Claire Danes & Damian Lewis | Actors on Actors - Full Conversation

Claire Danes and Damian Lewis come together (virtually) for "Variety Studios: Actors on Actors" #AtHome. Among a host of topics, the two discuss the final season of "Homeland," "Billions," and what it's like to be a child actor.
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[@williamwells956]

Homeland was hands down one of the best shows on tv ever

[@mariakoby9467]

No! It’s the Sopranos. Always and forever

[@Flamen04]

@@mariakoby9467 "one of the best" not "the best", reading rules

[@Larez121]

Agreed!

[@AlainBenzaken]

Breaking Bad THE best!

[@mason82300]

Billions

[@sariene]

The character of Brody is one of the most heart wrenching characters ever.

[@charlesmcgehee3227]

So true. I think I almost cried when they ended his life. Sorry for the spoiler.........

[@francescaa8331]

His character on homeland was great.

[@kolourgen1762]

I think I cried for 8 seasons straight! Brody, Peter, Max...I bawled my eyes out. And every time Carrie cried (which was on the regular) I cried even more! Max was hard too as he is the epitome of the dedicated soulmate who is just there, unnoticed. The person who was always there for Carrie and the soldiers at the base for his last mission. As Carrie said at the end, she took him for granted. It really hit me as we can so easily take people like Max for granted and live with regret when they leave. Even Peter (John) Quinn. She never took the time to actually meet him, yet he was always there for her. I’m crying again....😭

[@wandawright3940]

Lord that hanging 💔

[@geoglen85]

Was a really amazing act. I'm sure I wasn't sold on him at first but christ I was I wishing for something out of the shows character to save Brody when it was coming.

[@lim3642]

Both incredibly talented actors. I cried for Brody and Quinn :(

[@helloworld7711]

Ok I'm sad, I found a spoiler here. I was on S3.

[@dianarivera1533]

Me too

[@Lu_82]

One of the best couples of television, and the chemistry is still there 😍

[@kcoffman3210]

You can tell they genuinely love and adore each other as friends!!

[@tatyanaskywalker5026]

Heeeeyyy what about Peter Quinn ????

[@Lu_82]

@@tatyanaskywalker5026 Not the same.

[@felipelyra8684]

They look like created a good partnership. So sweet to watch their reunion.

[@Superchick2]

Yes; you can tell that they really have mutual affection and admiration for each other as former colleagues. LOVE. THIS.

[@charlesmcgehee3227]

Claire is a very lovely woman. Apologies if I sound like I'm objectifying her. I am not. As she ages, she looks more beautiful and certainly has honed her craft.

[@ameliatango]

Can we all appreciate Damian's american accent in Homeland :O

[@terencesims6203]

And in Billions!

[@joshhunt4146]

And Band of Brothers! The original American Damian!

[@christinawilliams4527]

I had no idea he was British until now!!!!

[@juliegill9322]

Oh yeah!

[@jessicaellina3878]

@@christinawilliams4527 me too!!

[@debanjanchakraborty2738]

Brody and Carrie are all time favourite of mine ! Homeland is simply one of the best series I ever watched. Love from India.

[@stephenvincent4989]

Damien hit it on the nail when he describes Claire’s performance in Homeland containing vigor and lack of vanity coupled with such varied emotional nuances which made her playing of the character of Carrie Anne Mathison such a complete triumph. It is exactly this that captivated the audience from Series 1 right through to the final episode.

[@funkyjeff77]

Clare Danes is gorgeous and massively gifted.

[@irishsingersongwritertessp4223]

I love how precise and careful Claire is about her character and Homeland. It shows how much she cares

[@Maseko66]

I love that they are genuinely in admiration of each other...

[@dreamer2260]

Ah, this was so touching to see the appreciation, affection and respect they still have for each other, and for their story together on the show, articulated with such eloquence by both of them in this interview. And to hear what Claire said about the power, importance and genuine emotion that made that flashback scene in season 4, and the importance of her relationship with Brody right through the whole show. And their experience of the intensity of the cabin scenes in season 1. Wow. They were both just an absolute joy to watch; their story and performances in the first 3 seasons were incredibly moving. For me, the two of them were Homeland. They made the show the wonderful piece of art and human drama that it was.

[@rohandhar2926]

For me, Season 1 to 3 has been a love story, most complex love story possible and thats what makes it so intense.

[@lesmis012000]

The chemistry on screen between the two of them on Homeland and on this interview is palpable.

