In a recent interview, Jason Isaacs disclosed that one of his fellow actors, whom he describes as a “global icon,” was the “worst bully ever.” With an extensive career spanning 37 years and 176 acting credits, identifying the offending co-star proves to be a challenge.
However, Isaacs referenced the actor in a 2011 interview with the Telegraph, providing a timeframe for the negative experience. In that conversation, the Telegraph reporter noted how Isaacs recounted tales of his colleagues with flair, often adopting distinctive accents.
He shared a story about a particular actor who consistently attempted to push him out of the frame during scenes, illustrating his tale with mimicking gestures. In an interview with Vulture on Monday, Isaacs reiterated this anecdote, stating that the unnamed A-lister “did worse than that,” going on to claim that this individual employed various deceptive tactics by delivering entirely different performances off-camera compared to on.
“Yeah, it sucked. I’d never seen anything like it,” Isaacs expressed, reflecting on the past, “Before, I would’ve licked the ground that this person walked on.”
Although he refrained from naming the actor, we compiled a list of notable co-stars Isaacs worked with before 2011, including Jeff Goldblum and Rowan Atkinson from “The Tall Guy,” Jude Law in “Shopping,” as well as appearances with major stars like Sean Connery, Bruce Willis, and Daniel Radcliffe
When discussing the general behavior of his co-stars, Isaacs remarked that many have exhibited “bonkers” behavior. He elaborated, “When I think someone’s terrible, someone else might think they’re brilliant. One of the things that’s very charismatic is madness.”
Isaacs emphasized that his criticisms are primarily centered around poor behavior on set. He lamented instances of selfishness, cruelty, and bullying, even noting how some actors disrespect their crew members by complaining to them over minor inconveniences.
He also pointed out negative behaviors such as tardiness, early departures, substance abuse, and soliciting inappropriate services.
As to why he chooses to remain mum on specific names, Isaacs explained, “there is no value, other than masochism and sabotage, in telling people the truth about people [he’s] worked with or experiences [he’s] had.” He concluded by underscoring the secretive nature of acting, stating, “acting is all about secrets.”