brought an intimate layer to exploring Serge’s complex legacy. I was also fortunate to work alongside John Malkovich and Miranda Richardson in Bucharest, making it a truly memorable shoot.
Your role as Ray Williams in ‘Rocketman’ was such a hit. What did that experience teach you, and how has it influenced your choices in your subsequent roles?
That experience really highlighted the power and importance of a pleasant set environment. Every day was comfortable and full of laughter. Working with people who can play as much as Dexter Fletcher does bring such freedom to a performance.
I’m also drawn to the world that 'Rocketman' explores. Music, the 60s and 70s, the fashion and culture of that period. The costumes, the sets, the entire era in general lures me in. I'd love to dive into that world again.
full look ZEGNA
You’ve been acting since you were nine, with some impressive early roles like in ‘The Golden Compass’. How do you feel you’ve evolved as an actor from your early days to now?
I’d like to think I’ve evolved. I hope so. It would be worrying if not. After nearly 20 years of acting, my relationship with it has gone through so many iterations. I’ve learned to let it lead me, trusting it to take me wherever it needs to. Most of the time, though, I’m focused on recapturing that sense of childlike inhibition. It’s a process of unlearning as much as learning.
You’ve had an incredibly diverse career so far. What kinds of roles or projects are you most excited to pursue in the future?
I'm drawn to roles that challenge and stretch me, moving from genre to genre. I'd love the chance to work closely with a director on a smaller, more intimate film. Is it too soon to remake 'Blue Valentine'?
Also, I’ve been thinking a lot about pirates recently, so those are the only two roles I would love to play, Ryan Gosling in 'Blue Valentine' and a pirate. Quite the range.
vest and trousers AMI
boots MM6
What’s a role or project that you’ve found especially transformative in your career?
'Wolf Hall' has been absolutely spiritually and philosophically transformative in every way. I made the decision to move back from the States to focus on British work, and somehow I ended up on the most quintessentially British show you could ask for. 'Wolf Hall' has a way of getting into your bones like that.
With so much success early on, have you felt any pressure or challenges in navigating your career in the public eye? How do you stay grounded?
I wouldn’t say I spent much of my youth in the public eye, but I definitely felt a lot of pressure to stay grounded. When you’re a child actor, everyone is constantly reminding you to stay grounded, but at that age, you don’t really know what that means. No child does.
Looking back, I’d say the most important thing is simply to surround yourself with good people and stay kind. Keep open conversations, and don’t let fame create distance. Don’t treat your friends differently, and don’t let them treat you differently either. At least, that’s what I think has made the difference for me.
jacket, t-shirt, and shoes MARTINE ROSE
jeans MM6
Outside of acting, what are you passionate about? Are there any causes or personal interests that you’d like to explore more?
I play music too. I released a folk rock-ish EP called 'Grapefruit' earlier in 2024. I’m planning to record and perform more soon. Alongside that, I’m also making and writing short films. My debut, 'The Natural', is just wrapping up its festival run for the year and will be available online soon for all to see. I’m currently working, very slowly, on another at the moment.
It’s really all about music and film for me. Oh, and lists. I’m passionate about making lists. I have too many of them. Films, restaurants, you name it. Letterbox is definitely taking hours away from my days too.
jacket, shirt, and jeans MM6
shoes MARTINE ROSE
You’ll be joining the cast of Noah Baumbach’s ‘Jay Kelly’ in 2025, alongside stars like George Clooney, Adam Sandler, and Laura Dern. What are you most looking forward to about working with this cast and director?
We actually wrapped in the summer, and I was really looking forward to working with Noah. I admire his work and find his tone inherently humorous. I was looking forward to exploring that in my own work, especially alongside someone who I understood to be both attentive and meticulous. And he was exactly that. I loved it. It was such a rewarding experience, knowing we were in such safe hands.
As for the cast, all heroes, talented beyond belief, charisma through the roof. I remember after my first rehearsal, I turned around to see George, Adam, and Laura watching, along with the rest of the crew, and I just couldn’t quite believe where I was. Adam said “That’s good stuff, kid.” That was day one. I’ll take that.
jacket and shorts SIMONE ROCHA
shirt DUNHILL
shoes AMI
TEAM CREDITS:
photographer BARLEY NIMMO
styling KEELEY DAWSON
grooming TERRI CAPON at STELLA CREATIVE ARTISTS using DR HAUSCHKA and R+CO
prop stylist JOE HARRISON
