Andrew Scott Breaks Down His Career, from 'Fleabag' to 'Sherlock' | Vanity Fair

Andrew Scott takes us through his illustrious career, including his roles in 'Korea,' 'Saving Private Ryan,' 'Band of Brothers,' 'Sherlock,' 'Pride,' 'Spectre,' '1917,' 'Fleabag' and 'Catherine Called Birdy.'
00:00 Intro
00:27 Korea
01:50 Saving Private Ryan
03:11 Band of Brothers
04:18 Sherlock
07:09 Pride
09:11 Spectre
10:25 1917
13:03 Fleabag
16:56 Catherine Called Birdy
Director: Adam Lance Garcia
Director of Photography: Dave Sanders
Editor: Cory Stevens
Celebrity Talent: Andrew Scott
Producer: Jackie Phillips
Line Producer: Jen Santos
Associate Producer: Jessica Gordon
Production Manager: Mark Bond
Production Coordinator: Jamal Covin
Talent Booker: Lauren Mendoza
Camera Operator: Nigel Akam
Audio: Kevin Teixeira
Gaffer: Dave Plank
Grip: Alvin Sun
Post Production Supervisor: Marco Glinbizzi
Post Production Coordinator: Andrea Farr
Assistant Editor: Andy Morell
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[@Octobris]

"It will pass" And here we have the most heartbreaking line in all television.

[@Swameh]

truly was

[@CM-pf1xc]

That’s so real though, just like he says

[@DeanithForeverYoung]

It's the fact that I have had someone saying the exact same thing to me along with "you can get a hobby or smth to forget about it" 😃

[@bloggerblogg5878]

I cried over that scene, like a baby😭

[@marygunning533]

Absolutely gut wrenching. Even just hearing it out of the context of the rest of the show, it takes me right back to the first time I heard it. He's so right about how beautifully it was edited and acted too. That long pause and the way they look at each other makes it all the more heartbreaking.

[@tomiwaaina5499]

Andrew saying every story he's made is a love story will feed Sherlock fans for years

[@jaydock1]

Plsss 😂

[@32fps]

I thought the same thing! I was like "well what about Sherlock" then immediately thought, "Oh no." 🤦

[@marifazekas5650]

The way fleabag is right there but I was like “is he talking about Sherlock” 😭

[@TheSwauzz]

🙄

[@snazzypazzy]

True. But in all seriousness, I do like the idea of Moriarty having this sort of obsession that feels like love to someone who can't feel love. I must have you and control you and kill you - to keep you. It works, at least to me.

[@trinaq]

I adore Andrew, he just steals the show, no matter how big or small his role is. He was in just the second season of "Fleabag", yet his incredible chemistry made it feel like he'd been there the entire time!

[@2WCB]

OMG it felt he was there the whole time! Loved him in Fleabag

[@kasiopeusgordon-clane110]

And he is incredibly amusing to watch.

[@kiracunningham205]

Yes! I think of fleabag and I immediately think of him and also of the ‘French’ hairstyle 😂

[@tortiesrule7432]

I will watch any story that this man participates in!

[@littlem00nprinc3ss]

@@kiracunningham205 I look like a pencil.

[@kristinanah]

"Big relationships we can have in life don't necessarily mean that they have to last a lifetime, but that doesn't make them any less significant." I simply adore this man.

[@bluish_blue]

This ❤️

[@nikolaiquack8548]

I really respect Andrew for talking about his role in Spectre the way he did. I don't think he was necessarily bad, but it's seldom that you see an actor talking about how he could have been better, especially in a blockbuster.

[@PurushaDesa]

I think actors and filmmakers would like to be more forthcoming but nowadays the public relations operation and studio oversight is so strict that very few frank opinions get through anymore.

[@StuartM62]

@@PurushaDesa please explain a time I’m which it was ever different in the blockbuster system?

[@mischief.brewed]

@@StuartM62 well I mean Harrison Ford never really talked positively about starwars but you'd never hear a Marvel star be like "no I don't like being in marvel movies"

[@StuartM62]

@@mischief.brewed but Harrison Ford still doesn’t talk positively about it yet your claims would say that he couldn’t do that any longer. Also as the films were coming out Ford never bad mouthed them it came years later

[@bibliophilecb]

@@mischief.brewed ok but in that same franchise you have Oscar Isaac who pretty openly talks about his dislike of how the movies were handled.

[@Aloizza]

Watching Andrew Scott talk is like therapy, wish this was longer.

