Damian Lewis Reflects on His Career and Personal Life

In a recent interview, actor Damian Lewis shared his experiences while portraying Lord Davenport in the upcoming series *Fackham Hall*. He recounted one of the most extravagant moments of his life: taking a helicopter to Royal Ascot, which he described as "one of the poshest things" he has ever done. Lewis humorously noted that he realized the extent of this luxury only after he calmed down during the flight.

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The interview also highlighted a memorable scene where Lewis had to spit an hors d’oeuvre at co-star Katherine Waterston, which took him thirty-three takes to perfect. He admitted that he enjoyed the process so much that he requested additional attempts, even hitting Waterston in the face once, to which she reacted positively.

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Lewis opened up about his past, recalling a particularly challenging job selling overcoats at Burberry, where he was eventually let go for misleading customers about sizes. He humorously reflected on his brief tenure, stating, "I just did it for the badness of it."

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When discussing his favorite film, Lewis mentioned *Withnail and I*, which he first watched as a drama student. Initially, he found it "horribly real" and did not appreciate its comedic elements until later viewings. This film has since become a significant part of his cinematic journey.

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The actor shared valuable advice he received early in his career from Tim Pigott-Smith, who directed him in *Hamlet*. Pigott-Smith advised him not to read reviews, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness regarding one's strengths and weaknesses in performance. Lewis reflected on this guidance as "excellent advice."

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In a more personal vein, Lewis spoke about his cherished childhood toys, Clowny and Ellie, which he still owns and has passed down to his children. He described them as being in "good shape," despite some wear and tear.

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Lewis recounted a cringeworthy encounter with a celebrity that nearly escalated into a confrontation. This incident occurred late at night on a film lot in Los Angeles, where he was confronted by an A-list actor about his driving speed. Reflecting on the event, Lewis noted that it was a long time ago and attributed it to the fatigue of the moment.

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When asked about the strangest things he has done for love, Lewis humorously remarked that while he would do anything for love, he wouldn't do certain things, echoing the lyrics of Meat Loaf's famous song.

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• “I became aware of how posh it was when I started calming down and realised I wasn’t going to fall out of it.” — Damian Lewis

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• “Just know yourself the strengths and the weaknesses of the production and of your performance, and don’t read any reviews.” — Tim Pigott-Smith

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• “I just did it for the badness of it.” — Damian Lewis

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This interview provides a glimpse into the life of Damian Lewis, showcasing both his professional journey and personal anecdotes that shape his identity as an actor.

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