Chris O'Dowd on being a 'pragmatist' and embracing childishness
Actor Chris O'Dowd discusses his career trajectory, his tendency to play 'man-child' characters, and his return to the stage in Dublin. The interview highlights his transition from Irish television to Hollywood and his pragmatic approach to acting.
Why it matters
Provides insight into the career evolution of a prominent actor and the cultural nuances of Irish talent in the global entertainment industry.
Chris O'Dowd has had an unlikely career, from The Clinic to Hollywood heartthrob, but acting, on stage and screen, is what drives this prolific performer and writer. Donal O’Donoghue meets the man from Boyle.
"I remember saying to my agent, back when I was getting a bit old to be a romantic guy, ‘Do you think I could play like a rogue cop or even maybe an FBI agent?’ She just took one look at me and said: ‘Well, I think you could play a literary agent.’"
Chris O’Dowd (46) chuckles at that one, his answer to the observation that he usually plays the man-child on screen, a gallery that includes slacker Roy in The IT Crowd , the lovable traffic cop in Bridesmaids and the imaginary friend in Moone Boy .
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