[@ella2776]

I'd recommend you a podcast he was invited on called "How to Fail with Elizabeth Day" (S7, Ep1), on which he talks about three "failures" in his life. He shares a lot of insights and personal views about people and himself, it's very interesting and a bit longer than this video :)

[@StarbucksMary]

@@ella2776 thanks you for the recommendation! i haven't listened to him much before, but I enjoyed this podcast a lot, he has such inspiring ideas & thoughts about everything in life... do you like any other podcasts' episodes with him by any chance?

[@ella2776]

@@StarbucksMary I'm afraid I don't... but I've listened to other episodes of Elizabeth Day's podcast which were also interesting ! And you could look for episodes with him on podcast streaming platforms, perhaps you'll find more recent episode that I haven't heard about :)

[@StarbucksMary]

@@ella2776 okay, I'll try that, thank you!

[@melle7505]

@@StarbucksMary he was on ‘the road less travelled’ and ‘homphilia’ as well!

[@wasifali112]

Andrew Scott's rendition of Hamlet was the most unique take on the charcater. The existential dread felt more personal, more modern during his "to be or not to be" monologue. I really hope he's casted in a modernised take on the story just like Sherlock.

[@EMMYK1916]

In Irish secondary schools we had to learn 2 Shakespearean plays, 1 for Junior Certificate (exams for about 15/16 year olds), and one for final year Leaving Certificate exams, these determine your college entry points. We also I remember had to know a few Sonnets. We're very familiar with ol Will S here.

[@bowdencable7094]

The only Hamlet that brought me to tears.

[@EMMYK1916]

@@bowdencable7094 Wish I'd seen it. Actually he was in a good Irish comedy called "The Stag", worth a look.

[@HipHopOpatamus47]

came here to say this too!! andrew’s hamlet is breathtaking. I can’t count how many times I’ve rewatched recently. 🥹

[@notyourmum7883]

It was so good it really moved me and felt so genuine

[@4eyesinthecorner399]

As much as I love Sherlock and Watson, you can’t deny that Moriarty absolutely stole the show. One of my favourite villains ever.

[@georgiam.3957]

Idk if you read manga or watch anime but i would recommend " Moriarty the patriot " it's based on Moriartys story and not so about Sherlock

[@GGG-rb6if]

I utterly adore Andrew. Not only is he an extremely talented actor (and highly underrated if I may), he is also so well-spoken, intelligent and thoughtful... he's one of the good ones and I wish he'd get more recognition of how amazing he is.

[@suzanneoregan8736]

He reminds me of Chris Messina. An actor who deserves more recognition and acclaim, an astonishing talent, and someone you wish you could know in real life.

[@fatemehshahmohammad8191]

I feel he chooses to be where he is, it's designed by his standards in a way

[@ByronJames7]

Sold him a 24hour fitness gym membership in Hollywood years ago when he had just done the Sherlock series... He was shy, very humble and just down to earth. Glad of all the success he has had, love him as an actor

[@willywillybumbum9851]

did you tell him he recognised and admired him?

[@bakica_vangica]

wow!!

[@ByronJames7]

@@willywillybumbum9851 no lol I was too nervous myself

[@saifmahmudishtiakshushaan462]

Will never get over that Fleabag ending

[@innnak1]

I've never had my heart broken by a tv series like Fleabag's ending the first time I watched it. Just absolutely devastating.

[@theclayagenda5162]

Vanity fair KNEW what fleabag scenes we wanted to see

[@karines1856]

Watching this man act is so wonderful it hurts. His energy is just on point in every character.

[@saralysen]

Exactly this! I just love his acting to pieces, and then this shows that he is a very introspective and wonderful person as well.

[@seanharmon713]

He absolutely nailed his role on Black Mirror, super underrated performance

[@grayonthewater]

Which episode?

[@makenna6063]

@@grayonthewater smithereens (season 5 episode 2)

[@Z33force]

Yea! That's one of my favourite episodes

[@journieg4506]

Wish he spoke of his time filming his episode for Black Mirror would have been very interesting especially since a lot of people argued that it was his role that really made the episode

[@squidge125]

That was an amazing role, so annoyed they missed it out

[@amapolavioleta]

yeah it was a great episode

[@theeleanorshellstrop]

yes, I was also looking forward to his discussion of the black mirror episode

[@Lovemyson23]

-I love you -It'll pass 💔 What an amazing actor ! I love him so much ! He nailed it as Moriarty !

