The cast of the popular British sitcom "The Inbetweeners" has spoken openly about the lasting impact the show has had on their careers and personal lives, including significant health challenges and struggles with typecasting.
James Buckley, who played the character Jay Cartwright, recently revealed a diagnosis of a genetic disease that puts him at high risk for cardiovascular incidents. This diagnosis followed a health check after his wife experienced severe dehydration. Buckley's condition is linked to high Lipoprotein(a), a type of inherited blood cholesterol that can accelerate plaque buildup in arteries and increase the risk of blood clotting. He has since adjusted his lifestyle, giving up drinking and reducing takeaway meals. Buckley also expressed concern that his two sons may have inherited the condition. Despite these health issues, Buckley has found considerable success on the platform Cameo, becoming a millionaire by offering personalized video messages to fans.
Joe Thomas, who portrayed Simon Cooper, previously shared his experiences with crippling Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and a breakdown during his time on the show. Thomas described immense pressure during filming, exacerbated by his OCD, which caused him to worry excessively about minor details like making noise with his chair. He recalled a therapist on set mistaking his struggles for a prank. Thomas also noted the pressure to constantly be funny, even during non-speaking moments, which intensified his anxiety. He expressed gratitude for the show's creator, Ian Morris, who showed understanding during his episodes of stress-induced physical tics.
Simon Bird, who played Will McKenzie, has been vocal about the difficulty of escaping the shadow of his "Inbetweeners" character. He stated in a 2021 interview that his career hinges on moving beyond the role of Will. Bird acknowledged that the show's success, particularly the film spin-offs, did not lead to the anticipated new opportunities because of the strong association with his comedic persona. He noted that the lack of comedy productions in the UK limits chances for actors typecast in such roles. Bird has since shifted focus behind the camera, working in producing and directing, and has taken roles in other projects like "Friday Night Dinner." He continues to be recognized for his "Inbetweeners" character, sometimes to the point of not recalling the specific scenes himself.
Blake Harrison, who played Neil Sutherland, also discussed the challenge of breaking free from the stereotype of playing "dumb guys in comedy." He explained that his early success with "The Inbetweeners" led to many offers that would have perpetuated this image, forcing him to turn them down to pursue more diverse roles. Harrison expressed a desire to showcase his range beyond comedic characters, drawing from his theatre and drama school background. He also touched upon the mental health toll of industry rejection, describing difficult periods after numerous auditions without success.
The late actor Anthony Head, who played Mr. McKenzie, Will's father, passed away in June at age 72 due to complications from pneumonia. His daughter, Emily Head, also appeared in "The Inbetweeners" as Simon's crush, Carli D'Amato. Head's death occurred six months after the passing of his partner, Sarah Fisher.