James McAvoy Recalls Being Bullied on 'Band of Brothers' Set
The actor detailed an uncomfortable experience on his first day as a professional actor.
James McAvoy has shared an account of being bullied by a co-star on the set of "Band of Brothers" during his first day as a professional actor. The incident occurred in 2001 when McAvoy, then 22, appeared in a single episode of the acclaimed American war drama miniseries.
Appearing on "Watch What Happens Live" with Andy Cohen, McAvoy was asked about his early career roles. When a still image from "Band of Brothers" was shown, the actor recalled the challenging welcome he received. He explained that tension arose because he had a more substantial role with numerous lines for his one-episode appearance, while other actors who had been with the production for months typically had only a single line.
"And so, one of the guys in that picture decided to bully me on my first day as a professional actor out of acting school," McAvoy stated. He described how the actor, whom he did not name, allegedly "got his buddies to stand, point and laugh at me for like, three minutes."
McAvoy did, however, mention that actors David Schwimmer, Dexter Fletcher, and Robin Laing were not involved in the incident. He specifically noted that Fletcher and Laing were supportive, telling him, "come hang with us man."
In "Band of Brothers," McAvoy portrayed Private First Class James W. Miller, a real soldier who was part of the Easy Company. His character was featured prominently in the episode before being killed in action in the Netherlands in September 1944 at the age of 20.