[@Anthi305]

And it never passed 😢💔

[@flala2261]

😓💔

[@anastasia7091]

imagine he says it to your face. I would burst into tears. 🥲

[@mahyuhhh]

@@anastasia7091 i burst into tears just watching the clip in this video !!

[@taytayqueen7024]

The most heartbreaking scene in history.

[@ashbeatte]

For anyone that is please by his voice. He read the audio book for dubliners by james joyce. Its like 7 hours of just his voice. It really does things for me personally.

[@ashleydonniehanson8953]

Just went to look for it, and it's voiced by Chris O'Dowd. Audible has done this before. :(

[@Lili3nlhilp]

Omg i knew this wud exist. I'll listen to his first and then Cillians lol

[@anacatarinasilva6140]

He also "plays" O'Brien in 1984's audiobook. The audiobook also features Andrew Garfield as Winston Smith and Tom Hardy as The Big Brother.

[@wxwxwx7777777]

I’ve never seen an actor be more humble and openly admit the things they could’ve improved on. Wow.

[@scottellsworth1515]

One of my favorite actors in the world. His behavior is so unique, alive and spontaneous. I can’t take my eyes off him in every scene he’s in…never a dull moment. Thank you universe for Andrew.

[@elizacarrie7433]

I first saw Andrew Scott as Moriarty, and he’s absolutely INCREDIBLE. He’s by far the most terrifying, perfect, unsettling villain in such a way that I was convinced that it was ingrained in who he is as an actor. When Scott said he loves subverting the expectations of his innocent face I was shocked; every role I’ve seen him in since has been a fight NOT to gaze into those terrifying black eyes and see the heart of true evil. I’ve since seen him in Modern Love and Black Mirror, and he continues to be incredible, and constantly so perfectly seated in each role. The IMPACT of him as Moriarty remains my favorite, but by far he’s one of my favorite actors

[@tanagunda1368]

True he was incredible

[@marinab6010]

I’m in love with him. Seriously, head over heals. Talent, humility and intellect all in one beautiful package. I was floored watching him in Sherlock. Cried watching him in Pride and swooned watching him in Fleabag. 🥰

[@rebekahwhitfield2922]

I can’t tell you how often I say I’m in love with him too! It’s nice to know I’m not the only one charmed and affected by him.

[@artemisemrah3677]

He's swoon worthy 😍

[@lp9476]

It’ll pass.

[@Lili3nlhilp]

Ikr he's fineEee asf

[@bloodyl7987]

I love the attention that Scott's been getting with more people finding Fleabag or Sherlock or any other of his roles. He's quite an actor and he deserves it.

[@satsukiando1661]

The chemistry between Andrew and Phoebe in Fleabag was incredible. I thought the screen (or my heart) gonna explode!!

[@Singsonggirl]

It's so lovely to see him talk about the technical aspects of 1917. I've heard him talk about acting before (and I will listen to him many times more, urgh, he says such beautiful things), but it was so lovely to see him geek out about the camera as well. Fascinating man with wonderful vibes.

[@alicehargest]

We're all still broken over "It'll pass" right? It's not just me?

[@mariadora8498]

Still heartbroken. 😢

[@yuliancoronado2737]

You're not the only one!

[@trishnvr]

Very intellectual person/actor this guy is! He not only describe what playing a certain character feels like but he also went to explain how it’s filmed and the effort that goes into making that movie, and praise the other casts too. Love Andrew!

[@QuesoCookies]

I love that he barely talked about himself when Fleabag came up. Just gushed about PWB and waxed poetic about love and chemistry. It feels like acting is much more than a job to him. He's less interested in his personal performances than in the value of storytelling and all the lessons he's learned and ideas he's experienced along the way. Seems much more like he's talking about his life than just his livelihood.

[@this_is_AK]

God, I can watch him talk for hours. His voice is so calming, he's so invested in his projects and dives into the philosophy of film as an art. Love him !

[@vegamagallanes]

I met him in a bar in Barcelona. I was tipsy... and just screamed: OMG!! THE HOT PRIEST. He just said: Hi! I'm Andrew, we talked for a little bit. Super kind person and for some reason he looked way younger in person than on screen. I said that to him and he was all red smiling. I had the huge opportunity to chit chat with the hot priest. Now I can die happy...

[@hayleylucido6799]

he’s so talented i love his perspective

[@PunsisiKaludewapooza]

The fact that he acknowledge that he has an "innocent little face" 😆

[@Wolfiiee]

INCREDIBLE actor. Love him in Sherlock.

[@NitaKerns]

"I'll burn you." LOVE Andrew in Sherlock. He made me feel so uneasy!

