When you see Jeffrey Wright, it's hard not to notice his intelligence shining through. The actor, who's made a name for himself in three James Bond films and the HBO blockbuster Westworld, didn't stumble into this career by chance. Born in Washington, D.C., to an attorney, Jeffrey majored in political science at Amherst College, where he initially considered law school. However, fate intervened when a few acting classes changed his path. This decision led to an impressive career, earning him a Tony, Emmy, and Golden Globe for his performance in the Pulitzer Prize-winning Angels in America. "I didn’t really consider myself an actor until midway through Angels on Broadway," Jeffrey, now 54, reveals to Closer magazine, currently available on newsstands.
Despite his serious demeanor in films, Jeffrey Wright knows how to have fun. "That experience is a central part of my life and the wellspring from which everything flows—from my career to [being] a citizen of this country," he shares. Even with a demanding career, he manages to find joy in the little things. "I’m having a ball!" the divorced father of two exclaims with a laugh. "I truly hope to figure out how to live and surf more. Those are my goals!"
Why Did Jeffrey Wright Choose to Continue with Westworld?
Season 3 of Westworld is here, and fans couldn't be more thrilled. This is the longest Jeffrey has worked on a series, but what keeps him coming back? "The writing is so forward-leaning and fantastical, yet grounded in realities and important issues we face today," he explains. "And working with people you respect and adore is a rare combination, one I’ve grown to appreciate deeply." It's clear that Jeffrey not only appreciates the quality of the content but also values the camaraderie among his castmates.
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Reuniting with Daniel Craig in No Time to Die
Jeffrey's return to the James Bond franchise in No Time to Die after a 12-year hiatus was nothing short of seamless. The actor recalls a whirlwind schedule: "I had been on the Westworld set until around 5 a.m. on a Friday, went directly to the airport, flew down to Jamaica, and started filming that Sunday morning." Despite the tight schedule, it felt like no time had passed. "It felt like putting on an old favorite suit, and being back with Daniel [Craig], it was just a wonderful homecoming," Jeffrey reminisces. "I had forgotten how much I enjoyed playing off of him, so it was good right out of the gate."
Commissioner Gordon Returns: Jeffrey Wright in The Batman
Jeffrey Wright is set to reprise the iconic role of Commissioner Gordon in the highly anticipated reboot, The Batman, due out in summer 2021. For Jeffrey, landing this role is a dream come true. "I was a completely obsessed Gotham/Batman nut as a kid," he confesses. "So I’m really, really stoked to circle back to that world and let my inner child kind of marinate in this new Gotham for a while." The actor is excited about exploring new dimensions of the character. "We just started, but I think we’re going to have the opportunity to explore elements of these characters that provide even more good tales, ground us in the belief of who and why they are. The script is really dialed in, and obviously the intent is to advance the storytelling into new spaces," he explains.
Indie Films and Collaborations
2021 is shaping up to be a busy year for Jeffrey Wright, with several indie films on the horizon. Among them is Wes Anderson's The French Dispatch, which is set to release on July 24. Jeffrey is also thrilled about All Day and a Night, written by Black Panther scribe Joe Robert Cole, which will soon be available on Netflix. "I’m really pleased with them," he says, reflecting on the diverse projects he's involved in.
A Broadway Legend: Jeffrey Wright's Journey
Jeffrey Wright's success on Broadway speaks volumes about his talent and dedication. Winning a Tony for his debut in Angels in America, followed by an Emmy and Golden Globe for the HBO adaptation, underscores the brilliance of Tony Kushner's writing. "It’s the seminal English-language play of the last 50 years—I don’t think there’s much debate about that," Jeffrey asserts. "We were still in the midst of a rampant AIDS crisis, particularly in the theater community. So it had a poignancy and an urgency to it that is rare in art." Unfortunately, its relevance remains strong today as we grapple with a politics of cruelty and a lack of compassion.
Parallel Careers: Big Franchises and Indie Films
Jeffrey Wright has carved out a unique career path, balancing big franchises with indie films and plays. "Whatever they throw my way!" he jokes. However, his approach is more thoughtful. "If I read a script that’s compelling, I’m not concerned about what the budget is… although that changes after you have kids, because they tend to eat multiple times a day and things like that," he adds with a laugh. "But I’ve worked not to be pigeonholed, so I’ll work on [2018’s] O.G. in a maximum-security prison alongside men who are incarcerated, being paid scale. And a week prior, I was working on Westworld in LA. It’s just the way that I live my life," he concludes.
Comedy: A New Challenge
Though known for his serious roles, Jeffrey Wright has a soft spot for comedy. "I would like to do more comedies," he admits. "I did Game Night—that was fun, but as they say, dying is easy, comedy is hard. I was more stressed out on that set than any other I’ve been on because comedy don’t come easy!"
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Growing Up in D.C.
Jeffrey Wright's childhood in Washington, D.C., during the
