Rob James-Collier – Downton Abbey

Q) What are the recent projects that you have been working on?

A) I really want to say that I stay in character as Thomas all year round and, as such, cannot commit to other projects, but that would be a lie. The truth is, the right project hasn’t come up and so I have used the spare time between series of “Downton” productively trying to make the huge beer-belly I appear to have grown over the holiday season disappear.

Q) What is new this season (4) on “Downton Abbey” and with your character Thomas?

A) Thomas is back to being the same old Thomas. Despite him being “outed” last year, nearly being arrested and losing his job as a consequence he still continues to hate, blackmail, bully and intimidate. It seems he cannot acknowledge when life has been kind to him. He is currently auditioning for an applicant to play the part of the recently departed (and brilliant) Miss O’Brien.

Q) What originally made you want to be a part of the show?

A) I was unemployed at the time, which helped. But as you guys would say, “It’s a no-brainer.” It’s written by Julian Fellowes and Dame Maggie Smith was signed up to it. Need I continue…..?? (rhetorical)

Q) Was there anything about Thomas that you added to the role that wasn’t originally scripted?

A) Yes. A kiss in season one. I’m a straight man and I added a gay kiss. That shows dedication…..or confusion in my sexuality. Oh, and me and Brian Percival, who directed the first episode (and got an Emmy for it), thought he should be a smoker. It was in the script that O’Brien smoked, but no mention of whether Thomas was a smoker. We thought the fact that they were both smokers would give a reason for their close bond and justice to the fact that they were always colluding and plotting together – evil born out of the common bond of smoking.

Q) What continues to challenge you about the role?

A) Every year Julian throws these great arcs, twists and turns that Thomas must pass though on his journey through life. It’s either all or nothing with Thomas. He’s either blissfully happyor completely destroyed and emotionally ruined. The fact of his sexuality, being gay in a time when it was illegal and against his God, always means that Thomas will have complex, deeper story-lines than most at the Abbey.

Q) Thomas has gotten into a couple romantic entanglements. Will we see a long term relationship for him soon or are there any other paramores on the horizon?

A) Although Thomas will always love Jimmy, he knows deep down it will never go anywhere. And because of the time, neither will any other potential relationships. If he did find love, it would have to remain a secret and I don’t think Thomas would allow that. He is quite modernistic in his thinking – as he said to Mr. Carson when his sexuality was discovered last year, “I am not foul Mr. Carson. I am not like you, but I am not foul.” Thomas is not ashamed of who or what he is and I think if he were in a relationship it may get to the point where he would not wish to hide it anymore and, thus, risk imprisonment and any chance of reputable work.

Q) What is your favorite aspect of portraying Thomas and/or your favorite attribute of his?

A) I love the fact that he always questions the status quo. Not just in terms of his sexuality, but the class system as well. He doesn’t see why he should live a life of servitude just because he happened to be born into a poor family. This adds an element of danger to Thomas and means he will always take risks (gambling on the black market; dalliances with a Duke; stealing from Mr. Carson’s wallet). This gives him an edge because you don’t know what he’s going to do next. As such, his fearlessness at taking risks is my favorite attribute of his.

Q) There is such great chemistry with the cast members. Was it the spark there when you all first began working together or did it take some time to develop?

A) I can’t speak for upstairs, because I do most of my scenes downstairs, but for us it was there from the start. I always remember our then producer and now Executive Producer Liz Trubridge saying to me that from the first day it was like we had lived together all our life’s. There are a lot of funny characters and that helps.

Q) What have been some of your most memorable moments from filming “Downton Abbey?”

A) Serving Dame Maggie Smith. Shirley MacLaine asking, “Why are you so evil,” – I’m assuming she meant the character and not me. Working at Ealing Studios where the great Alec Guinness did all the Ealing Comedies. To many to write down – lets put it that way.

Q) What do you think it is about “Downton Abbey” that has captured such a large audience?

A) There’s something and someone for everyone.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) Thanks for the love, but there are better actors out there.