[@ethansguide]

He’s so expressive and into what he’s talking about and just so focused and energized throughout this interview. Captivating.

[@Hannahtehbanana]

What a beautiful commentary on loving someone so much that you have to let them go. That kind of love is hard to find, but it’s such a true and selfless form of human compassion. And people say there’s no such thing as altruism. ;)

[@romilrh]

13:43 is one of my top 10 moments in any TV show. Shocked me to my core

[@gilidominitz1842]

I rewatched Fleabag S2 about 5-6 times this month! You (and Pheobe) are so great and touching together. Also, love Pride, such an uplifting film. 💙💚💛

[@connieo4282]

i loveee the way he expreses himself and the way he describes his own version of how fleabag was is so fascinating! love that vanity fair had him, def hit the jackpot with this video!

[@harshalgupta87]

Andrew Scott and Cillian Murphy are such well spoken and empathetic people.. Felt so calm listening to him talk.

[@therealMuNansen]

I love that he's saying "I could've been better in that." I can relate.

[@itsnotworthit7178]

he acts so beautifully it makes every single scene worth watching over and over again, even when he just does an interview he i breathtaking in every way

[@fbspin]

I’m so grateful I was able to see him in Hamlet at the Almeida Theatre. Truly a performance I’ll never forget, what a talented actor

[@hannahabbot4250]

I've met Andrew Scott at a convention in 2019 in Moscow, he's such a charmer, we talked about his role in The Quatermass Experiment while he was signing my poster, and he started asking questions about lil old me. I've never thought I'd see him because of the circumstances of his coming-out.

[@KAIMAOFFICIAL]

The circumstances of him coming out?

[@Singsonggirl]

@@KAIMAOFFICIAL Lol, he publicly came out in an interview where he talked about not studying videos of Putin for his Russian accent, because Putin is a homophobic prick. Amongst other things.

[@victoriatapia2008]

What do you mean with his circumstances at coming out? Sorry I don’t really know

[@oldmanpence4803]

Saw this man in Sherlock and was floored. So amazing. Much respect.

[@PHGFF45656]

Im so glad he talked about Pride. It’s my favorite movie and I love how touched he was by it too

[@cea765]

His ex-boyfriend wrote the screenplay!

[@sky_kryst]

I wish there was more of Andrew in mainstream so that I got to see him/ experience his talents more often

[@ellagrace3375]

What a roar, open and inspiring human he is. Truly a credit to the acting industry and what is should and always be about. The chemistry he created with Phoebe in fleabag showed how beautiful a connection with someone and love can be.

[@bansarivora7448]

he’s the hottest hot priest ever and somehow the hottest villain at the same time

[@chlorate13]

An important caveat that this video addresses his film career - with a whole parallel career in the theatre. Watching him play Hamlet at the Almeida some years ago now was truly a surreal, engrossing experience adding value to a text that is very hard to represent in new ways. His thoughtfulness even in interview and an ability to reflect on what could have been done better or what didn’t go as well in some of the films, really admirable.

[@elizabethbassett6598]

Andrew is such a great actor. I fell in love with his acting style in BBC Sherlock, and of course Hamlet and Fleabag after. He can be a big scene stealer but even when in a smaller part he leaves an impression. And of course those brown eyes, they are absolutely captivating.

[@thefuckisgoingon]

fleabag is amazing and his role was beautifully played

[@Rowzie100]

I love that he talks about what films he felt were difficult and why - so interesting

[@CM-pf1xc]

It’s cool how you can see his love for characters and productions he is beloved for, Sherlock and fleabag. Like there’s a reason they’re so good, he loved it too

[@ijustlikethiscrapokay]

I love Andrew Scott's honesty about his performances and his experiences on all these movies. I enjoy hearing about his perspective and attitude - definitely one of the better breakdowns in the series!

[@esteinavrillepaez1577]

you're AMAZING! i swear im a fan. you really understand the assignment everytime. excited to see more!

[@theoryofthemobius]

One of the most honest breakdowns ever. EVER.

[@tomatosage5038]

Andrew Scott is one of my favourite actors, he's such an incredible and talented person

[@danieladamico5485]

He's such a great actor, always moves me no matter how small or big the role is. I especially love his performance in Pride.

[@DMsDiary]

i adore him, amazing actor through and through

[@TibbyProductions]

He's such a talent. Absolutely love seeing him whenever he's on the screen. Adored him in Fleabag

[@IsabelleHAwesomegirl]

AAAA FINALLY! I've been waiting for more Andrew interviews

[@caitlynwinders6709]

i’ll never forget him in Sherlock! one of the reasons i continue to rewatch the series.

