Ewan McGregor on recreating the life, and obsessions, of "Halston"

The actor who rose to fame with "Trainspotting" and wielded a light saber as Obi-Wan Kenobi, is now starring as a '70s icon, fashion designer Halston, in a new Netflix series. Correspondent Tracy Smith talks with Ewan McGregor about how he prepared for the role; his familiarity with his character's addiction; and about returning to the "Star Wars" universe in a new TV series.
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[@charlesdavis545]

He owned that role as Halston.Emmy performance.

[@jennlovesbert1094]

He was awesome in it.

[@positiveparanoid4261]

Definitely!

[@shivapejman8155]

Agreed! Fabulous.

[@nicolakirton2252]

If Ewan McGregor does not get at least one award for his performance in this role, then there is no justice in this world.

[@Shroo0oomz]

Agreed

[@muzzy9267]

Give that man an Oscar, an Emmy, golden globe, and a cookie!!!!🤗

[@Kylynn-yx4om]

And a cookie 😂😂😂

[@vonlossberg]

I binged Halston last night and he was so good as him. Great actor. So was the girl who played Liza.

[@MrRickyMoody]

Ditto and agree

[@jillianmicheleg.4084]

Agree! Doing that right now. Both were amazing

[@Salamander676]

She looked just like Liza!

[@letmetellyousomething123]

Absolutely...the whole ensemble was great.

[@nicolakirton2252]

Sean Connery made me enormously proud to be Scottish, and Ewan McGregor seems to be becoming a more versatile version of Sean Connery, although, Connery was sexier by far, but what a talented actor Ewan McGregor is. I have just binged on that show about Halston, still to watch the final couple of episodes, and have to say, I was astonished at how well McGregor performed in that role. I do believe he has exactly the same voice as Halston, having seen an interview of the real Halston. I love how friendly and honest this interview is. Ewan has always been thought of, here in Scotland, as being very down to earth and approachable. and I think that comes across in this interview. I would recommend watching his performance in Halston, an American fashion designer that I have to say, I had never heard of before this series, despite being 56 years old now.

[@koleyw932]

What a terrific actor, I believed he was Halston, what conviction. Even the voice was perfect.

[@periscope7731]

Excellent. I was transfixed by his role in "I Love You Phillip Morris", playing opposite Jim Carrey as his love interest. Quite a revelation. Very funny yet poignant. 💁🏻‍♂️

[@knockshinnoch1950]

I thought he was horribly miscast. I seem to be in a minority of 1!

[@periscope7731]

@@knockshinnoch1950 Halston had an aristocratic bearing. EMG’s interpretation was not 100% there IMO.

[@mamadouaziza2536]

I think Benedict Cumberbatch or one of the other regal British actors would have been better like Matt Smith or Robin Woods.. Although only Robin Woods and Ewan McGregor would dare take on the gay sex scenes and kissing a another man.. Brave.. I don't see any American straight male actors willing to to it..

[@knockshinnoch1950]

@@mamadouaziza2536 Matt Smith played Christopher Isherwood- doesn't get much gayer than that!

[@fionabrown4466]

He was made for this role. I thought his performance was outstanding. He always has a twinkle in his eyes that brings every character to life.

[@this2shallpassmoveon]

He was fantastic as Halston!!!! Brought me to tears at the end, made me feel like he was Halston!! Captivating!! And no one else could’ve done a better job in Moulin Rouge!!

[@LilliLamour]

Ewan took that role and wore it like a genius.

[@JAMESFERNANDEZ]

I mean honestly watching this guy performing a gay character so well done, even the sex scenes, was something I was not expecting at all!! He deserves any award for this accurate acting!!!

[@mamadouaziza2536]

Thats because he's an actor first and a movie star second and this is why British actors win the bulk of awards.. A straight male American actor would have much difficulties in the role and a Black actor wouldn't touch it out of fear the Black community would drag him.. The one Black actor in the mini series Sullivan Jones isn't well known yet, so he can get away with a gay sex scene.

[@AvalonMorley]

Mamadou Aziza You're making some pretty wide generalizations there. I agree that British actors can be pretty wonderful (interesting, for instance, that pretty much all the leading male roles in THE QUEEN'S GAMBIT, American characters, are played by Brits--and so well!). But I think your assertions vis-a-vis US actors are unfair, even if based in some reality. Also, things are changing on that front, and have been for awhile.

