Andrew Scott Discusses His Role as ‘Ripley,’ His Friendship with Taylor Swift, and His Thoughts on the Label ‘Openly Gay’ Actor
Stepping into the Shoes of ‘Ripley’
Andrew Scott, widely celebrated for his compelling portrayal of the ‘Hot Priest’ in Fleabag, has now taken on a challenging new role as Tom Ripley in the television adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s renowned series of novels. In discussing his preparation for the role, Scott revealed how he delves into the complexities of his character, a charismatic yet troubled con artist. It’s all about capturing his multifaceted personality—his charm, his intelligence, his vulnerabilities and his manipulative streak, Scott explained. His aim is to bring a fresh perspective to Ripley, while staying true to the intriguing psychological depth Highsmith infused into the character.
Behind the Scenes with Taylor Swift
Off the screen, Scott has cultivated a friendship with pop superstar Taylor Swift, which began when they met at a charity event a few years ago. Taylor is incredibly grounded and fun to be around. She’s also a brilliant storyteller, whether through her music or when she’s just chatting about everyday life, Scott remarked. This friendship has flourished over shared interests in music, acting, and literature. Scott also credits Swift with giving him valuable advice on dealing with fame and public life. She has navigated her global celebrity with such intelligence and grace, he noted.
Addressing the ‘Openly Gay’ Label
Throughout his career, Scott has often been labeled as an ‘openly gay’ actor, a term he finds both limiting and empowering. He believes that while the label highlights the progress made in terms of representation, it also tends to overshadow the varied aspects of an actor’s career. I’m proud of my identity and how it shapes my work, but I also believe actors are artists who should be celebrated for their craft first and foremost, Scott stated. He advocates for a broader conversation about how actors are defined and recognized in the industry, hoping for a future where personal identities enrich, rather than define, public perception.
In every role he plays and in the interactions he has off stage and screen, Andrew Scott continues to challenge the norms and encourage thoughtful dialogue around the intersections of identity, friendship, and artistic expression. Whether discussing his dynamic representation of complex characters, like Ripley, or expressing his views on fame and personal labels, Scott remains a potent voice in the contemporary cultural landscape.
