Andrew Scott | Full Q&A | Oxford Union

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Andrew Scott is an Irish film, television, and stage actor. He plays Jim Moriarty in the BBC series Sherlock and recently played the lead in a production of Hamlet at the Harold Pinter Theatre directed by Robert Icke. Scott has received various awards including two Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre for his roles in A Girl in a Car with a Man at the Royal Court Theatre, along with his role in Cock, also at the Royal Court. He has also won two IFTA awards for his roles in the films Dead Bodies and The Stag, a British Academy Television Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Sherlock, a BIFA Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Pride, and two BBC Audio Drama Awards for his radio work.
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[@poster6394]

" if life is so miserable, what's the great tragedy in dying?" Such great words.

[@zephyrwan3196]

When does he say this please ? I can't remember

[@karenhauser4944]

Margot Wan - near the end when he’s talking about Hamlet and you can’t have tragedy without comedy

[@ella2776]

@@zephyrwan3196 he says that at 43:26 :)

[@burculuks]

"Honey, you should seeeee meeee in a crown."

[@ianpan0102]

Who else literally *hears* this when you see the sentence?

[@morbidinsomniac822]

Mmmm yes!

[@solomeaquinn4708]

MYYY RIIINGTOOONE !!

[@YagwitOG]

Yesss, I heard this

[@khaoscero]

He is like the opposite of Moriarty in every way, temper wise. What a great actor.

[@amygwenn5189]

Just watched him in *A Dark Place* and he was amazing, people should check it out. Much better than the tripe hollywood often produces.

[@khyati7733]

Absolutely loved his answer about the fans and how he acknowledged the double standards when grown men get excited for sports vs. genuine fans excited for tv shows....love you andrew!

[@plaster.art.ho3]

omg yes us wattpaders have a presentation from him, this was so sweet

[@taniar7811]

His Hair, his eyes, his smile, the way he looks at someone, his arms, his voice Ugh 🔥 I can go on forever.. Oh God I fancy a priest 😍

[@loch-tobiasf2780]

His laugh...

[@Leah.k]

His beautiful neck 😍

[@gurjasssingh9740]

Must watch his video of humen series too

[@safahinemosa3410]

His beautiful Nick 💔

[@anja2716]

His modest, calm demeanor..😊

[@KerryOConnor1]

the way he takes the most unassuming questions and answers them so thoroughly; he is the opposite of a youtube comments section

[@StefanGeisler]

Usually my attention span is about 30 seconds but I just watched this from start to end.

[@emiliawilson4378]

Philosophical yet cuteness overdose 😂 How???

[@flala2261]

He’s Precisely that

[@Norciusz]

Okay...it's impossible NOT to admire him. What an actor, what a human being.

[@smakutostrange8884]

It’s such a shame that I don’t see Andrew's name in very many films or shows. He is such an amazing actor and also a really nice person, I hope he's able to find some more great acting opportunities in the future, he really deserves them.

[@MsFreddieFreddie]

2 years later, look at him go!!

[@AS-md4ic]

His mind so perfect and huge. I can listen him non-stop. I would like to be his friend.

[@Lisakicksass]

Alisa Siddhi agreed! I can imagine him reading this and saying something like ‘perfect ‘ doesn’t exist but also loving you so much for the support. He receives blessings so graciously, such an inspiration.

[@alisab3041]

He is so thoughtful and authentic. He will go down as one of our greatest actors, and seems like such a lovely human being. He makes conscious choices for his craft, not for fame. Love how he discusses and yet refuses to discuss his sexuality; he draws a clear line between his private life and public comments. It's so honorable.

[@graceyhammer]

what a phenomenal, gentle, humble person.

[@unstoppableactingstudio]

He's such an inspiring actor. Eyes are glued to everything he does.

[@Kuralai95]

His voice is so soothing I hope he will do some audioplays.

