From ted lasso to academia: phil dunster’s unexpected pivot
Phil Dunster, the affable British actor who charmed the world as Jamie Tartt on Apple TV’s Ted Lasso, isn’t batting away questions about his breakout role—he’s embracing the evolution. The question of whether he’s “splitting the G” on his pint of Guinness, however, drew a playful, and slightly exasperated, response during a recent lunch in Midtown.
The lingering legacy of afc richmond
The fervor surrounding AFC Richmond, the fictional football club at the heart of Ted Lasso, hasn't faded, despite the show’s conclusion in May 2023. Dunster recounted a recent lunch where he was approached by not one, but three groups of eager fans, each wanting to confirm if he was, indeed, “the guy from Ted Lasso.” One group even proudly displayed a group chat titled “Church of Lasso,” testament to the show’s enduring appeal—a comforting balm, as Dunster notes, delivered at a time when it was particularly needed.
That warmth, that ability to resonate with audiences, is something creator Bill Lawrence (also behind Dunster's new project, Rooster) clearly understands. Lawrence is now channeling that same spirit into Rooster, a new HBO series starring Steve Carell, a comedic pivot that sees Dunster trading football kits for Brooks Brothers sweaters.
A new role, a new depth
Dunster’s role as Archie, a Russian literature professor with a penchant for self-aggrandizement and a complicated personal life, represents a deliberate departure from the boisterous Jamie Tartt. “Archie is an erudite academic,” Dunster explained, dissecting the character’s complexities over a turkey burger. “The problem is that he knows that more than anyone.” It’s a challenge, he admits, to portray such conviction without veering into caricature—a nuance he’s been exploring as he matures both personally and professionally.
The actor, now married after nine years with partner Ellie Heydon, reflects on the growth he’s experienced since joining Ted Lasso at age 27. “There’s a confidence one gets as they work more, and are alive longer,” he observed, a sentiment palpable in his thoughtful responses. “I was twenty-seven when I started on Ted Lasso. You just age.”
Beyond sitcoms: dragon’s breath and a return to richmond?
While Dunster is currently immersed in filming a live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon 2—a far cry from his early days performing Shakespeare with a scoped assault rifle in a modern adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing—the possibility of returning to Ted Lasso lingers. His wife, Ellie Heydon, is directing the fourth season, a development that Dunster anticipates with excitement. “It was such a huge part of my life,” he shared, “and it's now her experience, and it’s special to see another perspective.”
Though he couldn't offer specifics regarding his involvement, Dunster’s optimism is contagious. And, as he cheerfully told a group of hopeful fans, “We’ll cross our fingers.” The comfort of AFC Richmond, it seems, remains a powerful draw—a testament to the show’s enduring ability to connect with audiences, and to Dunster’s captivating performance.