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“I’ve never been that guy”: the movies that made Taron Egerton feel like an “imposter”
Taron Egerton says he has often felt like an “imposter” in the action-hero world of the Kingsman films, despite playing spy Eggsy in two instalments. He describes himself as someone more naturally drawn to theatre and musical roles, a contrast that helps explain the range of parts he has pursued.
Egerton studied at RADA and was cast in Kingsman: The Secret Service after a lengthy audition involving action and dramatic scenes, roughly a year after leaving drama school. He later reprised the role in 2017, while saying he felt more at home playing Elton John in Rocketman; his other credits include Eddie the Eagle and the Sing films. He has also taken on criminal and comic roles, including in Billionaire Boys Club and the forthcoming Everybody Wants to Fuck Me.
In short
- Egerton felt out of place as Kingsman’s action hero.
- He says theatre and musicals feel closer to his roots.
- His roles have ranged from Elton John to a singing gorilla.
Explained simply
Taron Egerton is a Welsh actor who trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, a London drama school. Early in his career, he was cast as Eggsy, a young spy, in Kingsman: The Secret Service, an action comedy about a secret British intelligence organisation.
The Kingsman films made Egerton known for a polished action-hero role, while his other work has included playing singer Elton John in Rocketman, competing as skier Eddie “the Eagle” Edwards, and voicing a character in the Sing films. His comments about feeling more suited to theatre and musicals help explain why his roles have ranged from spies to performers and comic or criminal characters.