[@Ciiyaaraha]

I just finished Homeland 2 weeks ago and it was one of the best creative tv shows I've ever seeen. Claire Danes aka Carrie Mathison. Her character is also one of the finest female lead roles in history..... Claire is a talented, charming and brilliant actresss. Big round of applause for you ma'am... 👍👏👏👏

[@E32DJ-ELB24]

Homeland is 1 of the best TV shows ever Damien Lewis and Claire Danes worked great together.

[@lifeonabudget8513]

Claire Danes has been my favourite actress since we were both teenagers! She is so fantastic and amazing to watch!

[@sariene]

Same! MSCL forever!

[@MstDreamer]

This does put a smile on my face.

[@charlesmcgehee3227]

Yes. And let's agree there was not much to smile about during Homeland. I liked seeing bad guys get busted. And such cute innocent kids in those dangerous part's of our World.

[@MstDreamer]

@@charlesmcgehee3227 Homeland was definitely some intense stuff! I stopped watching I think after Season 3 years ago and have been meaning to get back. I miss seeing Claire Danes act!

[@manguy2000]

Damian looks like he is ready to do Homeland season one again - the cave

[@ish970]

Lmao hahaha 😂😂

[@danielnaccarella4923]

@@BB-wm4ti exactly, i always thought Garrett looked like Damien Lewis.

[@charlesmcgehee3227]

Funny but sort of true!

[@ranim.g3514]

Yss. 😁

[@Raz.C]

Really, I thought he looked like he was ready to become 'Jonesy' again, and channel the hostile "Ripley" alien that he has a special relationship with... (nb: I actually really liked that movie Dreamcatcher) Regardless of what he wants to do, I came here to bask in the Divine presence of Her Magical Goddess-ful-ness, Claire Danes. This world is a better place for having Her in it and we are Blessed to be able to look at Her and marvel at Her presence among us mere mortals...

[@dynessvictory6346]

Their chemistry is something else❤️. Love them

[@leivabernie]

Season 1 of Homeland is probably the best TV has had for the past 10-15 years.

[@klee3768]

It's perfect.

[@PrincessMarisabel]

it isssss!!!!!!

[@HueyTheDoctor]

*The Americans has entered the chat.*

[@leivabernie]

@@HueyTheDoctor Great show as well, but I have never been at such conflict with a character as much as in Homeland. Just perfect.

[@BatmanHQYT]

Breaking Bad season 5 would like a word

[@MsOrangeSoul]

Season 2 Homeland is the best. There were episodes when I was literally at the edge of my seat from the suspense and tension. I love Damian in Band of Brothers, that’s where I first saw him. ❤️

[@GeminiferOG]

I just got hooked on Damian Lewis from Billions, and then found him on Homeland. What an amazing actor. I cannot believe the amount of work that went into Homeland. Claire Danes is absolutely amazing in her role. I was sad to see Brody go, but the show carries on. I love this video!

[@themasteryourdaddy.6307]

These two loved working with each other. And the respect for each other is amazing...., great actors. Both gushing over each other.

[@suzanbrowning3980]

Was very sad when Homeland was over... but it did have an amazing ending... left me with the hope that somewhere down the line there could me more❤️ Love you guys ❤️you ROCK ❤️

[@veronicaivanova]

I know! The open ending gave me some hope! I was also happy we got to know that Carrie didn't really betray Saul ❤

[@worldofazeroth]

Me too, i really loved the show i was sad to see it go but the ending was well done.

[@fatimalobamor]

I would so much love this!!!!

[@justgivemethetruth]

But they killed off Max! Boooo

[@lefat4697]

fingers x

[@anne-marielandry4465]

I loved seeing these two reunited! I so miss Homeland and love Billions. Damian and Claire are two very brilliant actors who bring a lot of complexity to the roles they play.

[@RosesBloom-im9bv]

I think they are hoping a project brings them together again one day. With her recent limited series again playing a character with mental illness, I hope she doesn’t get boxed in. However she can be a mom for a few years and not work. As woman age , new roles pop up - think Susan surandon , Meryl Streep , sally field , recently a less popular but class act brilliant actor who really uses intuition to guide her once she’s done the research and has a frame for the character is Jodi foster . When beautiful women get old with wrinkles new roles pop up if they want to work after children grown , like Jane Fonda and Lilly Tomlin. They both have a long career ahead and hopefully we will see them together. She seems to be anxious a bit talking to him. I find it interesting he watched all of homeland is really a testament to the show when an actor likes the show even when he’s killed off . It’s sweet he is complementary toward her performance. I don’t she watched his show although she tries to compliment, I think she’s too busy being an actress, wife and mom. She has decided she will only film in New York while she raises her children, unless a 2 month summer shoot , that’s what I readin a magazine interview anyway.

