If Jeffrey Wright seems as smart as the roles he’s played in three James Bond films and his HBO show Westworld, it’s no accident. This son of a Washington, D.C., attorney majored in political science at Amherst College and considered law school before a few acting classes led him to change his path — and win a Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe for the Pulitzer Prize-winning Angels in America. “I didn’t really consider myself to be an actor until midway through Angels” on Broadway, Jeffrey, 54, admits to Closer magazine, on newsstands now.
“That experience is a central part of my life and the wellspring from which everything flows — from my career to [being] a citizen of this country.” And while he’s often cast in serious roles, he still knows how to have fun. “I’m having a ball!” the divorced dad of two says with a laugh. “I truly hope to figure out how to live and surf more. Those are my goals!”
We’re excited for Season 3 of Westworld! This is the longest you’ve done a series. What makes you want to continue?
The writing is so forward-leaning and fantastical, yet grounded in realities and important issues we face today. And working with people you respect and adore is a rare combination, one I’ve grown to appreciate deeply.
You’re also back in a James Bond film, No Time to Die, for the first time since 2008. What was filming it like?
I had been on the Westworld set until around 5 a.m. on a Friday, went directly to the airport, flew down to Jamaica, started filming that Sunday morning — and it was like we never missed a beat! It felt like putting on an old favorite suit, and being back with Daniel [Craig], it was just a wonderful homecoming. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed playing off of him, so it was good right out of the gate.
Now you’re playing Commissioner Gordon in an upcoming reboot, The Batman, due in summer 2021. What was it like to land that iconic role?
I was a completely obsessed Gotham/ Batman nut as a kid. So I’m really, really stoked to circle back to that world and let my inner child kind of marinate in this new Gotham for a while. We just started, but I think we’re going to have the opportunity to explore elements of these characters, that provide even more good tales, ground us in the belief of who and why they are. The script is really dialed in, and obviously the intent is to advance the storytelling into new spaces.
You also have several indie films this year. Any you’re excited about?
I’m excited about The French Dispatch, Wes Anderson’s new film [out July 24]. I’m really stoked to see All Day and a Night from Joe Robert Cole, who wrote Black Panther — that’s going to be on Netflix pretty soon. I’m really pleased with them.
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