Actor Chris O'Dowd vividly recalls the night he and his wife returned home after catching a sneak preview of Bridesmaids. In the film, Chris plays Patrol Officer Nathan Rhodes, the charming character who helps Kristen Wiig’s unlucky-in-love Annie Walker find a fresh perspective on life and love. “We were on a bus in London heading home, and my wife was unusually quiet,” Chris, now 43, shared with Closer during the TCA Winter Press Tour. “She finally said, ‘I just can’t believe it.’ I asked her what she meant, and she replied, ‘That’s the best film I’ve ever seen — and you’re in it!’ She was absolutely thrilled.” And she wasn’t wrong—Bridesmaids went on to become a massive sleeper hit in 2011.
Bridesmaids was the movie that truly introduced Chris to American audiences, but his career has been steadily growing since his breakout role in the BBC comedy The IT Crowd, which aired for five seasons starting in 2006. Over the years, Chris has juggled films, theater, and television with ease. His latest project? The comedy series The Big Door Prize, set to premiere on Apple TV+ this spring.
From Small Town Ireland to the Big Screen
Did Acting Cross Your Mind Growing Up in Boyle, Ireland?
When asked if he always dreamed of becoming an actor, Chris admitted, “Not at all. I did a school musical once—sang a couple of songs in Grease. I remember the rush of being backstage before going on. At the time, I thought it was just nerves, but it was more than that—it was energy, pure energy. That feeling stuck with me. But when I went to university, I had no intention of pursuing acting. I was aiming to become a political speechwriter. Funny how life works out, though. I ended up doing some theater and quickly became obsessed with it.”
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The Thrill of Performing: A Familiar Rush
Chris compares the adrenaline rush of performing to his days as a Gaelic football goalkeeper. “I was a big football guy—played Gaelic football, which is kind of like rugby but only played in Ireland. I was the goalkeeper, and I remember the same sensation on stage as I felt during games—time seemed to slow down just a little. It’s an incredible feeling, one that stays with you long after the final whistle or curtain call.”
Family Support: The Backbone of Success
“My family wasn’t full of actors, but they were definitely creative. My dad was a sign writer who dreamed of being an artist, but he had to support a family. Two of my older sisters went to art school, so pursuing the arts wasn’t completely unexpected. They were supportive, even if they weren’t sure it would work out. When I got into drama school, which was tough to do, I saw it as a sign. As the youngest of five, maybe they thought, ‘Well, it’s not our problem anymore.’”
When Did You Realize You Were Funny?
“Honestly? When I realized those were the only roles I was getting! But you know what? I started taking those roles and really enjoying them. Comedy is such a gift—it connects with people in a way nothing else can.”
The Journey to Stardom
What Was Your Big Break?
“The IT Crowd was huge for me. It allowed me to quit my side jobs in bars and construction and focus fully on acting. And then Bridesmaids came along and opened doors to a whole new audience. It was a game-changer.”
Memories from the Set of Bridesmaids
“One of my favorite parts of filming Bridesmaids was sitting in the cop car with Kristen for hours, just improvising. We had so much freedom, and there were entire days dedicated to improv. The laughter on set was contagious—it was such a fun, talented group of people.”
Looking Ahead: The Big Door Prize
What Would the Machine Say About You?
“If there was a machine that could tell me my true potential, I’d hope it would say I could become the world’s oldest professional athlete. That’d give me something to strive for!”
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Why Dusty Resonated with You
“I’ve played a lot of characters who are essentially man-children—charming but not quite grown-ups. Dusty is different. He’s more in line with where I am mentally—approaching midlife with a healthy dose of fear. He starts off happy, but as the story unfolds, that happiness diminishes. It’s an intriguing character arc.”
Sacrifices for the Sake of Success
“Emigrating twice—first to London, then to Los Angeles—was the biggest sacrifice. Leaving family and friends behind is tough. You miss them, but sometimes you have to make those choices to grow.”
Home and Family
Where Is Home for You?
“Home will always be Ireland. We’re here for the school term, then split our time between London and Ireland. It’s a balance, but it works for us.”
The Secret to a Happy Marriage
“My wife, Dawn O’Porter, and I have complementary careers. When we have downtime, it’s genuine downtime. And our kids—they’re the center of everything. Watching them explore the world is one of the greatest joys.”
