Don't know if this has been posted...



London-born Stephen Mangan, 35, is one of Britain’s hottest comedy actors, best known for his role as the arrogant anaesthetist in the Green Wing.
Currently filming a new project in LA he talks to Delicia Smith about his strange dreams, a desire to get out on the road and breaking a few rules along the way.


What drives you, fear or desire?
I’d say desire more than fear. Because I’m an optimist I believe things will be OK whatever happens, which is probably an insane way to view life. But I think everything is going to be all right, so I’m not fearful that there’ll be a terrible calamity. If anything leads me on it’s the thought that things could be a bit better.

It’s a good way to be in LA ‘cause everyone’s like that. I’ve never seen so many cheerful people in my life!

I’m just fascinated by the fact that everyone is so upbeat. Anyone you meet in any shop or restaurant, or anywhere, is so incredibly happy. I wonder if as soon as they turn away from you they’re miserable, or whether they really do feel like that – and I’m beginning to think they do. It would be exhausting to keep up the pretence for so long.

It’s ‘cause the sun’s always shining, and they don’t have to deal with the Northern line tube every day!


Are you a conformist or a rebel?
I’m a conformist if I’m honest. Although if there’s a ridiculous rule I’ll just ignore it. I think that’s the difference between the Europeans and the Americans. Americans live very strictly by the rules – partly because all the policemen walk around with massive guns… But, I think you’ve got to break at least half a dozen rules a day so that you feel that you’re a person, not just a number.


What was your plan B?
It was to get into music. I actually did a law degree, but it wasn’t ever really a serious option. I play the guitar and I like the idea of being on the road and playing in clubs and pubs and stuff, rather than the black nail varnish wearing, eye-linered, pretty-boy rock star. I just couldn’t have done that, it wasn’t me.


When and where were you happiest?
Last August, in the west of Ireland, sitting on a cliff.

Do you believe in soul mates?
Yes I suppose I do. And yes, I’ve found mine.


Anything interesting planned for the rest of the day?
Well I’ve got the day off from filming, and the sun is shining, so I’m going to go out to be among the cheerful people of LA. We’re filming a pilot so it’s one of those things where you never know what they do with it. They might pick it up and I’ll never come back to London, or they might not and I’ll be back on the platform at Chalk Farm fuming in a few days.

awww. :wub: Louise is a lucky woman.

He can't leave london! How DARE he even contemplate it?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

:(

but yeah, lucky louise! thats so sweet!

hehe

made me aww.
bless him

Hehe he gets the Northern Line.

Sorry.

Never coming back to London? Ive never wanted a project of Mr.Mangans to succeed less!

*points out the obvious*

But you don't live in London, Ping Pong.

*also points out obvious* Well its more likely im gonna meet him if hes in London than LA dont you think?!

hehe that's a good interview. :)

he has to come back to london he has to! who am i gonna stalk now <_<

and louise is soo lucky he's so sweet and aww :wub:

I feel selfish ow cos i want the project to fail just so i get to keep Stephen, I dont want all these people oogling him, he belongs to me!!

And i'll ignore the soul mate bit unless he is referring to me in which case...

I agree so much with all your comments, particularly

The UK's losing so many of its best stars to the American and I say that's got to stop "RIGHT NOW!!!" *goes off ranting furiously*