[@mayorofsimpleton5674]

Ailin Ell When I was a child, I struggled with sleep paralysis and nightmares - still do. To fall asleep more peacefully, I used to love listening to audiobooks. Roald Dahl was my favourite author, and there was a particular book he wrote that I loved. It was called “The Hitchhiker.” Granted, it wasn’t very long, and only lasted for 30 minutes or so when narrated, but I loved it. I’d listen to it every night before bed, the narrator’s voice so ridiculously soothing. I couldn’t wrap my head around how his voice could be so soft, and how he could do such excellent accents and acting. Fast forward until a few years back, when I discovered Sherlock. I became obsessed - I loved it so incredibly much, and would watch all the works that the series’ actors had also been in. Andrew, of course, was always my favourite on Sherlock. One day, I was scrolling through a list of his movies/films, when I came across his narrated works. And there it was. The hitchhiker. I can’t explain how overwhelmed this made me. I’ve had a hard life so far, and if not for these fictional works, varied as they have been throughout the years, I’m very certain that I would not be here today. I wish I could tell Andrew how grateful I am for his mere existence. He has saved my life many times.

[@Kuralai95]

Mayor Of Simpleton Thank you for sharing your story! Funny that you mentioned sleep paralysis because I've been struggling with it this summer and it's not a pleasant experience. I usually resort to ASMR but it doesn't always help. I might check out "The Hitchhiker". I hope everything is going well now in your life or that everything will become better.

[@mayorofsimpleton5674]

Ailin Ell I apologise if it was all too long! And I’m very sorry to hear that. What I’ve found most helpful is to do enough research on sleep paralysis so that I can recognise it when I’m having a “state.” Taking deep breaths and closing my eyes, despite what I see and hear, really helps. After a while I can relax, and the paralysis wears off. I’ll definitely try asmr! I know there are lots of different kinds.. I do like any sounds produced by ice or soap xD Thank you for replying. I always seem to find such lovely people in the comment sections of KZbin! Hope you’re well ♥️

[@Kuralai95]

Mayor Of Simpleton you are right, knowing what it is really helps. I was so freaked out the first few times though! Also it wasn't a long read, so don't worry. I love having a chat with interesting people.

[@nikkilaundrie]

yes! like Stephen Fry did for "Calm"

[@lostcause6100]

He is SO right about vulnerability - there is no closer connection than when people are being truly honest.

[@samuela9245]

this man is so damn talented. how is he still underrated?

[@annemacleod1421]

Not so much in June 2024! All of Us Strangers and other recent projects have placed him as the game changer he has always been. I think his emotional intelligence oozes from him in. Sets him apart with the likes of Paul Mescal. 🐑🐑🇳🇿🇳🇿NZ

[@ireneeckert982]

Always insightful......a very versitile actor and I love that he looks at the character, the part, and not the size of the budget, commercial viability.....wish there were better outlets for the indie films, in general.....and what a voice reading Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man....thank you BBC Radio!

[@gonzalezmagali6960]

He's read portrait? One of my fav actors with Morgan Freeman level of perfect voice, reading one of my fave books?

[@dinaf.k5372]

*versatile

[@raylor4153]

He's so smart and kind, incredible actor.

[@supernova.1084]

I love his accent, jeez :D He didn't talk that much in Sherlock, so it's awesome to hear his accent more clearly

[@mikes3827]

Agreed. Andrew was FANTASTIC in the movie "A Dark Place" from 2018, as he REALLY showcased his acting chops. He was so convincing in his role in that movie, that one could well be very surprised to discover that he's from Ireland. I also love how humble he seems to be.

[@kernow9324]

I'm late to the party, so know very little about Andrew Scott, but what a beautiful, sweet soul he has. Can't wait to watch his work.

[@karynama6943]

you must see him in sherlock)

[@fish-fingers_and_custard7685]

Check out Sherlock, Fleabag, This Beautiful Fantastic, Handsome Devil and Almedia Production of Hamlet and The Stag. Those are my favourites of his!!!!!

[@Hoodoo123]

The film pride.....😍

[@gerardacronin334]

Ripley, All of us Strangers

[@gloria7190]

I already loved him but what he said at 6:58 made me love him 10 times more!

