Dominic West reveals aristocrat wife Catherine Rowland thinks he’s ‘not very believable at all’ in upper class parts – after admitting negative reviews of The Crown left him bedridden for two DAYS
To many, he may be best known for his role as rugged detective Jimmy McNulty in HBO drama The Wire.
With an American accent and a series of off-duty problems – including alcoholism, child support and unpaid alimony – the character’s turbulent life is a far cry from the man who plays him.
Dominic West’s portrayal of McNulty, born into a wealthy family and benefiting from a first-class education at Eton and the prestigious Trinity College, Dublin, was just another string to his bow.
But the actor, 54 – whose film credits also include a recent portrayal of King Charles III and then Prince of Wales in the Netflix series The Crown – says his aristocratic wife Catherine FitzGerald believes he only excels when he takes on characters that are far removed from his own privileged background.
He told the Sunday Times: ‘My wife, who is really upper class, always says to me, “You’re much better at working class, you’re not as good as upper class, you’re not convincing at all.” And I agree with her.’
Dominic West says aristocratic wife Catherine FitzGerald believes he will only excel if he takes on a working-class role
West played troubled detective Jimmy McNulty (pictured) on The Wire for all five seasons of the HBO show
West has also received accolades for his role as former convict Jean Valjean in a TV adaptation of Les Misérables and a memorably chilling portrayal of serial killer builder Fred West in the hard-hitting drama Appropriate Adult.
‘I’m McNulty and I’m Jean Valjean and I am Iago [a role he played with a thick Yorkshire accent in a Sheffield Crucible production of Othello].
‘I think those are my best roles. Some people look good in stiff collars, but I don’t think I’m one of them. I understand the attitudes and manners of the upper class, and I love those characters, but as an outsider.”
West recently admitted that he didn’t get out of bed for two days after reading negative reviews of The Crown.
The sixth and final series, released last year, was branded ‘very tasteless’ and ‘absolutely deplorable’ by critics and royal experts after the ghost of Princess Diana appeared in scenes.
And the actor, who played the King – and then Prince Charles – in the Netflix series, said he is relieved the drama is over and he no longer has to be immersed in the world of the royal family.
West was asked on BBC Radio 4’s Today program if he was concerned about how the royal family would react to the series.
He said: ‘All the comments concern me. I read all the reviews and spent two days in bed. So yeah, I’m a sensitive soul, I worry about what people think.
The actor’s more recent film credits also include a portrayal of King Charles III and then Prince of Wales in the Netflix series The Crown.
“My wife, who is really upper class, always says to me, ‘You’re much better in working class, you’re not as good as upper class, you’re not convincing at all,’” he said.
“I don’t want to make their lives any more difficult than they already are, so I guess it’s your concern.”
Speaking about his experience on the show, Dominic said: “I loved being on it. I loved wearing the clothes.
I loved driving cars and I loved it when people bowed to me. It’s an absolutely amazing feeling. I miss it.’