The Crown star, Josh O’Connor, has recently opened up about the challenges he has faced following the immense success of the hit Netflix historical drama series. In a recent interview with GQ, conducted prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike, O’Connor admitted that he initially had reservations about auditioning for the show. However, after reading the script for a specific scene in season three, he changed his mind.
O’Connor made his debut as Prince Charles, the eldest son of the late Queen Elizabeth II, halfway through season three. He then went on to star alongside Emma Corrin’s Princess Diana in season four. His exceptional portrayal of the character earned him an Emmy Award for best lead drama actor. Despite his well-deserved success, playing such a notable British royal family member on the show also brought along a level of fame that O’Connor wasn’t particularly fond of.
Reflecting on this period, O’Connor revealed, “It was a messed-up time. I found it so impactful, people stopping me. You want to be in stuff that’s successful and seen, but I think sometimes we underestimate how powerful even a slight loss of anonymity can be.” He further explained in a previous interview with The Hollywood Reporter that if it wasn’t for the release of season four during the COVID-19 lockdowns, the rise in public recognition would have been more gradual. He described the sudden increase in public recognition as a “real shock to the system,” considering that he was hardly recognized at all before.
In light of all the success he has attained in recent years, O’Connor finds himself looking back at a time when he was working on smaller film and TV projects. He expressed a longing to continue the type of work he was doing before The Crown and mentioned in the GQ interview, “What I was doing in my career before The Crown – I just wanted to carry on doing that.”
It is not uncommon for actors to face certain challenges after gaining fame through a popular series like The Crown. The show’s international success and the portrayal of iconic characters often catapult actors into the spotlight, making it difficult for them to maintain their privacy and adjust to the newfound level of recognition. O’Connor’s experience is no exception, as he found himself facing the consequences of fame and realizing its impact on his personal life.
However, despite the challenges, O’Connor continues to pursue his acting career with determination and grace. He remains grateful for the opportunities that The Crown has brought him, acknowledging the significance of being a part of a successful and critically acclaimed series. While he may long for the simplicity of his pre-Crown projects, O’Connor understands and appreciates the impact that a show like The Crown can have on an actor’s career.
Looking ahead, O’Connor has already begun exploring new projects. He appears in the film Challengers, showcasing his versatility as an actor and his dedication to his craft. It is evident that O’Connor’s talent goes beyond his portrayal of Prince Charles, and he is eager to continue challenging himself with diverse roles that highlight his range and creativity.
In conclusion, Josh O’Connor’s journey following the success of The Crown has been both exciting and challenging. He has faced the pressures of fame and the loss of anonymity, but he has also utilized this experience to grow as an actor. O’Connor’s humility and dedication to his craft are evident as he navigates the complexities of fame while continuing to pursue his passion. As he embarks on new projects, it is clear that O’Connor is determined to carve out his own path in the industry, showcasing his undeniable talent and leaving a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.