Spotlight: Harry Lawtey
Photographer Lee Malone.
Tearsheet by Casey Claros.
1. Name?
Harry Lawtey.
2. Where did you grow up, and where do you currently live?
I grew up on the island of Cyprus and I now live in London.
3. Tell us about yourself.
I am a 24-year old British actor. I’m originally from the north of England, but I grew up in Cyprus because my dad was in the British Air Force. When not acting, I love football (soccer), playing guitar, and cooking.
4. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a career in acting?
I think so. I was always a bit of a ‘show off’ as a kid. My mum remembers me strutting into the kitchen as a toddler dressed up as one character or another. They probably weren’t too surprised when I said I wanted to try acting.
Photographer Lee Malone.
Tearsheet by Casey Claros.
5. You’re starring in the new HBO and BBC series Industry as Robert. Tell us about your role.
Robert is a young graduate, who has taken an internship at an international investment bank. He is confident and charming, and a bit of a maverick. He’s got a lot of ambition but a slightly misguided idea of what it’s going take to get where he wants to be. Underneath it all though, he’s actually a sensitive and good guy, who wants to be liked.
6. What was your favorite aspect of the production?
The team. It’s a bit of a cliché, but we had the best cast and crew working on the production. All of them were so talented and kind. We had a blast; it really made going to work every day a joy.
7. Who inspires you the most?
To be honest, I’d have to say my friends. Obviously, there are actors whom I look up to a lot, but I love nothing more than going to watch my friends perform, either in a play or at a gig. It’s a special kind of feeling to enjoy the talent of your mates.
Photographer Lee Malone.
Tearsheet by Casey Claros.
8. If you could work with anyone, who would it be and why?
I would love to work with Paddy Considine, a British actor/director. His work is so raw and powerful and is connected to a British identity.
9. What genre of film would you like to see yourself in next?
I would love the opportunity to be in a gritty, British independent. Those are the kinds of films I grew up watching. To be able to go from an amazing, flashy HBO production to a very intimate project would be really interesting.
10. Speaking of film, what are some of your favorites?
My absolute favorite is Billy Elliot. That’s the film that made me want to be an actor. It’s got great performances, an iconic soundtrack, and a message that really stuck with me.
Photographer Lee Malone.
Tearsheet by Casey Claros.
11. Aside from acting, do you have any other interests? Hobbies?
I love reading and going to the gym. Those are two things that really chill me out and help give me structure, which is something I find really important.
12. What’s next for you?
It’s really hard to say. Everything in my industry is completely put on pause during this pandemic, so it’s been really hard for anyone to work out a next step. I’m in the running for one or two things, so hopefully my next project isn’t too far around the corner.
13. Motto in life?
Accept the things you cannot change, have the courage to change the things you can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
14. Social media or website?
I’m on Instagram @harry_lawtey.
Credit for the show: Industry premiered on HBO/HBO Max Monday 9th November and on BBC Two (UK) Tuesday 10th November at 9.15pm. Episodes will be airing weekly for the next 8 weeks
Interview by Alison Hernon, Editor-In-Chief, PhotoBook Magazine
