Tobias Menzies Stands with SAG-AFTRA, Halts 'Apex' Filming
Tobias Menzies, Emmy-winning actor famously known for his portrayal of Prince Philip in Netflix series 'The Crown,' joined voices in the UK actors union Equity rallying in support of American actors and their sister union SAG-AFTRA. This solidarity came to light when the actor, often overshadowed by media attention to his fellow colleagues Brian Cox, Imelda Staunton, Jim Carter, Hayley Atwell, David Oyelowo, and Naomie Harris, spoke in support of the ongoing strike by SAG-AFTRA members. Tobias Menzies himself is a member of the striking union.
The outspoken support has affected Menzies' current work; he has suspended his participation in Joseph Kosinski’s Formula One movie ‘Apex’, which he had been filming alongside fellow striker and star actor, Brad Pitt. Any production with active SAG actors is currently on hold, leaving Menzies, among many other actors, in temporary unemployment.
The actor's solidarity goes beyond lip service to the collective cause. "I’m not able to work, and that’s right and proper. Again, I’m a lucky person in that in the immediate future it doesn’t affect me,” he explained, “but I’m standing up for people who are working paycheck to paycheck. …That’s what unions are about. It’s about the collective and the group, not the individual. It’s a necessary fight."
Besides 'The Crown’, Menzies is currently featured in Nicole Holofcener’s biting comedy, 'You Hurt My Feelings'. Despite its presence in theaters, it will also be accessible to those at home through Prime Video on August 8th.
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And here we have it, folks: Tobias Menzies proving once and for all that the British are coming...to support their American comrades-in-acting-arms. The understated presence of the actor at a rally for their sister union, SAG-AFTRA, belies the strength of his solidarity. You can't help but admire his commitment, even though it means forfeiting his role in 'Apex' alongside Brad 'Always-Strikingly-Handsome' Pitt.
Of course, Menzies isn't exactly taking his tea and crumpets to the picket line. He avows that he's one of the lucky ones, able to weather this temporary hiatus. And while he has no trouble savoring meatballs and salad while waxing philosophical about lesser media darlings, make no mistake: His intention to stand with his fellow actors who live paycheck to paycheck is as sincere as they come.
In an industry often criticized for its superficiality and decadence, this awareness and commitment to the collective welfare is refreshing, if not downright heroic. A far cry from his character in 'The Crown', Menzies shows us the face of an actor beyond the well-polished shoes and bespoke suits - one who is able to assume both American and British accents, empathize with struggling playwrights, and earnestly discuss class diversity in the arts.
And lest we forget, amidst all the rallying and strike-discussions, Menzies still brings his natural comic timing on full display in Nicole Holofcener’s 'You Hurt My Feelings', a welcome reminder of his versatility as an actor. Few can juggle being a comedic force and an earnest advocate, but he manages to do it with grace - or as they say on the other side of the pond, he's truly got the ‘bottle’.
Standing tall in their stride, it seems Menzies and his fellow acting comrades won't be playing second fiddle to anyone. As he quite excellently put, this is a necessary fight. If this level of dedication is any indication of the rising tempo in the entertainment industry, Hollywood truly may be having its Act II. So, buckle up folks. The stage is set, and the act promises to be a blockbuster.
