Gary Oldman Revels in 'Pleasure' of Playing 'Slow Horses' Spy Jackson Lamb: 'A Man Who Has Single-Handedly Lowered the Public’s Expectation of Personal Hygiene'

Gary Oldman was honored with the Edinburgh TV Festival’s Global Icon Award on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. During an extensive on-stage conversation, Oldman dedicated significant time to discussing his portrayal of Jackson Lamb, the central and often unkempt spy in the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series 'Slow Horses.' Oldman has been embodying this character for the past six years, a tenure he described with evident pleasure. He humorously characterized Lamb as a spy who has "single-handedly lowered the public’s expectation of personal hygiene," a sentiment that has clearly resonated with both viewers and critics, contributing to the show's distinctive appeal.

The veteran actor elaborated on his profound affinity for the character, emphasizing that Jackson Lamb deviates sharply from conventional heroic archetypes. Instead, Lamb is depicted as a deeply flawed, frequently dishevelled, and morally ambiguous figure who presides over Slough House, a dumping ground within MI5 for agents who have made significant professional blunders. Oldman finds this inherent complexity immensely appealing, stating that it is "interesting to play a man who is not particularly heroic, not particularly clean, and not particularly pleasant." This deliberate departure from the polished, suave spy tropes, epitomized by characters like James Bond, allows 'Slow Horses' to offer a more grounded, darkly comedic, and often satirical exploration of the espionage world.

Oldman's performance as Jackson Lamb has been a significant critical success, earning him widespread praise for his masterful ability to imbue the character with a compelling and nuanced blend of gruffness, sharp intelligence, and unexpected moments of vulnerability. The series itself, which is based on the bestselling novels by Mick Herron, has cultivated a devoted following thanks to its incisive writing, strong ensemble cast, and, most notably, Oldman's commanding and unforgettable presence. The actor's unwavering commitment to the role, even embracing its less glamorous and often unsavoury aspects, powerfully underscores his dedication to crafting deeply authentic, character-driven performances.

During his appearance at the festival, Oldman also touched upon the broader, multifaceted appeal of 'Slow Horses.' He suggested that the show's enduring success lies in its adept ability to seamlessly blend high-stakes, thrilling spycraft with the relatable, often messy, human flaws of its characters. He expressed his continued enthusiasm for the project, indicating that he genuinely relishes the ongoing opportunity to delve into and explore the complex, multifaceted nature of Jackson Lamb. The Global Icon Award itself serves as a significant recognition of Gary Oldman's substantial and enduring contributions to both television and film, with his impactful work on 'Slow Horses' standing as a prominent and celebrated recent example of his remarkable and lasting talent.