Gary Oldman is currently in a positive place in his life and career. This is significant for an actor whose early trajectory was marked by tumult, both on and off-screen.

Oldman, born in 1958 in New Cross, South London, initially made his mark in British theater before achieving fame in the 1980s with audacious portrayals of troubled characters, such as punk legend Sid Vicious in Sid and Nancy (1986) and murdered playwright Joe Orton in Prick Up Your Ears (1987).

By the mid-1990s, Oldman gained a reputation as Hollywood’s foremost psycho, reflecting his uncanny ability to embody feral roles in films like Léon: The Professional, The Fifth Element, and True Romance. Harrison Ford even nicknamed him “Scary Gary” during a project together.

Despite this successful streak, Oldman recognized the risk of typecasting himself. “I put myself out of work,” he confided when referring to his decision to redefine his career.

His calculated risks paid off. A revitalization in his late career saw him transition into roles showcasing restraint and depth, such as Sirius Black in the Harry Potter series and police commissioner Jim Gordon in Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy. These performances emphasized his screen presence without relying on explosive antics, a shift aided by his sobriety. Now 28 years sober, Oldman reflects on his past battles with alcohol, revealing, “I used to sweat vodka.”

His role in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy earned him his first Oscar nomination. He described it as very exposing: “There was no hiding.” Following that, his portrayal of Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour (2017) finally brought him the coveted Academy Award, while portraying Herman J. Mankiewicz in Mank (2020) led to another nomination.

However, it is his current role in Slow Horses, where he plays the eccentric MI5 misfit Jackson Lamb, that stands as his most comprehensive work to date. In this acclaimed Apple TV+ series, nominated for five Emmys, Oldman blends aspects of ferocity, humor, and paternal qualities.

Recently knighted by King Charles in June, Sir Gary Oldman shared insights on his career with The Hollywood Reporter, reflecting on sobriety, career evolution, and the joy of portraying the lovable rogue Jackson Lamb.

Discuss your upbringing. How has it shaped your artistic output?

Well, the craft stems from life experiences. I’m not playing instruments; I am the instrument. You draw on your own history. Coming from a working-class family, my upbringing wasn’t wealthy, but I felt cared for. My mother worked multiple jobs to support us.

While it may sound cliché, acting was an escape route into new possibilities. My mother was my biggest supporter, and there was no pressure to pursue a more conventional occupation.

It was a precarious career choice with little security, but I relied on my work ethic and a fortunate streak of luck. Overall, I have had the usual peaks and valleys of any career, but sustained work in acting is quite extraordinary.

What was your pivotal breakthrough moment?

Early on, I made a name in theater, comfortably immersed in that realm. It wasn’t until I did Sid and Nancy that things changed. I transitioned between theater and film, often performing plays after a film. After Sid and Nancy came Women Beware Women and then Prick Up Your Ears, showcasing my versatility through two distinct character portrayals.

You’ve had a series of iconic villain roles in films like Dracula, The Professional, and Air Force One. Did you consciously pivot away from that archetype?

There was indeed a phase where I felt trapped in the “rent-a-villain” label. Breaking that mold was necessary, forcing me to decline roles that reinforced that stereotype. I opted to wait for opportunities that would stretch me beyond that villainous persona.

Being part of blockbuster franchises, such as the Harry Potter and Batman series, provided exposure, enriching my later roles like Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, where those blockbuster ties circled back to breathe new life into my career.

How did you land the role of James Gordon in Batman Begins, a departure from your usual type?

Initially, I was approached for a villain role, potentially Scarecrow, which I declined. Eventually, with Doug Urban’s suggestion, I explored the idea of playing Jim Gordon, which intrigued director Christopher Nolan and shifted the narrative.

Were you once a contender for the lead role in Edward Scissorhands?

Yes, I was considered in the late 1980s, and my agent supported that I had a solid chance. After reading the quirky script, however, it simply didn’t resonate with me at the time. I didn’t grasp the concept.

Fast forward to the film’s release; I distinctly remember watching it and realizing my mistake almost instantly, feeling enlightened during the opening scenes.

What role posed the greatest challenge for you to prepare?

Each role carries its challenges. Notably, portraying George Smiley in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy was particularly daunting as it required intense internal restraint. Following the iconic performance of Sir Alec Guinness added further pressure and left me feeling exposed without the usual external embellishments.

Have your struggles with addiction impacted your work?

Absolutely. I wouldn’t be here without overcoming that chapter in my life. Achieving 28 years of sobriety profoundly changed my perspective.

Many iconic figures in literature and art struggled similarly; there’s a tendency to glorify that lifestyle, yet it spiraled beyond my control as merely a norm.

With clarity comes a better quality of life. Had I continued without getting sober, I would have likely faced dire consequences.

Reflecting on the late David Bowie, a friend, what lessons did his friendship impart?

David taught me to take creative risks. He encouraged venturing into uncharted waters. Our shared backgrounds fostered a unique bond, and his transformative abilities in artistry were inspiring, leaving a notable void since his passing.

Your portrayal of Jackson Lamb in Slow Horses showcases your sense of humor, a side less visible in past roles.

Humor exists within me, but few have seen it, often attributed to the serious nature of my roles. Jackson Lamb is a joy to portray, crossing lines with humor and rebellion.

Though socially awkward, he exudes loyalty toward his team, akin to a family, and despite his crassness, there’s an intrinsic moral compass that resonates with audiences.

What has your experience been like in episodic television?

I find it enjoyable. Revisiting established characters like Lamb allows for a connection without the conventional dramatic arcs. The character remains consistent, akin to a chess player while others are merely responding.

The intricate writing of Slow Horses is a delightful blend of humor within the spy genre rather than the conventional high-glamour narrative.

Working with the team feels like a familial reunion each time we begin a new season, making the experience all the more rewarding.

This story appeared in the Aug. 13 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.