[@drparvatisingh5433]

9:03 You were TERRIFIED!!!!!!! "Thats what people DOOOOO!!!!" Was one of the scariest scenes I have ever seen an actor deliver.

[@lexilou9119]

He is so natural and unaffected. No lovey-ness here 😊. But so much loveliness - it really seems important to him to think about the question and to give the best answer he can. 🥰

[@thomashed]

"If life were so miserable, then what is the tragedy in dying? It would have been a release." But Andrew I have always thought about death that way.

[@maz2563]

Staying alive is so boring

[@thomashed]

@@maz2563 It is, but I still hope you don't plan to stop

[@user-hr2di1eu2t]

It's always such a pleasure listening to him,he's so intelligent,I like the way he expresses himself

[@emagneticfield]

Andrew Scott strikes me as being a great listener in that you absorb what the world presents to you and as an actor you mirror your understanding of what you learned back to the world. Words and language are so wonderful. I love to just sit in the background and watch life happening all around me. Not judging what you observe but enjoying having the opportunity to see and feel it. One of my favorite scenes in a play is from Our Town where at the end Emily reflects on why don't we realize how wonderful life is while we are living it. How really special and what a gift it all is. That is why we need artists and the arts of all kinds. To be our mirror. Andrew Scott is right in that it's not a highly paid profession but is necessary for us all spiritually.

[@TheJohnpandy]

Lovely words. Jxxx

[@paulanicole4786]

“If life is so miserable, then what is the great tragedy of dying?" honestly really touched me.

[@marinajabra6415]

He is so genuine and true ...I Love him ♥️

[@user-wy1nv8uf1z]

“KNEEL”

[@flala2261]

Fleabag: I Love You the priest: ... It’ll Pass 💔💧

[@user-wy1nv8uf1z]

@@flala2261 oh my tears 😭

[@flala2261]

a heartbreak at the bus stop 🤧💔

[@eva2s]

@@flala2261 he went that way... :,(

[@flala2261]

eva2s 😥 🦊

[@abbyhuntley3171]

His voice echoes so beautifully in this room!

[@ysmn200690]

I love what he does (talking,doing,dancing,acting...) He is one of the best actors. He makes me happy every time. And 'he is napolion of crime' for me forever

[@pnarzorlu2335]

eveeettt, hâlâ öyle mi merak ediyorummm

[@ysmn200690]

@@pnarzorlu2335 Kesinlikle :)

[@danielahus598]

I honestly think this is my favourite video on KZbin. The way Andrew Scott communicates with young people really speaks to me.

[@ananyasahay]

I can't help but watch him with the biggest smile on my face. I LOVE HIM SO MUCH

[@nikkilaundrie]

such a smooth voice, so easy to listen to!

[@NOONE-cd4gu]

it was so cute that sometimes he couldnt find the right word to say and there would be a silence so he could change the sentence just because he couldnt find the word, lmao love him so much, thats something i always do

[@frogpillow8880]

I didn't realize there was a full video of this, I thought people only took pictures at this thing!! I'm so glad that it's a full video because there's few full interviews of Andrew out on the world wide internet.

[@richardbenitez7803]

He has a very beautiful Irish lilt to his voice. A good speaking voice. I know this actor from renting Sherlock videos at the local...from the states. Brilliant actor . He can do creepy and weird very well. (It’s amazing Ireland has come out with really great actors the past 20 years or so. I could name a bunch.)

[@moumitadas2351]

The way he answers to the audience is just amazing. ❤️

[@arabellachampaq689]

All Of Us Strangers still reverberates within me

[@user-sp5ds4nq5e]

His walk (waddle) is very cute😂

[@kianaesmaeili5997]

Idk if I’m the only one who noticed but he gets really excited talking about shakespear and its the cutest thing ever.

