Brett Goldstein's Early Career Included Bizarre Comedy Series and Struggles with Depression

British actor Brett Goldstein, 46, recently garnered attention for his appearance at a Los Angeles party with Jennifer Lopez, 57, fueling speculation that the pair are casually dating after starring together in the romantic comedy "Office Romance." However, a look back at Goldstein's career reveals a period where he had nearly abandoned his acting aspirations.

In 2020, Goldstein landed the role of Roy Kent in the Apple TV series "Ted Lasso," a role that earned him two consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. The show, which centers on an American football coach managing a Premier League club in London, became a global hit during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Simultaneously, Goldstein was involved in a less conventional project: a comedy web series titled "Lone Island." Created by his then-girlfriend Beth Rylance, the "Love Island" spoof featured Goldstein as Bradley Pee from Peckham, who engaged in mock "dates" with inanimate objects. During the COVID-19 lockdown, Goldstein filmed ten short episodes where his character was paired with a houseplant and a muppet-style football. The series finale, posted on August 3, 2020, depicted a "sex party challenge" and concluded with Bradley Pee reflecting on his experiences. The show wrapped just 11 days before "Ted Lasso" premiered.

Rylance shared the "Lone Island" episodes on her Instagram account. At the time, she and Goldstein were quarantined together in their South East London flat. Their relationship became more public in September 2021 when Goldstein, accepting an Emmy, thanked Rylance. However, the couple reportedly separated in August 2022, with a source citing their demanding careers as a reason for the split.

Goldstein's path to widespread recognition was marked by significant professional struggles. He has spoken about battling depression and facing numerous rejections throughout the 2010s. He recounted his efforts to break into Hollywood, including three unsuccessful trips to Los Angeles for pilot seasons, which led him to believe he had "missed my window."

Seeking a more positive outlook, Goldstein began therapy and practiced gratitude journaling, listing ten things he was grateful for daily. This practice helped him shift his focus from the pursuit of fame to maintaining a positive mindset, a change he described as transformative despite acknowledging he still experiences "dark days."

The turning point came with a pilot for a comedy show developed by producer Bill Lawrence in 2017. Although that project did not move forward, Lawrence stayed in touch. In 2019, Lawrence contacted Goldstein, believing he would be a perfect fit as a writer for his new series, "Ted Lasso." After a conversation with star Jason Sudeikis, Goldstein was hired and moved to Los Angeles. He also submitted a secret audition tape for the role of Roy Kent, drawing on his understanding of the challenges faced by retired professional footballers. His portrayal of the aging, gruff player resonated deeply with the production team.

Goldstein's career has also expanded to include a role as Hercules in Marvel's "Thor: Love and Thunder." He has maintained a rigorous fitness regimen, appearing on the cover of Men's Health magazine, and has co-created series such as "Soulmates" and "Shrinking."