[@caraqueno]

@@AvalonMorley His assertions are more real than not. It can hurt to "look oneself in the mirror", culturally.

[@sgtpppr]

@@caraqueno a generalization based in reality, yes

[@caraqueno]

@@sgtpppr A major truth about American culture or are you in denial of that truth?

[@frenchyrodriguez9137]

I couldn’t stop watching Halston. He’s a great actor.

[@JupGem]

Ewan was phenomenal in portraying Halston. The whole series was fantastic.....I watched it all at once. ; )

[@kathybuhler360]

I just finished watching the Halston series and his performance was so provocative and spot on I did not even know it was him in the beginning what a range of acting chops this guy has

[@vt1476]

Yes it took me about 30 minutes into the first show to realize it was Ewan McGregor. It took my friend 2 episodes LOL! What a thoroughly enjoyable experience to witness this performance and to go back in time to the later disco era NYC!

[@iismyalias]

Ewan Macgregor is as charming as he is talented and versatile as an actor. He didn't just play Halston, he became Halston. I love that he disappears into his roles. Mark of a true pro. And he actually seems like a nice guy too. Silver fox 🐺.

[@jillianmicheleg.4084]

Couldn’t agree more

[@nicolakirton2252]

Well, here in Scotland, Ewan McGregor is thought of as being very friendly and approachable and having no sense of being a male diva, no airs and graces, just very friendly and approachable.

[@ewanmcgregor8663]

An obligation of appreciation is all together for your comment and supports, your comments and consistent assistance has brought me this far. Keep on aiding Compassionately send a direct message. On [e-mail]

[@mattbernabe]

I made the mistake of watching 'Halston' around 10:30 last night when I originally intended to watch the first episode, then go to sleep by midnight. It didn't happen. I got hooked and watched all 5 episodes until 4:00 in the morning. Great performance from McGregor! Of course, he's never delighted a bad performance. He's one of those actors who's automatically good in every role he takes. Hope he'll snag another Emmy & Golden Globe nomination and win for his performance here.

[@songbirdy]

I did the same thing! Had to drag myself to work a few hours later but it was worth it.

[@nestordiaz2933]

Dude I did the same thing last night

[@AliEtSaMaman]

Yep! Me too!

[@Mitchcraft.]

I done the same last night lol (Even though i had seen it when it 1st came out)

[@vigwig]

Emmy award level performance as Halston, excellent!

[@stormy32316]

I’ll never forget being a teenager in the theater with my friends the moment he began to belt out those notes in Moulin Rogue, after only seeing him in Trainspotting before that. What an amazing talent. We all shrieked with delight. 😂

[@tiffi5819]

Just finished the show, wow, what a brilliant performance. I could watch Ewan McGregor slink around Manhattan for another 5 shows as Halston. Well done Ewan. Brilliant. Simply brilliant.

[@lorettanericcio-bohlman567]

talented actor for sure. watched halston last night by binging the entire thing. thanks for reminding me why I’ve been sober for 35 years.

[@yoshiki.g1450]

He absolutely nailed the role. I watched the entire series at once. Couldn't stop watching it, wanting to know what would happen next.

[@mfischer7310]

I've never seen a performance where the actor is beyond the character. He was so amazing in Halston. It really blew me away his performance. Am I'm a straight sports guy:)

[@evedust]

Ewan McGregor was absolutely great as Halston--- Hope he gets lots of awards.

[@tysonducrot1917]

he absolutely should receive an Emmy for this incredibly complex performance ♥

[@keirfarnum6811]

McGregor was the best part of the prequel SW series. He was perfect as Obi Wan.

[@Salamander676]

We need a solo obi wan movie or mini series He looks the same, if not better than he did back when he filmed the prequel Star Wars movies!

[@SenseiAishitemasu]

@@Salamander676 they’re making one, a show

[@Lawrence_619]

one of my favorite actors..and honestly, there were times during some of the scenes in 'Halston', where Ewan disappeared, and you felt like you were observing Halston in real time. It was eerie.

