Jack Lowden: I may be a Bafta Rising Star nominee, but I’m never recognised

He has starred in blockbuster movies including Mary Queen of Scots and Dunkirk — but Jack Lowden said he is still “never recognised” in public.

That may soon change, however, after the 29-year-old actor was this week nominated for the EE Bafta Rising Star award. Previous winners include James McAvoy, John Boyega and Letitia Wright.

Asked about his growing profile, War And Peace star Lowden said: “I don’t get recognised at all. No, no, the only person who recognises me is myself, when I walk past the mirror.

“I haven’t noticed a change [in my life] at all, not at all.”

Nominee: Lowden has previously appeared in Mary Queen of Scots and Fighting With My Family (Isabel Infantes/PA Wire)

The Scottish actor, who has starred in West End plays including Chariots Of Fire and Ibsen’s Ghosts, said he was “desperate” to get back on stage soon. 

He said: “It really is the actors’ medium. Film, while fantastic, it isn’t your medium at all. You are part of a much bigger cog. With the stage it is in your hands every night. You could do anything, it is up to you. That is why I do yearn for it.”

Last year he appeared alongside Florence Pugh and Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson in comedy film Fighting With My Family, which became a surprise hit. The film, written and directed by Stephen Merchant, is based on the true story of a young female wrestler — played by Pugh — trying to make it in the world of WWE.

Lowden said working with his “hero” Merchant had inspired him to do more comedy. “I found him one of the best directors I ever worked with,” he said. “He is also a very good actor, and he is fearless. I just was amazed at how brilliant he was.”

He added: “I grew up watching comedy and I want to do more of it. I haven’t done much, I have done lots of more serious things. I would love to do more, do the harder roles on stage.”  

The winner of the EE Bafta Rising Star award, chosen by the public, will be announced on February 2