Actors Tom Hollander and Ben Mendelsohn Discuss the Challenges of Portraying Real-Life Figures
Khalid Abdalla
The Crown
Abdalla’s initial question upon being cast as Dodi Fayed in The Crown was simple: What did Princess Diana’s lover sound like? Abdalla worked diligently to understand Dodi’s accent and demeanor from a short clip, feeling a responsibility to respectfully portray a historical figure often overlooked. He focused on bringing cultural vibrancy to the Fayed storyline, ensuring the Arabic dialogue maintained the richness of Peter Morgan’s script.
Tom Hollander
Feud: Capote vs. The Swans
Hollander embraced the challenge of portraying Truman Capote, working with coaches to perfect his voice and mannerisms. Despite initial nerves, Hollander saw the role as a series of wonderful opportunities and adventures. He focused on the uniqueness of his Capote portrayal and the need to communicate intelligence through his delivery.
Ben Mendelsohn
The New Look
Mendelsohn found a deep connection with the characters of Rupert Murdoch and Christian Dior, particularly admiring Dior’s sensitivities. He honed in on Dior’s precise and gentle nature, carefully crafting his portrayal through detailed research and adjustments to his performance. Mendelsohn approached the role with a sense of shyness and deep affection for the iconic designer.
Rufus Sewell
Scoop
Sewell, while not a royalist, took on the role of Prince Andrew with a mix of bravery and trepidation. He studied the prince’s mannerisms and accent to ensure an authentic portrayal, but also focused on capturing the essence of the character rather than strict impersonation. Sewell aimed to be present in the moment while embodying Prince Andrew on screen.
This story first appeared in a June standalone issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.