[@rameshnayak311]

Brilliant performance by Ewan Mcgregor as Roy Halston, worth an Emmy.

[@MicheleMJJ]

Just finished watching him in "Halston." He was amazing and incredible in this role. Watch it.......you will love it.

[@seand2711]

Halston was a great mini series, very enjoyable to watch.

[@siminaleich1492]

He has all my admiration. Not only he play the role marvelous but he became halston!

[@sharoninglima1217]

Ewan nailed this role. The entire cast was fabulous and loved this series!

[@sashek8451]

I’ll never forget seeing Evan first time at the indie theater, in Trainspotting. It’s been so great to see his career unfold and the longevity. He also nailed this role, I am obsessed

[@margo3367]

Just watched Halston. Ewan Mcgregor was fabulous. A line from Halston that stands out for me was when he had his first angry, friendship-ending argument with one of his best friends and after she stormed out, Halston asks his lover, "Is it the cocaine"? He thought he could stop before it got out of control, but it was already too late.

[@stargazer5073]

EWAN'S Humility makes him teachable and therefore a great actor.

[@kenzieversace9337]

He cheated on his wife and broke up their marriage. He’s nowhere near the teddy bear he tries to portray

[@stargazer5073]

@@kenzieversace9337 he's a flawed man but a great actor....so sad he's not perfect.

[@colonyofrats4193]

@@stargazer5073 well no one is

[@dejavu2752]

@@kenzieversace9337 oh would you give it a rest.. who ever gives a F that's his personal life, nothing to do with his profession

[@wade2922]

He did a great job on Halston

[@tiebaojin]

Yes wonderful actor, but in this interview I just loved his laugh, so heartfelt and full of joy.

[@KindredSpirit909]

Ewan McGregor brilliantly embodied Halston! Amazing performance!

[@ventibreeze6648]

What a mesmerising performance as HALSTON! Binge watched the set in two days.

[@blakrumba]

"Do you like to be famous?" - "Ya" ❤️ I love Ewan.

[@RC-vv6nr]

Ewan is one talented actor, incredibly forceful and spot-on as Halston…

[@elisatijerina3758]

Maybe it’s unfair to say it because his long career but I admire him a lot much more now👌🏻👏🏻👏🏻 He’s so talented and handsome. He is Halston❤️❤️❤️

[@mukunimulundika5359]

Ewan McGregor is the only actor who immediately made me start crying when he started crying in The Impossible.

[@markbustamante4825]

I can’t wait for KENOBI to stream. I’ll be on the edge of my seat

[@Mjt1262]

Such a talented actor. Bravo Mr McGregor

[@ruzzelladrian907]

His Halston voice came through.

[@christinet6336]

Nice interview. He seems humble and real.

[@awakenedsistar1262]

Ewan`s portayal was so convincing I found myself looking at old interviews of Halston......fasinating

[@cherylb2008]

What a fantastic performance. He conveyed so much humanity and showed so much strength in Halston’s loyalty to his personal friends such as Liza Minnelli. Ewan has a lot of humility and is a great actor.

[@rosalindaarons6657]

Couldn't afford to purchase a Halston, but I'd do my darkest to copy his designs. Had the prettiest closet in my town.

[@mindovermatter2day]

Anything Ewan does is perfection in acting... Ive been a fan for years

[@bohemiansnitch]

He is so lovely and has been so unsung for so long!

[@crubitv7042]

Great actor and comes across as a good dude this fella.

[@Salamander676]

I legit teared up when he mentioned Obi Wan! I feel so happy right now!!🤗

[@beachlife3041]

He was amazing in Halston really.

[@bindilove3899]

I'm half way through this series and it's GREAT!

[@ruzzelladrian907]

He owned that role.

[@seventiesgirl6449]

While the Halston family may not be happy about this Netflix venture, I am old enough to have been there when Halston was king. Over the years from his fall from grace to his unfortunate death from AIDS, the world seemed to forget about this legendary designer they once worshipped and now, due to this production, Halston is reigning supreme once again.

[@imagine9265]

I stumbled on this limited series i was going to terminate it after 10 minutes and some how i kept watching and was blown away with the performance and the story. i binged all 5 episodes and told several friends and family to download it

[@Akasha2023]

He was Amazing in this series FANTASTIC REALLY INTO HIS CHARACTER. ALL THAT!!!!!