[@veroad3818]

Claire Danes is one of the best actresses ever! She is amazing!

[@jmmurica2885]

I can defiantly say Damien Lewis as Brody is my favorite character ever. No other performance comes close to how pitch perfect Lewis made us empathize with Brody.

[@allypallygally]

Wow, they have such genuine respect and affection. It’s wonderful to see

[@700Bonnie]

even with so many tv shows and so many hot couples, their chemistry on Homeland was outstanding. i've only seen it in, maybe, 2 or 3 tv couples. i don't know if it was their personal chemistry, the story or the fact that they were kept apart for the big part of it, but every single time they would come together on screen it was like a cartoon scene, where birds sing and music is playing and the characters have hearts in their eyes.

[@dreamer2260]

Yeah, I totally agree. It was beautiful, to be honest.

[@RosesBloom-im9bv]

Have you watched the Americans - it’s a great show as well , I would give this a 10 and Americans a 8.5 it’s similar , not as fast paced but enough episodes that leave you on edge of your seat and CIA was consulted. It was in 80s during cold war - some flashback to 60s

[@trippin_tom]

Damian Lewis could be next James Bond! He's great actor! :)

[@klee3768]

Unfortunately, think that ships sailed. He would have been great.

[@Hadinha]

Awesome idea!

[@BananapeelJack]

What a wonderful conversation from two brilliant actors, this was fantastic...

[@JD.Knight]

Worked with Damien Lewis on two projects now, and he is such a pro, and a gent.

[@vs52217]

You are so lucky!

[@rc4083]

Ugh so happy to hear that. Thanks man

[@SantoshKumarsp57]

Damien played his role in Homeland to perfection. Just casting!!... His character shouldn't have been killed so early...

[@ranim.g3514]

I agree with u

[@LauraRobayo]

I read somewhere that he actually was supposed to die on the first season, but his role has such impact that they kept him around.

[@redragon88]

I honestly didn't feel motivated to keep up with the show after Brody was killed. Even the way that storyline ended gave a series finale feeling so I figured I might as well leave it there.

[@ameliatango]

@@redragon88 you should definitely come back and watch the rest :) its still awesome

[@klee3768]

Not sure why the writers and Gansa couldn’t pull it together to write him a better story. And for anybody who keeps saying it was always about Saul and Carrie, please go back and read the original description of the show. An CIA agent and a POW who maybe turned. They were always co-stars.

[@rodwhitfield5253]

Recently finished bingeing all 8 seasons, one of the best TV shows of all time. Now I'm finished, it's left a huge hole, I miss it, REAL BAD. That's the sign of a great show.

[@Ames85]

Clarie Dane's Carrie Mathison is one for the books. Career defining no doubt. Such a well-written show. I'll miss it. I like how they left room for Carrie to continue on. They didn't rip our hearts out which is what I was waiting for.

[@TitusJudah]

This powerhouse combo is too lethal for my phone. Articulate, intelligent and humble. Love these two. ❤️🔥

[@KeithGriffiths]

Damian Lewis - I was shocked when I found out he was British...whatttt...plays a great actor! Claire Danes & Damian Lewis 'Homeland' Rocks...!

[@englandsensation]

Homeland season 1 & 2 were so good! Brody was such a tragic character. Claire and Damien had amazing chemistry. But I couldn't keep watching after what happened to Quinn 😭

[@tensor131]

After Brody's death I thought it couldn't get much worse ... then the poignancy of Quinn's death left me heartbroken :(

[@dos-fslady3140]

Yep -- I never got over Quinn's death. Still miss him today. My first TV love was Clint McCullough, a scout on Wagon Train -- a TV show in the late 50's. I was 7 then, and I still miss him too.

[@stevenpoole7235]

I have a friend who's just going through Quinn grief now. I'm hoping he'll pull through 😖

[@MM-ti6yk]

Steven Poole 😭

[@petra7916]

Go back, the last two seasons are incredible!

[@electrosoulgurrl2018]

So glad this dynamic duo was put back together. Whoever was inspired and collaborated this at Variety...Thank U 🙏🏽☺️

[@olgak1967]

One of the best shows there is so far 💜Please, more 💜

[@ricardoneves7307]

Amazing, so glad that this interview happened, both great actors, grateful for who had this idea.

[@murielfonck7259]

For me, this is the best freakin' series I've watched in a long time. I just finished season 3 please don't spoil it. Love you guys. Big hugs from Europe! You're all so amazing. I mean Claire, I know you since Jordan Catalano😘🤩. You are a true artist! Btw, I cried my eyes out more than once. Can't wait to binge on😍

[@aprilrawls5162]

First 2 seasons of homeland were gold....it was magnificent!

