Q&A with actor Sam Claflin
The Hunger Games star, 27, on his fondness for Ugg boots and the problem with being married
Your acting career has progressed pretty quickly from your childhood in Ipswich…
My life has changed so much. I feel I’ve become a new man. I graduated [from Lamda] less than five years ago and within a year, I was doing [TV series] Any Human Heart and The Pillars of the Earth, then the films [Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and The Hunger Games] came straight after that. I know I’m hugely lucky to have the sort of meteoric rise I’ve had.
What would have been your alternative career?
A footballer. I played for Norfolk at county level until I broke my ankle. My parents don’t have any show-business links – my mum is a classroom assistant at the high school I went to, and my dad is an accountant and finance manager for a charity radio station.
What’s the difference between TV and big-budget films?
TV’s quicker. It’s difficult to maintain the magic when one scene takes six hours on a film set. But you can have too much adrenalin pumping in TV. I’m lucky enough to have done both.
Are you a fan of British TV?
Yes, definitely. My wife [The Inbetweeners Movie actress Laura Haddock, who he married last July] and I have only just got round to watching Broadchurch, which we loved. That’s the problem with being married; you want to do everything together, so we have to wait until we’re both not filming.
You have a chameleon-like face: do you get recognised much?
I’ve had different hair for most of my parts, and I lose and gain weight quickly, so I feel I have that quality.
Were you frightened when you watched your new horror film, The Quiet Ones?
I was scared out of my skin! I knew when the scares were coming, but you’re on the edge of your seat once they add in sound effects.
What’s your favourite horror film?
The Blair Witch Project. I remember seeing the posters as a kid and thinking it was real. I love realistic horror films. I go to bed, hear my radiator click and think, ‘Oh my God’. But then my wife forces me to walk her to the bathroom and I pretend I’m not scared.
Do you fancy a move to Hollywood?
It’s calling my name. On my first visit, I stayed in a hotel on a motorway which was horrible, but I’m gradually warming to it. I love England, but when it’s grey outside you just want to stay in bed. Part of me feels Laura and I should [make the move], but we also like the idea of moving to the country with our dogs.
What’s it like to watch your Hunger Games co-star Jennifer Lawrence’s star rising?
When you see someone more talented than you winning an Oscar [for best actress in Silver Linings Playbook in 2013] at such a young age, it’s really depressing [laughs]. But I couldn’t be happier for her. She is so grounded and lovely and a good friend.
Do you enjoy awards ceremonies?
I do – I like chatting to fans on the red carpet, although I don’t like wearing a tie and shoes. It would be more fun if I could wear slippers or Uggs with my tux.
The Quiet Ones will be in cinemas on 10 April