[@micca903]

He's so charming. I really was surprised that he delivered such a good performance. Didn't know he was such a good actor.

[@MrSuperdrydrums]

I cried every time he cried on screen. Well done.

[@misse0077]

Can I PLEASE have Tracy Smith's job? She gets to talk to everybody!

[@2034916]

He’s fabulous as Halston. What a wonderful actor..

[@misse0077]

@@2034916 I'll definitely check that out

[@MG-uu2lb]

I love Ewan so much he makes me cry when he cries.

[@NIO623]

I never knew about Halston and I saw the Netflix show. I searched the real Halston and my goodness he did a Fantastic job!

[@tinabirdshafer]

He is simply AMAZING as Halston. Down to a t! His voice, movements, just insane!!

[@mms21-]

He nailed it. Absolute gold.

[@Muertenoir]

Just finished the series and Ewan was absolutely amazing. He is a truly great actor. I have loved him in everything I've seen of his.

[@suzanne296]

I love this actor

[@lilly3628]

The entire cast was phenomenal! I binged watched last nite. What a life Halston had.

[@redooc223]

If you love this guy, you must watch Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. It’s great.

[@amym.483]

Yes! Great movie. Loved him in Young Adam too.

[@mklf626]

Such a lovely movie, with the added bonus of the beautiful Emily Blunt playing the romantic lead.

[@ElizabethBSoCal]

Yes! Salmon Fishing in the Yemen is one of my favorites.

[@tango31313]

A hidden treasure for sure

[@alanademers6579]

Just rewatched SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN.Such a quiet movie with a nice pace. Great pairing of Ewan and Emily; great chemistry. They need another movie together!

[@shiffault]

Ewan was brilliant. As always. Amazing series. Binge watched it till the end. Very interesting take on Halstons life. Learned a lot of stuff i didn't know before 💖💖💖

[@lifewithjown]

Never thought i will enjoy Halston but I did! And might rewatch it this week! Ewan deserves the Emmy indeed! Those time that Halston is getting ready seems so intimate and well done

[@musa2775]

What a great interview. Tracy and Ewan had a lot of professional chemistry here. Fun watch.

[@dianereiser6417]

Another singer, I didn’t know he could sing. Fabulous.

[@aidennewell4034]

Hello. I'm Patrick, How are you doing today?

[@heidevanness2788]

Diane, you should definitely check out "Moulin Rouge". Ewan was great in that. He and Nicole Kidman sang throughout in that musical. It was a beautiful movie.

[@kamaboko1]

A great mini-series. Ewan and cast crushed it.

[@uwsgrrl2308]

Ewan Mcgregor is a great actor & is so "HOT" Love him.

[@suzanne296]

😋

[@ede3237]

YES, yes he is. I need to revisit some of his past movies. I started Halson. Excellent!

[@63artemisia63]

Why “HOT”? Instead of hot!

[@timfahey7127]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🤸😉

[@uwsgrrl2308]

@@63artemisia63 Because I shouted it for emphasis.

[@Salamander676]

I love that answer When he says he’s satisfied being famous He strives to do the best job he possibly can because striving to be famous, alone, is not fulfilling enough You’ll never be famous enough... But you can be good enough at your job to work enough and do what you love

[@steveconn]

He was so zany in Birds of Prey (and always liked him in Ghost Writer). Has many sides beyond young Obi-Wan.

[@i_love_rescue_animals]

Oh yeah, I think Obi-Wan is probably one of his least interesting roles (no offense to Ewan or Star Wars). I loved him in Trainspotting, Shallow Grave (an EXCELLENT oldie!), Down With Love and others.

[@DavidSmith-ss1cg]

@@i_love_rescue_animals - it was good to see him apply his acting chips to copying some of Sir Alec Guinness' movements and mannerisms as Obi-Wan, though.

[@AnnieVesper]

He's brilliant. Ewan can play really different characters. For example, Velvet Goldmine, Salmon Fishing in Yemen, Young Adam etc. It's hard to believe it's the same actor.

