'Crown' Star Tobias Menzies Halts Film Shoot to Back SAG-AFTRA Strike
Emmy Award-winning actor Tobias Menzies, admired for his portrayal of Prince Philip in Netflix's acclaimed series 'The Crown', was recently spotted at a rally organised by UK actors union Equity. The event was held in support of its sister union SAG-AFTRA, currently on strike to demand better terms for performers. Notable figures such as Brian Cox, Imelda Staunton, Jim Carter, Hayley Atwell, David Oyelowo, and Naomie Harris were in attendance, sharing the stage with Menzies.
Menzies, however, managed to stay out of the media spotlight. His humble ensemble of a short-sleeved shirt, chinos, sometimes an added blazer and a look devoid of any flashiness served as a successful camouflage. A serious supporter of the cause, the actor is an active member of SAG-AFTRA and announced that he too, is on strike.
His participation in the strike meant halting work on Joseph Kosinski’s Formula One movie 'Apex', where he was shooting alongside Brad Pitt. The A-list actors pulling out of the film stand as a testament to their solidarity with their fellow performers, particularly those surviving paycheck-to-paycheck.
Menzies is an all-rounder with an impressive acting range. Apart from his brilliant performance in 'The Crown', he displays an exceptional comedy timing in Nicole Holofcener’s 'You Hurt My Feelings'. In it, he seems to effortlessly adapt to an American accent, a stark contrast to his typical received English pronunciation.
Digging into the creative fabric of Menzies paints quite an artistic picture. While the actor is mostly known for his "alpha" roles, it's interesting to see him transform into a more vulnerable, "beta" character in 'You Hurt My Feelings'. It showcases his adaptability, shattering the stereotype that actors can only succeed within their usual repertoire.
Coming from a culturally rich but financially modest upbringing, Menzies is an advocate for accessibility and diversity in the arts, especially concerning backgrounds and financial capabilities. In fact, he explains that a grant enabled him to attend RADA, as he wouldn’t have been able to afford it otherwise. The actor's concern about opportunities for less affluent, working-class artists echoes a crucial issue in the industry today.
The actor also seems to carry a great sense of humility and honesty from his early days. He worked menial jobs, such as cleaning fridges and ushering at the National Theater, experiences that he acknowledges 'keep you honest' and teach you 'the worth of a pound'. In his own words, cleaning is a 'very honorable profession'.
The culmination of his diverse roles, Menzies' work also includes Edwin Stanton in Apple's limited series 'Manhunt' and a character in the now paused 'Apex' alongside Brad Pitt; a novel contrast to his stint in the quirky comedy 'This Way Up'.
The talented actor, however, doesn't hesitate to hint at his yearning to return to the stage, mentioning David Farr’s play 'The Hunt' as a potential comeback performance. It seems like Menzies' creative journey is on a continuum, from his days at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art to his Emmy-winning performance and beyond. While he's aware that there's still a lot to learn about acting in front of the camera, Menzies' open-minded approach makes us eager to see where his artistic path may lead him next.
In essence, Menzies is a cocktail of acting talent, molded by rich and diverse roles, and topped with a humble upbringing. His exceptional journey and versatility as an actor are pivotal in understanding the ongoing evolution of the entertainment industry. His commitment to the industry's improvement, showcased by joining the SAG-AFTRA strike, and advocacy for diversity and accessibility in the arts, creates a compelling narrative surrounding Menzies, making him not just an actor to watch, but a key influencer in the entertainment landscape.