[@maizeychap8972]

Thank U Variety, as a Longtime Homeland and now Billions Fan because of Damion & Claire specifically, enjoyed the segment tremendously.

[@E32DJ-ELB24]

Claire Danes and Damian Lewis are great in the acting game 👍🏽 They both can doit very well.

[@yiqiu1122]

The flashback in S4 is THE moment. It's so emotional, so moving and sad and powerful and full of memories. So glad Claire brought this special episode up ❤

[@mmepro]

More like an hallucination, but yes I agree 👍

[@mustafa-cx2fg]

it was such an erotic scene

[@suuschef]

So good that they brought him back. Amazing scene between the two. Their chemistry outranks everyone's!

[@theplourde]

I love him. She’s great. For some reason I saw Damian’s face and I got so happy.

[@JadaDaKid]

Great job guys both of y’all kill it. Thank you!! Claire should come out on billions for at least 3 episodes. The would be dope.

[@brugo]

Claire is radiant, so happy she created such a character and gave it to us, I will miss Carrie endlessly.

[@h.c4898]

I like this interviewing format better variety@. They don't have their teams around to tell them what to say. Just honests one-on-one raw interview at home@. Keep this format after confinement and when it's all over. We see them in their real element. Thank you.

[@tiffanyl6430]

I finally watched the first 7 episodes on Hulu this summer. Wow!! The writing, casting, & acting were phenomenal. It’s hands down one of the best shows. I look forward to watching season 8.

[@tiffanyl6430]

Also... what?! The actor who played Brody is a Brit? Love it!

[@matthieubollea2216]

One of the best fictional couple from the 10's! What a duo!

[@ShadyPinesMa79]

One of the best shows ever on TV.

[@jc2333]

Damian Lewis is great in band of brothers. Major winters.

[@nommyyt]

My favorite role of his, with Charlie Crews coming in close second. But acting-wise, his best role was probably Keane. He should have won or at least been nominated for an Oscar for that movie.

[@nubianfx]

Hes been great in everything tbh!

[@jc2333]

nubianfx that’s true

[@jc2333]

Major winters, Brody from Homeland, crews, axel rod from billions.

[@jc2333]

Nic Q it looks good keane

[@MichelleDoiron1]

Man I’m loving how often these are being dropped! so much good source material

[@jsheekey1]

Their chemistry was fantastic 👌😍 👌

[@karenthomas4575]

Oh I miss Homeland. Absolutely loved this show

[@stang93ful]

Homeland was sooooooo damn good. Very few shows can stay really good that long but they pulled it off. That finale ending? 😳👀👀💯💯🙏🏻 #AMAZING. Billions is absolutely incredible too. Another one of my favorite shows.

[@arubafanatic]

I love both of you. I'll miss homeland. One of the best series ever!

[@fatimalobamor]

Love love this!!! Love you both SO MUCH!! The bests!!!! ♥️❤️

[@charlesmcgehee3227]

It is a given that Claire Danes was completely awesome doing Homeland. But Damien Lewis. Thick accent? what a skill to shed that for a TV show! So underrated. There was a show he did about a man improperly kept in prison and finally released. Reinstated as a Cop. The show was called LIFE. (not the new show with same name) The story, with his and his costar's help was done so very well. It only ran 2 season's. Thank you all involved in Homeland. Very dark show with astonishingly great performers. And Damien Get More Gigs. Unbelievable hearing he has that thick accent. What a language gift he has!!!!! I love you all.

[@Valsie1000]

As a British person, it seems really strange when you refer to Damien’s “thick” accent. To me, he just sounds normal….British!

[@nigellishmund3941]

Seasons 1-3 will always be some of the best tv I’ve ever watched. It was the victim of its own success as it wasn’t as good after but it ended superbly.

[@siskat661]

I got hooked on Homeland because of Brody and was really disappointed when they killed him in that i kept thinking they might resurrect him at the some point. Never mind the show is one of best ever.

[@terencesims6203]

Probably had to go do Billions.

[@klee3768]

Terence Sims no. Damian said Billions didn’t exist when they killed off Brody.

[@sandhurstwolves3956]

S3 was a little disappointing and it lost its way S5 but got better 7 and 8

[@mariajosem2487]

Ohhhh I love them so much! best tv couple ever!

[@terriepark7534]

love love Homeland.. 2 of my favorite actors.. Thanks

[@enolux]

this was great, guys. thank you!

[@ennediend2865]

Great show ! What a cast ! Enjoyed it so much... Got hooked because of Brody and then Quinn. Great tragic characters... Claire Danes is absolutely gorgeous and fabulously talented !

