"My thing is, I like playing guys who have a really interesting internal monologue."
About Lennie James
Lennie James — Life and Legacy
Lennie James is a distinguished British actor and writer, recognized for his impactful performances in television and theater. His work, particularly in series like 'The Walking Dead' and 'Save Me', delves deeply into the themes of identity and resilience, reflecting his own experiences as a person of color in the entertainment industry. James's quotes often reveal a profound understanding of the human condition. For instance, his assertion that 'We are all a little bit broken' encapsulates his belief in the shared struggles of humanity, emphasizing that our imperfections shape who we are. This perspective challenges the notion of a singular, fixed identity, instead presenting it as a dynamic interplay of experiences and emotions. His exploration of resilience is equally significant, as he articulates the necessity of perseverance in the face of adversity. By portraying characters who confront their vulnerabilities, James invites audiences to reflect on their own journeys and the strength found in overcoming challenges. His work resonates with viewers, offering insights into the complexities of identity and the importance of embracing one's true self.
Quote collection
Lennie James quotes
14 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"If you look in real life, it is very hard to describe people as good people, bad people, heroes or villains. People aren't bad people. They all have their justifications."
"I was dreading all of the ghost stories of working on American television, not in the least, the length. In Britain, a series is six episodes of an hour drama, maybe sometimes eight, but never twenty-two, so I was petrified of that."
"I've written virtually as long as I've acted, it wasn't a sudden transition. I acted in my first play when I was 16 and I wrote my first play when I was 17."
"I will say that when I first came out to the States to work on 'Jericho,' that was the only time that I've ever been frightened about a job, because in America they tell stories over such a long time, and I was petrified that I'd get bored."
"My favorite television show of all time is 'Hill Street Blues.' I think it's the show that is to television what Pele was to football or Muhammad Ali was to boxing."
"I've worked in the theater, television, and films. A five-hour TV series is certainly more time than a character I'd be playing in a film."
"I owe 'Jericho' my whole time in America, really. It was a fantastic group of people to work with."
"I'm not setting 'Jericho' up to be anything other than what it is, which is, you know, a piece of good, well thought-out, well put-together TV and entertainment."
"I'm part of that generation that grew up watching TV, and being an actor was all about being on TV or being in films."
"I like playing guys where it's as important what they're thinking as what they're saying. Those are the people I like playing, and the actor that I strive to be. I like actors who work in that area and I like parts that allow me to work in that area."
"I went to an all boys' school in South London and the only god was sport."
"I don't usually like talking about acting or what my process is, and all those kinds of things, because I don't necessarily think it's helpful to talk about how I do my job."
"If you're very clearly good or you're very clearly bad, then there isn't that much internal dilemma going on, and that's not necessarily as interesting to play."