Jack Lowden of Slow Horses discusses playing an alcoholic and working with his new wife, Saoirse Ronan

Jack Lowden, a 34-year-old actor, may have been born in England, but his heart and career belong to Scotland. Raised in Scotland from a young age, Lowden’s passion for acting was ignited when he joined the Scottish Youth Theatre at 19. His talent was quickly recognized, landing him his first major role as the lead in the National Theatre of Scotland’s revival of Black Watch in 2010, which earned him critical acclaim.

Since then, Lowden has continued to make waves in the acting world, winning an Olivier award for his role in Ghosts and starring in various screen projects, including War and Peace, Benediction, and Mary Queen of Scots. It was on the set of Mary Queen of Scots that Lowden met his now-wife, Saoirse Ronan, a four-time Oscar-nominated Irish actor. The couple recently tied the knot in Edinburgh and have even collaborated on producing a screen adaptation of Amy Liptrot’s memoir, The Outrun.

Despite his success in film and television, Lowden is returning to his roots with a role in The Fifth Step at the National Theatre of Scotland. The play, written by David Ireland, explores themes of alcoholism and sobriety, a subject that Lowden finds intriguing. He believes that AA not only helps individuals overcome addiction but also allows them to become skilled storytellers, delving into deeper issues such as shame.

In a recent interview, Lowden shared insights into his personal life and career. He revealed his admiration for Frank Sinatra and his love for rhythm in both music and acting. Growing up in the Scottish Borders, Lowden was involved in the vibrant amateur dramatics scene, which helped shape his passion for musical theatre.

In addition to his acting career, Lowden has ventured into producing films, with The Outrun being a standout project for him and Ronan. Despite the challenges of independent filmmaking, Lowden found the experience rewarding and hopes to produce more projects in the future.

When asked about being married to another actor, Lowden expressed gratitude for the understanding and support he receives from Ronan. He values their shared experiences in the industry and believes it strengthens their relationship. As for his roles as soldiers in various projects, Lowden acknowledges the industry’s fascination with war narratives but seeks diversity in his roles to avoid being typecast.

Outside of acting, Lowden finds relaxation in history-related activities, such as reading about the Medici family in Florence. Despite being born in England, Lowden considers himself 100% Scottish, attributing his upbringing and career to his Scottish roots.

As Lowden continues to captivate audiences with his performances on stage and screen, his dedication to storytelling and exploration of complex themes set him apart as a versatile and talented actor. His upcoming projects, including The Fifth Step and The Outrun, promise to showcase his range and depth as an artist.