Movies

Paul Mescal Stays Grounded Post-‘Gladiator II’ Success, Takes the Tube Like a Regular Joe

BBG News

Following his standout performance in the box-office hit “Gladiator II” last year, there’s a chance that Paul Mescal has been carried away by his newfound stardom.

However, the 29-year-old Irish actor demonstrates his humble demeanor by traveling on the Underground among regular London commuters.

After portraying a character in his newest performance of A Streetcar Named Desire at the Noel Coward Theatre, he then took a journey on the Piccadilly Line.

I’ve been absolutely thrilled, as an ardent theater enthusiast, to witness the reappearance of this play at the West End! Last time around, it was Brendan Mescal who left me spellbound with his electrifying portrayal of Stanley Kowalski. The standing ovations he received were well-deserved, and it’s no surprise that he took home an Olivier Award for his stellar performance. I can hardly wait to see him bring the house down once more!

In the crowd, Mescal, known for his role in Normal People, blended effortlessly with the rest, wearing a casual attire consisting of a baseball cap, headphones, a soiled jacket, a hoodie, and jeans, thus escaping notice.

Previously, the actor expressed a preference for authenticity using these words: “I believe that ambition isn’t inherently bad, but it’s crucial to determine where one’s priorities truly lie.

Five years following his groundbreaking portrayal of Connell Waldron in Normal People, it seems that Paul Mescal is indeed embodying the essence of the series’ name.

In the play “A Streetcar Named Desire,” where he plays a leading role and has received favorable comments from critics, actor Mescal shares the stage with Patsy Ferran who is 35 years old. Many reviewers have complimented his strong performance as Stanley Kowalski.

But on his journey home, the star looked like an everyday Joe. 

He maintained a subtle presence, sitting still with his customary earphones on, mostly blending into the background and escaping the notice of fellow travelers.

It’s true that London residents might voice complaints about the Tube, but it remains undeniably popular among certain celebrities as a preferred mode of transportation.

Actors like Emma Watson (aged 34), Eddie Redmayne (at 43), and Catherine Zeta-Jones (55 years old) have all been seen making use of the Tube.

Ever since the premiere of Normal People on BBC Three in April 2020, Paul Mescal has landed significant parts in Gladiator II and All of Us Strangers, solidifying his status as a prominent actor within the Hollywood elite.

However, his growing success has not changed his grounded approach to life.

Born in the town of Maynooth, County Kildare, Mescal has openly discussed managing fame while preserving his identity.

He expressed that while ambition is not a problem, one must determine their main focus. He shared that his desire is always to continue loving his work and never feel as though he’s working for improper motives.

He emphasized the importance of preserving a sense of privacy and modesty, particularly when faced with public scrutiny.

One thing certain to keep Mescal grounded is his absence from this year’s Oscar nominations.

Regrettably, despite Gladiator II receiving nine nominations, among them one for Denzel Washington, aged 70, Mescal was not recognized in the Lead Actor category.

The 2025 BAFTA Film Awards ceremony is scheduled for February 16 in London.

In the case of Gladiator II, it garnered nine nominations overall, with Denzel Washington among them. Interestingly, Mescal’s name did not appear in the Leading Actor category.

Read More

2025-02-10 01:50

Previous post Christy Turlington, 56, & Daughter Grace, 21, Stun at Calvin Klein Show with Kate Moss
Next post Watch Super Bowl Halftime with Kendrick Lamar & SZA for Free!