As a fan of “Game of Thrones,” it was difficult for me to contain my excitement when I secured an interview with Conleth Hill.
The 57-year-old actor, a veteran of theatre, film, and television, is most known for his scheming character of Lord Varys, a eunuch who played a major role in the struggle for the throne of the seven kingdoms, from 2011 to 2019 on the critically-acclaimed fantasy series “Game of Thrones.”
Certainly, it was not a simple task. However, because my conversation with Hill was so intriguing, I didn’t have to worry about that.
Hill’s most recent appearance is in BritBox’s “Holding,” a crime drama based on talk show presenter Graham Norton’s debut novel.
Interestingly, Norton gets a vocal part as a radio DJ in the show.
Hill, on the other hand, portrays a pudgy Irish country police officer. Cast as Sergeant PJ Collins, he has coasted through his career by bingeing on comfort food and performing his duties without job.
Despite being a gentleman, he is not a part of the community.
However, he is compelled to step up when the body of local legend Tommy Burke is uncovered. Soon, PJ is pushed into a foreign environment where he must locate the criminal.
In doing so, he establishes a new relationship with the community while unearthing long-buried secrets.
Before discussing his character, Hill illuminated, so to speak, the fandom surrounding his character.
He stated, “It’s strange, it was a life-altering event and an incredible job. But like you say, it was a job, and the most important job is the one you are currently working on. As brilliant and transformative as it was, it is now over. It has been concluded for years. I also loved it. I loved every aspect of it.
In ‘Holding,’ Conleth Hill portrays PJ Collins as PJ Collins. Picture: Supplied
“That is exactly what occurs. As significant as a job may be while you are performing it, it eventually concludes and you move on. Regarding the celebrity aspect, it was not a problem, and I was not tortured. I was quite fortunate.”
As a result of the production slump caused by Covid-19 for over two years, the entertainment sector across the globe is currently moving forward at full speed. Hill disclosed, “I think the initial lockdown was terrifying for everyone.” The entertainment industry, such as film and television, was once considered a frontline job. I was quite proud that my profession continued.
“During the two years of lockdown, I was quite busy, including the production of ‘Holding’.”
“Well, I think anything I play is going to be different to Varys because there aren’t too many recurrent jobs for balding eunuchs in an alternate reality,” he said with a chuckle as he assumed the persona of a character who is diametrically opposed to one he has previously portrayed.
He continued, “I do not make any major decisions. As you notice early on, PJ has an overeating habit caused on by anxiety or any type of crisis, this is all that is required. So it leads him to be heavier than I am, but outfits account for this.
“I honestly think that everyone around me does the hard work for me, which makes my job easier. But it is not a significant choice. I think that the script supports it.
Peter Dinklage portrayed Tyrion Lannister in the sixth season of Game of Thrones, while Conleth Hill portrayed Varys.
“I wanted to pursue this project for a number of reasons, including the brilliant ensemble I work with and the script written by Dominic Treadwell-Collins and Karen Cogandominique, based on the brilliant novel by Graham Norton.
“As a director, Kathy Burke was an obvious choice. It was a case of “where do I sign?”
Hill was excited to collaborate with Brenda Fricker.
“Oh course, working with Brenda Fricker was a dream come true,” he said. I’ve worked with Charlene McKenna a few times since I was a teenager, and I consider her to have a phenomenal on-screen presence.
Regarding the appeal of the series, he stated, “I think, as with all front-line shows, there are twists and turns, and if we’re doing our jobs, you won’t know who the murderer is. I appreciate that it wasn’t extremely physical or violent. PJ is merely an ordinary guard who is slogging through this enigma.”
As for the roles that pique his interest, Hills has already played them all. A few years after graduating from drama school, he admitted, “I’ve been very lucky to work with brilliant writers in theatre, television, and film, and I consider my career a success simply because I work, not because I am rich or famous. I’ve enjoyed working for nearly 35 years. My main objective is to perform beautiful work for beautiful people for beautiful money.”
BritBox is streaming “Holding.”