[@pictorya]

Great interview!! Loved his sharing about the purpose of acting

[@nikksterr627]

Such a fabulous actor - love him in everything. And he’s such a lovely presence in interviews.

[@S_R_F_Editz]

Hes my favourite actor and its genuinely so comforting having something in common with him, he says he was a quiet kid so his mom sent him to drama school and my mom did the exact same thing because i was a quiet and shy kid and it really brought me out of my shell

[@vmateo2842]

Andrew is rapidly becoming one of my fave actors out there. Loved him as Moriarty, and grew to have so much respect for him since then, I'm so glad he's come a long way.

[@bernimeincke9949]

This is the only career break down that matters

[@beachfan9380]

Andrew is mesmerizing in every role! I can't keep my eyes off him.

[@paula_garcia]

He's an amazing actor and a beautiful human being

[@faithmo5347]

Have the opportunity of catching Cathrine Called Birdy at TIFF this year and Andrew's performance absolutely knocks it out of the park! The film is so heartfelt and sincere, totally recommend

[@sssssssteph]

What an incredible interview. I never really knew about Andrew before but you can really tell he's a down to earth guy, and I'm so glad he shared his point of view on movie making, it was really interesting to learn of

[@veritas88n4]

Beautiful interview.

[@bySaebraut]

Andrew! 🥺😻 So deep & articulated, sensitive. I cried when the fleabag scene came up. Love it.

[@Sam-ms7ih]

He's so calm, so ethereal, it makes me feel nostalgic of something I don't even know.

[@katiedoyle819]

Just started giggling immediately at the Fleabag part so delightful

[@rubyhhh2715]

i’m so excited for this!!!

[@heidijapiot6314]

I adored him more and more at every word he was saying, what an inspiration he is to all of us !!!

[@dudealrihhh9948]

such an amazing actor, saw him in Black Mirror and Sherlock and he just plays each character perfectly

[@cn9867]

Honestly, he is the first ever actor that i tried to find and watched all his series/movies, be it is small role or the biggest ones. Definitely definitely a brilliant. ❤

[@shannonmcstormy5021]

While I thoroughly enjoyed the other Sherlock series's "Moriarty," (and the recent Sherlock film's Moriarty), that villain is so famous, it must be pretty daunting and easy to screw up. I loved Scott's Moriarty immensely, complete with his FAR more subtle portrayal. It seriously sent shivers down my spine. Well done.

[@lew306]

This was brilliant, so so looking forward to the Ripley series.

[@samanthamallac6170]

Beautiful honesty. Such a candid and thoughtful piece.

[@camilaniram]

a beautiful person and an amazing actor. we love you andrew!

[@hanniayeverino5499]

I think Fleabag is the first time I ever cried so hard at a TV show, it was spectacular him and Phoebe had the most beautiful chemistry

[@vigilantesht007]

He’s so eloquent and I could listen to him talk all day

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Omg it’s the man, the legend, the love of our lives. If you’re not head over heels in love with him, you don’t have a heart.

[@aghase1531]

I LOVE HIM!!!! THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO❤

[@JJ-jw3yc]

Hearing him talk about his views on filmmaking, I’d love to see him direct!

[@bbibbibu]

i love sherlock it was one of the first series i watched that was in english so it’s always fun to watch back and see how my english has improved because i always pick up some new lines i couldn’t understand in the last watch

[@sikachukuning2473]

I love to hear he’s talking…. His presence is so calming.

[@unodostres9287]

He speaks so beautiful about acting. I truly can feel the love he has to each of his roles and for his job♡

[@daresh5064]

you have no idea how much i love this man

[@patriciam6541]

Thank you for this. Love watching Andrew Scott

[@companionOles]

Andrew is so sincere. Brilliant person.

[@seven3093]

he is such an extraordinary actor and an extremely underrated one.

[@gainal9080]

He was so, so good in Pride.

[@softfirecrow]

I really enjoyed this interview:) He said a lot of interesting things

[@meiray]

First noticed him when he did a scene stealing turn in Foyle's War. So magnetic, haunting, and heartbreaking. Such a delight to see him in Sherlock onwards.

[@pasluv]

Absolute amazing man ❤

[@iputcreamcheeseinmyramen]

he's such a wonderfully insightful person, the part where he talks about female (and feminist) directors and screenplay writers and how they write male characters with love and nuance and empathy really stuck with me