Gary Oldman: Matt LeBlanc Landed Me My Emmy Nod!

Gary Oldman shared that his appearance on the popular sitcom Friends was facilitated by his friend, actor Matt LeBlanc. The pair first connected while filming the 1998 science fiction movie, Lost in Space. This friendship led to LeBlanc extending an invitation for Oldman to play the character Richard Crosby in a two-episode arc in 2001, a role that earned Oldman an Emmy nomination.

Oldman expressed his enjoyment of the sitcom production process, noting the efficient weekly schedule of table reads, rewrites, blocking, and live audience filming. He also lauded the ensemble cast of Friends, which included Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, and the late Matthew Perry. Oldman observed their technical rehearsals as exceptionally natural and effortless, akin to breathing, highlighting it as a wonderful behind-the-scenes experience.

While this Friends role brought Oldman his first Emmy nomination, he has since received multiple nominations for his work on the Apple TV+ series Slow Horses. He is set to contend for another Emmy for his lead role in the drama series, which is currently airing its sixth season. Oldman's extensive career also includes portraying Sirius Black in the Harry Potter film franchise and earning Oscar nominations for his performances in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and Mank.