[@melanieohara6941]

I have seen Andrew Scott in many films-either on Netflix and/or Amazon Prime, plus You Tube. He’s great. Watching from Wyoming. We Yanks are knee-deep in the aftershocks of the Siege of Congress a few days ago. God help us get through it all!🌹

[@hazirafel]

I really loved this interview, so much substance

[@angelikasmigielska3180]

Why is Andrew so brilliant, so humble, funny, smart and kind, and unfortunately... unreachable 😭😭😭 It's heartbreaking 💔

[@voz37]

I just found this all these five years later. His answers, as always, are thoughtful and insightful. Too bad the same couldn't be said for the awful student sitting right in front of him staring at his phone the ENTIRE time he's speaking.

[@mayorofsimpleton5674]

I searched for this video, and yet, fully prepared to see his face, I shivered when I saw the thumb nail. This is when it gets dangerous. I love Andrew SO MUCH.

[@BentonHess]

Andrew Scott is masterful! So brilliant!

[@Chiara-ly3ws]

He is such a smart, talented, passionate actor! I really loved this interview!

[@tobyrundle7652]

Love love love Andrew Scott

[@sunnylife7934]

Only seen a few of his roles, now I want to watch everything he’s in. He’s a great mind.

[@adria4379]

What a brilliant artist!

[@secularvalue1114]

This is one talented actor

[@annonouk]

This is just such a wonderful interview! ❤

[@nathaliemelissa96]

Möchtegern Spandauer Schön dich auch mal hier zu sehen.😉

[@annonouk]

Alexa Dark haha, gleichfalls :D

[@priyanka333]

what a fantastic interview! his responses are so thoughtful and reflective!

[@annarademacher9731]

Andrew, I highly appreciate your honesty, made me think about my job that I genuiely love, about having the same lines (Hamlet) but always interacting with the audiences energy that is most definitely different every night. Playing with the basis, the roots, making something extraordinary out of it. Your words inspire me and I hope you stick to theatre and independent movies, even after getting incredibly rich :) you have a profound sometimes refreshingly disturbing way of acting

[@patriziatofani72]

What a great human being. Such a beautiful soul

[@philkavanagh3617]

He's wonderful, love how he reacts to others expressions so honestly ❤

[@melanieohara6941]

The first time I saw him was in the BBC Series awhile back, Garrow’s Law. Brilliant-everyone!❇️

[@anyawx6812]

I just love him so much 🤧what a beautiful human-being ♥️😭

[@kkefira8465]

Love this Q&A. He talks so well .. I love the meandering in a meaningful way..I do it a lot too. And then feel so awkward about it all

[@beatricedinu5054]

I JUST SAW HIM TODAY I AM SHOOK LOOK AT HOW ATTRACTIVE AND AMAZING HE IS

[@kimtaehyung1155]

Beatrice Morningstar WHERE

[@beatricedinu5054]

tyberkyuu comic con

[@aiai-j7i]

Lucky you!!

[@rosina29]

Lucky

[@besfren4910]

Awwww he is still shy.😌

[@TheNOGGS]

cookie mania He seemed nervous at the start.

[@miriam2526]

Brilliant interview! I keep coming back to it as there are so many details in it. I'd love to see the Hamlet play...

[@jamesthewineguy]

LOVE Andrew!

[@gayatrip2408]

Love your voice sir, you are a great actor and love you

[@katieoreilly7846]

What a fantastic human being as well as an actor , So proud to call you Irish ☘️ .....

[@tonyp8159]

21:32 on vulnerability I also like his take on what makes an actor successful is not how recognizable or how well-known they are. And that while he doesn't claim a preference, independent films have more interesting plots and characters because it is made for the individual rather than for a mass audience. And that the purpose of art is to help people live better or improved lives.

[@jep1912]

The more I watch, particularly the actor interviews, the more I see that my belief, founded many years ago, that social media is a force for bad, was right.

[@upseteggplant2810]

Catch me getting 20 days of content out of this bc Andrew's voice literally knocks me out 😎

[@evomusic1720]

He's better than the rest of us.

[@jofflock]

such an interesting interview, andrew raises some great points

[@Lilynite10]

What an interesting guy!..Just love to hangout & delve into his mind & soul. Love how he went off on his own tangent . So much going on in in mind. Intense, passionate, humble & hot!…True artist. X

[@despoinageorgiadou1458]

Oh Gosh, I absolutely love this guy!

