Imelda Staunton, known for her roles in the Harry Potter series and The Crown, is set to star in the forthcoming film & Sons, a project that has prompted her to think deeply about contemporary identity struggles. In a wide-ranging conversation, the veteran actor observed that younger people are caught in a bind: they are told to 'be yourself' yet feel immense pressure to 'look like everyone else.'
Staunton, who has built a career on character work rather than celebrity, said the craft of acting offers a unique privilege—the ability to explore different lives and emotions without losing one's core. She contrasted this with the performative nature of social media, where authenticity is often curated.
Central to Staunton's life and work is her 40-year relationship with Jim Carter, best known for playing Mr. Carson in Downton Abbey. The couple, who married in 1983, have supported each other through decades of stage and screen work. Staunton said their partnership has been grounded in mutual respect and a shared dedication to the art, rather than the trappings of fame.
& Sons is expected to offer a nuanced portrayal of family dynamics, a theme that resonates with Staunton's observations about identity and belonging. The film is directed by acclaimed filmmaker and will be released later this year.
Despite her celebrated status—including Olivier Awards and an OBE—Staunton said she has never been one to chase celebrity. 'I've always wanted to be part of the story, not the story itself,' she said. That philosophy, she noted, is increasingly rare in an era dominated by influencers and personal branding.
Her comments come at a time when public discourse around mental health and social media pressure is intensifying. Critics of celebrity culture often point to the gap between the curated lives of public figures and the reality faced by ordinary people. Staunton's reflections offer a perspective rooted in decades of experience, acknowledging the complexity of trying to be oneself in a world that constantly demands comparison.