Stars of The Crown and Succession: The Road to Success

Over the years, Olivia Colman’s career has flourished. She trained at Bristol Old Vic drama school. Her early work was primarily in British television, where she gained recognition for her comedic talent before becoming a three-time Oscar winner. She gained recognition in the early 2000s with comedic roles, notably in Peep Show. Her breakthrough came with the drama Broadchurch (2013-2017), where she played Detective Sergeant Ellie Miller. This role showcased her versatility and led to more prominent roles in film and television. Colman later won an Oscar for her performance in The Favourite (2018) and gained international acclaim for playing Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown. She is now celebrated for her wide range of dramatic and comedic roles.

Olivia Colman has shared valuable advice for young actors, drawing from her own experiences in the industry. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, acknowledging that the acting journey can be tough and filled with rejection. She believes that persistence is crucial, as her own career didn’t take off immediately and required years of hard work to reach success. Colman also stresses the importance of staying humble, regardless of the success one achieves. She believes in treating everyone with kindness and respect, no matter their role or status, mirroring the ethos of the team here at Stage & the City. Authenticity is another key piece of her advice; she encourages young actors to remain true to themselves and find their unique voice rather than conforming to others’ expectations. Her quote “Take your job seriously and not yourself” encapsulates her perspective. Embracing fear and uncertainty is something Colman has often mentioned. We often encourage our students to step out of their comfort zones and try something new with our courses. She admits that even she still gets nervous before performances, but sees this as a natural and even beneficial part of the process, one that can be channelled into the work. She also advises actors to continue learning and improving their craft, whether through formal training, observation, or practice, as there is always room for growth.

Brian Cox is a distinguished Scottish actor with a career spanning over six decades. He is known for his work in theatre, film, and television. Cox began his career in the 1960s with the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he gained recognition for his powerful performances in classic plays, such as his portrayal of King Lear. In the world of film, Cox made a mark with roles in the 1980s and 1990s, including the first portrayal of Hannibal Lecter in Manhunter (1986), as well as roles in Braveheart (1995), The Boxer (1997), The Bourne Identity (2002), and Troy (2004). On television, Cox earned acclaim for his role as media mogul Logan Roy in the HBO series Succession, winning several awards, including a Golden Globe.

Throughout his career, Cox has been celebrated for his commanding presence and versatility, making him one of the most respected actors of his generation. As an advisor to other actors, Cox emphasizes the importance of continuously learning the craft and being well-read and informed to enrich performances. He encourages patience and persistence, reminding actors that success often comes slowly, and that they should embrace the process without being overly concerned with fame. Cox believes in the value of diverse experiences, including theatre, to develop a broad skill set, and he underscores the importance of authenticity, urging actors to bring honesty and truth to their roles by fully connecting with their characters and being present in the moment. This is clear in his quote, “Be kind to yourself; let yourself boogie; let yourself be free.”

If you’ve been inspired by these two and want to start your own acting journey, develop your skill set like Brian and take Olivia’s advice about the continuation of learning and improving your craft, why not sign up to our Acting for Screen course starting this September where you will be exploring scenes from these actors repertoires, The Crown and Succession.