[@rebeccaanne8546]

I love him!! 💜

[@mounicabro]

such a great actor

[@iminara5443]

I like his Moriarty but for me his best work it's in "Seawall" 👍

[@Xena657]

watch silent things a short movie (on youtube )

[@userletpoeu]

Andrew is amazing. Greetings 😘🙋‍♀️ from Kazakhstan

[@breatheinbreatheout7568]

No small talk. Straight to the questions.

[@BlueTangerine-xx4vk]

Love his sincerity and sweetness, as always!

[@clockwork9827]

this guy has lots of energy !

[@gillianmaynard4468]

Great interview. Lovely man!

[@BYRON..]

Who else remembers when he was on kids tv? such a happy face to see before bedtime!

[@brinakook3666]

I MISSED HIM

[@coralabar121]

😲😂

[@TheJohnpandy]

I saw him in Present Laughter via satellite he was stunningly good. Jxxx

[@aiai-j7i]

I love how he puts one foot on the other and also how he crosses his arms. Such a big crush. Apparently, "It will pass". :) Oh, an Punch Drunk Love is wonderful! Adam Sandler is fantastic in it!

[@221BBakerStreet]

Yeah I keep telling myself it'll pass but not so yet. Still as obsessed with him as I was three years ago. 💙

[@deejayjacklovesyou1]

this is a really interesting interview. but solely because Andrew Scott is so elequnent and charming. how he can say something so thought provoking and she can say "okay" and then immediately read the next question? how did this woman get this job?

[@annaariel7708]

I didn't get Punch-Drunk Love the first time I watched it. Them I good friend made me watch it again, paying real attention to what I was watching and kind of decoding the film for me and...waaooowww... what a film! I knew Mr Scott was very special,)

[@louiseandastrid1630]

Andrew is my idol. I look up to him, since I also want to be an actress.

[@drparvatisingh5433]

His voice is so good......... We love you honey😊😊😊😊

[@beyourownhero1489]

I just admire you Andrew Scott. You are so talented and intelligent.

[@annemacleod1421]

When Andrew Scott speaks about sexuality, he’s reminding us it is not ‘the’ defining aspect of a human. The interviewer didn’t quite get it because she abruptly changed the topic…but Andrew’s commentary on this is important. It’s the media that defines people as gay, openly gay, or not, but never says the same of straight people. He ‘gently’ entered the conversation on this back in the early 2010s and has been chipping away at it without any end to wave a big flag, whilst playing characters in film, television and on the stage with the emotional intelligence that he has. I admire him a great deal. 🐑🐑🇳🇿🇳🇿NZ

[@heliotropezzz333]

I think the interviewer's aim was to ask her list of questions question and let Andrew Scott speak without interruption. She wanted the interview to be about him and not her views or responses.

[@iyeris]

I’VE BEEN WAITING

[@melle7505]

27:33 if you want to stare into his eyes. Thank me later :)

[@daria842]

thanks

[@aiai-j7i]

Oh god, I can see I am not the only one with a major crush on him, lol!!

[@mende75]

Thank you. ❤

[@purplestarm8864]

🥰

[@tarasequeira6817]

Thank you 😊

[@aravindssingapore4327]

Happy Birthday to you, dear Mr. ANDREW. YOU look amazing in blue

[@kajahuseby6058]

I love his voice🥺🤷🏼‍♀️😍

[@edisone1]

My profuse thanks to Andrew Scott, for mentioning 'Punch-Drunk Love' . Never heard of it, and would've avoided it because I don't care for Adam Sandler, but I found, watched, was intrigued all the way through, and now I will look for more Sandler stuff .

[@MariaM-ki9ei]

Check out Uncut Gems, best work of Adam Sandler to date

[@heliotropezzz333]

It's good these days that a lot of theatre can be streamed to cinemas so that more people can see it for a more modest price.

[@morbidinsomniac822]

I for one, I ADORE him as Moriarty.

[@OwaisAhmedcooldude]

LOOVE HIS ACCTINGG