[@Story2ScreenMovieReviewPodcast]

I need to see Ghost Writer

[@AroundTheWorldWithEase]

Ghost Writer!

[@Ben-vu1nb]

Yeah I am glad Ewin was able to shine and get the recognition, I watched his travel series Long Way Up, Down, and Around and he seemed like such a cool guy, and was dogged by the Star Wars fame, I am glad he was able to show his range. Good for you Ewin, well done, amazing acting!

[@thespace2983]

Just finished “Halston”. Loved it👏👏👏

[@auricgoldfinger8478]

Watched his motorcycle travels with Charlie. This guy is phenomenal

[@nin615]

Kurt Wild from Velvet Goldmine and Halston are really my favorite characters he acted

[@tonydelat2322]

He was great as Halston, i loved the series, everybody did great

[@alexsilva-vn7jc]

I have been a sucker for this lad´s laugh for over 20 years.

[@karenkaren3189]

I was a young woman during the 1970’s and remember all these events. I wasn’t all that interested in re-visiting this era, but I watched it based on my admiration of his acting. He did a great job!

[@Eckoolt]

Do you like Disco?

[@LoneWulf278]

He killed this role! I was obsessed. 👏🏾

[@Cash222]

Breathtaking, he embodies the character of Halston so well, with so much emotion (s) ... Ewan McGregor is remarkable, he proves to us by interpreting this role, that he is a brilliant actor, extraordinarily talented.

[@carolcisko6768]

Halston was great ..McGreggor was great in it

[@nathanielking7590]

I always look forward to Ewing McGregors acting’s!

[@veromoreno-diaz]

What an extraordinary actor he is and I love how sexy he is. His role as Halston is magnificent.

[@sadem1045]

I'm binging ER and just saw the Ewan McGregor episode. When I realized it was him I was very happy.

[@ginahamlyn2569]

Ewan is unbelievably good in his role of Halston. Got to be one of my favourite actors and this whole he owned.

[@shuntaneengram9228]

Ewan McGregor was amazing in this series. Absolutely amazing! Hats off to the actress portraying Lisa Minelli as well. She WAS Liza!

[@travelclubwithnicolekelly2432]

OMG cannot wait! How we love Ewan!

[@sharongunter7613]

ITS SO GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN. I REMEMBER THE MOVIE THE BIG TRUCK YOU DRIVE I THINK WITH A MOVIE??? YOUR SO HANDSOME MAN STILL... A FAN OF 60'S OR 70'S... GOOD LUCK IN THE FUTURE *****

[@fabienh3943]

He was at a rarely attained height in that Halston serie. I loved him in the fabulous Trainspotting, can't be less interested in Starwars and musicals but suddenly he's back. There's a bright future for that actor. He's top

[@fabiansuarez523]

Magnificent actor and I'm be a fan of him for years with his motorcycle series.

[@carmenhuff4805]

Just love Ewan Macgregor. I haven’t seen a movie yet that I don’t like. Just a wonderful actor !!

[@patriciamurray1967]

I watched all episodes Ewan was brilliant as Halston and im old enough to remember the brand. Sad he lost his fashion house. But still Halston was a very innovative designer.

[@barbaraolson600]

Thank you, enjoyed.

[@anacarolmsc]

There are several lesser known films he made, definitely worth watching if you haven't already! Shallow Grave, The Pillow Book, Velvet Goldmine, to name a few. Not that the more popular ones aren't great, he always chooses his projects wisely. Love him!!!

[@alexsilva-vn7jc]

Yes! Loved Pillow Book and remember it even though I saw it years ago! I just think his screen presence is always lush... What about Salmon Fishing in the Yemen ? Such a curious film! And Ghost Writer! So many...

[@nancyr884]

Loved Halston-You don’t need my input but you were fantastic!!!!

[@michelemurphy3541]

Beautiful Halston...brought down by Cocaine and A Hot Colombian ~ and same story of brilliance & genius picked apart by an uncreative business counter ~ but man did he shine like a thousand suns. One of my favorite designers and I loved the genius lines of his cuts and his presence...he had remarkable presence. Delish. Looking forward to this version of the story...❤️

[@jacruick]

He was amazing as HALSTON .... award winning performance!