Tony-Nominated The Audience Star Richard McCabe on Amusing Helen Mirren & Embracing His Evil Side

Age: 54

Hometown: Born in Glasgow, Scotland; raised in London

Current Role: A Tony-nominated Broadway debut in The Audience as British Prime Minister Harold Wilson, who enjoys bantering with Queen Elizabeth (Helen Mirren) at their private weekly meetings.

Stage Cred: A Olivier Award winner for his current role in Peter Morgan’s historical drama, McCabe has spent three decades juggling classical parts at the Royal Shakespeare Company and other British theaters, including the title role in Hamlet at Elsinore Castle.

“I’ve played four prime ministers in the past three years. I did Churchill on TV and fictional prime ministers in a miniseries and [the hit play] Yes Prime Minister. It’s strange, because I would be a lousy politician—I couldn’t keep up that pretense all the time.”

“Sometimes I look at Helen Mirren on stage and think ‘You really are the Queen.’ You see people bowing to her at the stage door! She doesn’t have a fixed performance, which makes acting with her a joy. We keep ourselves amused by trying new things every night.”

“In England, I’m known for playing villains. I’m thought of much less as a Harold Wilson and more as a Richard III, a part everybody tells me I should do. I’ve been up for three different roles on Game of Thrones and never gotten one of them!”

“Broadway has a lot more razzle-dazzle than the West End. In terms of the everyday work routine it’s not different, but there’s a cachet about Broadway that lends itself to more anticipation among audiences.”

“There’s a mythical status to the Tony Awards. When you’re growing up as an actor, you hear about Broadway and the Tonys, but it’s not something you ever expect to experience. The nomination is thrilling, and even nicer to be recognized for playing someone absolutely unknown in America.”

“My partner is a costume designer [Fotini Dimou], and she's dressing me for the Tonys. We’ve got a beautiful dark blue Canali suit, and she is designing her own gown, which is simple and elegant, just like her. I’ve done the Oliviers, but I’m sure the Tony red carpet is going to be something!”