Downton Abbey Star Reveals How The Show Ruined His Hollywood Career

By Amy Hunt
Remember butler Thomas Barrow in the biggest period drama hit of the last 10 years, Downton Abbey?
Of course you do. The suave, confident, and downright evil character, played by Rob James-Collier, was a stalwart of the hit ITV show, and audiences loved to hate his character until the show came to an end in 2015.
However, despite the roaring success of Downton both in the UK and across the pond, it seems that actor Rob believes his role in the show actually did him more harm than good when it came to finding roles after the programme had finished.
While his fellow co-stars, including Dan Stevens and Lily James, have enjoyed fruitful careers Stateside since their Downton roles ended, Rob hasn't quite been so lucky.
And the actor has put his lack of acting success in America down to the fact that his gay character has lead to typecasting in the industry in the US.
Speaking to the Mirror, he confessed, "I think audiences in the US can identify quite easily with the quintessential English gent and English lady, whereas a neurotic, dark, gay character like Thomas is a hard thing to put into the American market.
He admitted, "It can lead to typecasting."
Ex-Corrie star Rob went on to voice his opinion that he now feels many Hollywood execs pigeonhole him into the role of the gay love interest, due to his Downton character.
"Because Thomas Barrow is gay and is, essentially, the bad guy for much of the show, a lot of people within the industry can only see you as that.
"They might not be in a rush to see you as a heterosexual love interest. That takes time."
Speaking to the Huffington Post recently, Rob also revealed that he struggled to find work following the end of Downton. He admitted, "I spend more time out of work than in work. I was waiting for the right thing and I could've been waiting for years.
"I always try and do something new and different. Unfortunately, it's not always the way it turns out because it's hard. It's a tough game to be in."
-
-
Talk about an engagement: this man went viral after proposing with five engagement rings
A man went viral after giving his girlfriend five different rings to choose from during the proposal
By Rylee Johnston •
-
Forget what you heard about the TSA's new sunscreen rule
Sorry, travelers
By Danielle Valente •
-
Talk about an engagement: this man went viral after proposing with five engagement rings
A man went viral after giving his girlfriend five different rings to choose from during the proposal
By Rylee Johnston •
-
Forget what you heard about the TSA's new sunscreen rule
Sorry, travelers
By Danielle Valente •
-
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson for President? New poll shows Americans would vote for him
Dwayne Johnson is reacting to a poll stating Americans would vote for him as President
By Rylee Johnston •
-
So, you want to host a Oscars party this year. Here's how to host a swanky soiree that your guests will never forget
Be the grand dame of entertainment with a fabulous Oscars party at home. Don't know where to begin? Follow our lead to get started
By Dominique McIntee •
-
Farmers' Almanac revealed its summer 2021 predictions, and we're less than pleased
Talk about raining on our parade
By Danielle Valente •
-
White Claw announces new Surge seltzers containing 3% more alcohol, plus new flavors for the perfect summer refresher
White Claw has announced its new summer flavors including Surge seltzers and three new variety pack flavors
By Rylee Johnston •
-
Prince Harry is concerned about being in the UK alone for Prince Philip's funeral
His reason is completely valid
By Danielle Valente •
-
The real reason Regé-Jean Page is leaving Bridgerton will shock you
Sources are now saying that it was 'creative differences' that led to the actor's exit from Bridgerton
By Rylee Johnston •