[@analuz8320]

make an actors on actors with claire danes again... she is the best

[@fatoumabarkad361]

Homeland was the best TV shows in TV. Thank you very much!!

[@readitsnice2544]

Laying down on my bed, holding my cell phone, only enjoy this amazing chat between them.

[@mehekkibria9377]

My heart is full again. I miss Homeland so much...

[@ronjakh]

I loved the final season! It was riveting and so thrilling to watch. The ending felt right for Carrie as well.

[@themasteryourdaddy.6307]

Great to see these two together. Loved Homeland. The first 3 season were classic. Season 4, of course went in a different course, but i liked it. But the 3 seasons with the two of them, were classic ine of the best seasons ever.

[@rohandhar2926]

You two should know that you two have influenced my emotion so intensely that I couldn't get a match to that as of now. Brody has finished the thin line of right and wrong with his amazing sense of purpose and Carey has shown the most intense love that one could show for a person above all.

[@guitarsz]

ahhh, I never wanted this convo to end...amazing both of them. Damian was like, I'll just do this in my car... ;)

[@drdel76]

Those who are surprised that Damian is British might like to know that he was educated at our top independent school, Eton College.

[@noratouma299]

They both are

[@fatyfarrell]

Omg this make me so happy!

[@ObsessedWithHB.]

True artists. On a sidenote, forever obsessed with both Claire Danes and Carrie Mathison. Homeland #1

[@goaldigger2828]

This video made my day💛❤ I miss those great characters on homeland.

[@nancyw480]

Love the show, especially the ending .... kept thinking about it for days after the finale. The ending literally can be the beginning of a whole new Homeland. We can all have our own never ending versions of the story and of her life in our imagination. Great show. Love it.

[@user-jl7ym4en5b]

The lovely Miss Daines gave such bravura performances week after week. I was in awe of her interpreting a manic illness as well as relaxed moments & then her "lioness on a mission" when at work. Really,, I was in awe. Gripping writing & such well defined characters. Mr. Damien gave us some top notch American acting as well. I knew that he was a Brit, but his accent was so consistent & so sharp that I'm sure 90% of the viewers had no clue. I will miss this "bingeable" series. All of intricate, surprises, fine writing and characters so well played, it was almost like you somehow got to "know" them.

[@amberlynnette]

Claire Danes is fucking fabulous

[@intelligentfool09]

Binge watching Billions from beginning. Episode 8 of season 5 needs to air already☺

[@darkauscus]

Claire Danes is so beautiful, damn....and that smile!!!

[@philmerling8356]

This exchange is fantastic. Personal, emotional, respectful, loving and just fun. I think you both had more fun reconnecting and the viewer can see it. Cumberland "Mountain" Maryland thanks you both.

[@meielferkh3597]

The best tv series I've ever seen, best entertainment, will missed you all x

[@MotorCityPhoenix313]

I love Homeland's final season and the finale was wonderful. It did service to the characters and the fans. Everyone who worked on the show should be very proud of everything they accomplished.

[@balii6946]

I miss quinn...

[@zatorce]

Great two actors 👍 I love their acting 💙

[@enzozilioli542]

Bravissimi , congratulazioni sincere . Vogliamo vedere un'altra stagione di HOMELAND !

[@lauraleighleath7578]

She sounds like she LEGITIMATELY has feelings for him totally aside from Homeland. That’s sweet ♥️

[@ZeroFksGvn]

Pretty crazy seeing this today considering I’ve been binge watching Homeland the last couple days. As a side note, I loved him in Band of Brothers, I watch that twice a year.

[@jimkim1816]

Thank you Variety for this long waited meetup!!!

[@samuelmeende2325]

So this guy is British huh😂😂? All along the show I thought he was American. Great actor!!!

[@hadimajzoub]

This is delightful 🥰

[@lizsa3145]

Broke my heart though when Peter Quinn died! He as amazing, fell in love with his character

[@emh1209]

Wtf this exists?!?! I didn’t know I needed this reunion so much 😩 Brody & Carrie forever

[@annemacleod1421]

A series I will go back to watch again. The acting built such authentic plausible characters in a world that none of us would choose to live in. I work in mental health - I always felt Carrie’s vulnerability was so well presented alongside her incredible strength, resilience and resolve to fight for truth and justice. Such a complex story line which treated its audience as intelligent. 🐑🐑🇳🇿🇳🇿NZ

[@davidgriffiths4624]

I love this. Amazing

[@bm3aquatic]

Top notch actors and very interesting conversation 👌🏻