This week, I caught up with the charismatic Actor/Director John Forgeham to find out more about the man himself and the TV/film industry.
John Forgeham in a nutshell
Probably best known as Frank Laslett from ITV’s Footballer’s Wives, John Forgeham is a British Actor/Director with an impressive career on the stage, small screen and silver screen. Having toured as a member with The Royal Shakespeare Company, he played the radio operator in the original The Italian Job, starred alongside Vinnie Jones in Mean Machine and played Jim Baines in Crossroads – to name just a very few. With an acting career that spans over nearly 50 years, it’s no surprise John Forgeham directs as well.
A chat with John Forgeham
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
John Forgeham: I would perhaps say my role in The Italian Job, which seems to be nationally accepted now as a ‘classic English movie’.
How much do actors add to or ad-lib in a script?
John Forgeham: I don’t really think actors should ad-lib in a script and it’s actually quite an American thing to do… In my opinion, the writer spends a long time fine-tuning a script and it’s my job to interpret his dialogue.
When did you first get into acting and how do you think the film & TV industry has changed since then?
John Forgeham: I got into acting after spending two years studying on a scholarship at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 1962. I think the main difference today is that it’s too easy for people to try and walk into acting without training. Since Margaret Thatcher disbanded unions, our Actors’ Union doesn’t have the power it once wielded as a closed shop. There is now also far too much reality TV and not enough independent repertory theatres for actors to learn their trade. Instead, countless drama schools, colleges and universities – some good many bad – are just churning out actors and actresses.
Tell me more about your directing career?
John Forgeham: I’ve always directed during my acting career, as I love both arts. For example, I was Artistic Director of St Martins Theatre in Melbourne, Australia for one year and nominated Artistic Director of the Year there. In 1970 I then founded my own Shakespeare company in Sydney called The Globe Shakespeare Theatre Company. I also founded and was Artistic Director of The London Repertory Company at The Fox Theatre Palmers Green for 3 years and have directed many independent plays for other producers. Acting and directing go hand in hand for me; they compliment each other really well in my career.
What advice would you have for people wanting to get into directing for TV and film?
John: Go to a reputable school and get a great training. Build your house on firm ground, not on sand, or it will fall down round your ears!
What’s next for you?
John: Who knows? Actors and directors don’t retire, they fade away. ‘You’re only as good as your next job’ and I’m looking forward to the next one!