🧟‍♂️ Lennie James: Acting, Adventure & Finding Home

This week Clara is joined by BAFTA-winning actor and all-around legend Lennie James. You’ve seen him as Morgan Jones in The Walking Dead, DCI Tony Gates in Line of Duty, and even heard his voice in Mufasa: The Lion King. Now, he’s here to take us on a journey through his life, career, and the places that shaped him.From his Nottingham roots to growing up in London, Lennie reflects on his past, reconnecting with his birthplace, and the moments that shaped him.He shares stories of childhood adventures in Great Yarmouth, the unexpected path that led him to acting, and his first big purchases—a leather jacket and a saxophone. His career has taken him around the world, from Dominica to Budapest, with The Walking Dead changing everything. Recognition has come in unusual places, including a Vatican guard who mistook him for a trespasser before realising who he was.Lennie also opens up about his powerful role in Mr. Loverman, the overwhelming audience reaction, and why telling bold, challenging stories matters. With his next project, Mayor of Kingstown, on the way, he’s still pushing boundaries and seeking new adventures.Discover The Best Places to Visit in The UK by Train with LNERChapter Markers:1:00 - Lennie’s Career Highlights: Discussing his well-known roles in Line of Duty, The Walking Dead, and Mr. Loverman.2:00 - Creative Fulfilment & Life After The Walking Dead: Lennie talks about embracing new challenges and career transitions.2:40 - Journey to Nottingham: Lennie reflects on his birthplace, reconnecting with his roots, and his desire to know more about Nottingham.4:00 - Family History & Windrush Generation: How Lennie’s mother moved from Trinidad to England and the family's transition to London.5:00 - Growing Up & Early Memories: Lennie shares childhood stories, including his lack of memory of Nottingham and early life experiences in London.8:00 - Great Yarmouth & The Police Officer Connection: A chance childhood encounter with a police officer leads to lifelong friendships and summers spent in Great Yarmouth.10:00 - Life in a Children's Home & Finding Stability: Lennie talks about growing up in care and how it shaped his life.13:40 - Becoming an Ambassador for Barnardo’s: His motivation for working with Barnardo’s and advocating for children in care.16:00 - Entering Acting & Early Career: How Lennie transitioned from writing to acting, his time at drama school, and his first acting job.23:00 - First Paycheck Splurge: Lennie’s first big purchase: a leather jacket and a saxophone.25:00 - Travel Essentials & Packing Tips: Hot pepper sauce, skin lotion, and the art of efficient packing.27:00 - Filming in Dominica & Family Life: Early filming experiences and the impact of bringing his newborn daughter to the Caribbean.34:40 - Being Recognised in Unexpected Places: A Vatican guard recognises Lennie while he’s lost in a restricted corridor.38:00 - The Impact of The Walking Dead: Navigating fan culture, conventions, and the unique experience of being part of such a global phenomenon.44:20 - Mayor of Kingstown & New Roles: How Lennie landed a role in Mayor of Kingstown and his excitement for new projects.47:00 - Mr. Loverman & Representation in Storytelling: Taking on the role of Barrington Walker and tackling taboos in the Black community.50:00 - The Power of Representation & Audience Reactions: Emotional responses from fans and the importance of telling diverse stories.51:20 - What’s Next for Lennie James: Exciting future projects and personal passions, including an upcoming film.