Podcast Summary

All Of It – "Ted Lasso" Star Phil Dunster on Jamie Tartt's Redemption Arc (Watch Party)

Host: Alison Stewart (WNYC)
Guest: Phil Dunster
Airdate: December 29, 2023

Episode Overview

This episode features an in-depth conversation between host Alison Stewart and actor Phil Dunster, best known for his Emmy-nominated role as Jamie Tartt on the hit series Ted Lasso. The episode dives into Jamie Tartt’s growth and redemption throughout the show’s run, Dunster’s approach to the character, behind-the-scenes insights, and listener interaction reflecting Ted Lasso’s cultural impact.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Life Before Jamie Tartt (03:17)

• Dunster's background at casting: He recalls a slow-paced life before landing the role, involving "playing volleyball and sweating a lot in the local park."
• Audition anecdote: Originally auditioned with a Spanish accent, which was requested but ultimately discarded:

  "He was originally called Danny Rojas...they weren't quite sure where they wanted the character to go." (03:57)

2. Constructing Jamie's Mancunian Persona (04:35)

• Why a Mancunian accent?: English footballers often hail from the North, and Dunster’s agent from Manchester influenced the decision:

  "Jamie’s a very sassy boy...there's a muscularity to the accent that I really love." (04:39)
  He drew inspiration from the Gallagher brothers (Oasis), rapper Aitch, and footballers Marcus Rashford & Jesse Lingard.

3. Jamie Tartt’s Initial Archetype (06:02)

• Where was Jamie coming from?: Raised as a prodigy, Dunster explains the psychological impact of constant praise on young athletes:

  “They're told that they’re special...that can play with somebody’s mind.” (06:25)
  Dunster stresses the importance for an actor to "justify all the things that make this person mean or reprehensible."

4. The Redemption Arc & Creative Process (07:56)

• Evolution, not a blueprint:

  “Little by little, it was something that Jason [Sudeikis] was sort of…he would sit with each actor...give them some insight into what might be coming along.” (08:08)
  Dunster highlights the show’s collaborative approach and the lack of a strict roadmap for character arcs.

5. Mastering the Accent & Listener Feedback (09:18)

• Public reaction:

  "So shocked to hear Phil speak in real life with his posh accent...Manchester accent on Ted Lasso is brilliant." (Listener Tweet, 09:18)
  Dunster is humble about being praised for his accent and football skills.

6. Jamie’s Style – The "Lewks" (11:08)

• On Jamie’s iconic look:
  Dunster credits costume designer Jackie Levy and makeup artist Nikki Austin for the collaborative process.

  “There’s quite a garish sense of style...footballers are kind of like modern day gladiators. I really liked that he didn’t care what other people thought.” (11:08)
  Reflects personal wish fulfillment: “I never got to have frosted tips when I was younger. So it’s just an opportunity to do that.” (12:39)

7. Would Phil Be Friends With Jamie? (13:29)

• From a young fan: Estelle (13, Manhattan) asks if Dunster would be friends with Jamie Tartt.

  "I don't know if I would because I think he's too cool...But I think he has a lot of honest traits. He becomes a fairly nice guy in the end." (13:29)

8. The Series Finale: Cast Camaraderie & Farewells (14:44)

• On saying goodbye:

  “The feeling is one of…it’s like finishing school. What a wonderful thing to look back on. Nobody knows if it’s the end…but it feels like the end of a chapter.” (15:28)
  Praises Taheeb Jimoh (Sam Obisanya) for keeping spirits high with games and banter.

9. Jamie and His Father: Reconciliation and Trauma (17:47)

• Fan reflection: Jackie from the Bronx is moved by the reconciliation scene.
• On trauma and growth:

  “It’s not necessarily that it’s all good again, but… it’s the opportunity to be kind, the opportunity to be better.” (17:49)
  Dunster on exploring Jamie’s trauma:
  “I wanted to know how much work he had done himself on it…was it anger, or sadness, or was it self-loathing?...There was a lot of confusion.” (18:26)
  Collaborated closely with Jason Sudeikis on these nuances.

10. Jamie & Roy: From Bromance to Romance (20:06)

• Asked about the friendship/romance:

  "No. Bromance. It's straight up romance." (20:20)
  Playful and direct, showing the depth of the on-screen relationship.

11. What’s Next for Phil Dunster? (20:32)

• Future roles:
  Dunster is filming season two of Apple TV’s Surface, describing the new challenge and excitement:

  “It’s really lovely to play someone else…it’s hard because it was lovely playing a character for three years...but we’ll see how it goes.” (20:36)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Jamie’s evolution:

  "You need to be the biggest defender of your character to be able to justify all of the things that make this person mean or reprehensible." — Phil Dunster (06:37)

• On the Mancunian accent:

  "There's a really great attitude...it lent itself really well to where Jamie Tartt was at the time of casting." — Phil Dunster (05:16)

• On Jamie’s look:

  “The style comes out of…like modern day jewelry. It's, you know, like through the colors and through the branding.” — Phil Dunster (12:00)

• Fan affection:

  "I loved how your character was so hateable but also lovable…Thank you for sharing your talents and for representing the Northern football board blokes." — Liz from Brooklyn (10:31)

• On cast camaraderie:

  “It's hard enough to make anything and to make three of something is... a really cool thing. So proud.” — Phil Dunster (16:38)

• On Jamie’s growth:

  “It’s the opportunity to be kind. It’s the opportunity to be better.” — Phil Dunster (17:49)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:17] – Life before Ted Lasso & the casting process
• [04:35] – How the Mancunian accent was chosen and developed
• [06:02] – Dissecting Jamie’s early persona
• [07:56] – The organic evolution of Jamie’s arc
• [09:18] – Fan reactions to Dunster’s real accent
• [11:08] – Jamie Tartt’s distinctive "lewks"
• [13:29] – Would Phil be friends with Jamie?
• [14:44] – The final day on set & cast camaraderie
• [17:47] – Jamie’s reconciliation with his father and exploring trauma
• [20:06] – Jamie and Roy’s relationship
• [20:32] – Dunster’s current and upcoming projects

Tone & Style

The episode is witty, self-deprecating, and playful—mirroring the mix of humor and sincerity characteristic of Ted Lasso. Dunster is generous in crediting collaborators, open about the challenges and joys of his role, and warmly engages with fan questions. The conversation exudes positivity, humility, and keen insight into character-driven storytelling and communal television experiences.

For Listeners and Fans

For fans of Ted Lasso, this episode offers a thoughtful and entertaining dive into Jamie Tartt’s layered journey from egotistical striker to nuanced team player, the creative energies behind the scenes, and how a show borne in pandemic darkness sparked global joy.
Whether you’re interested in acting craft, accent mastery, or the redemptive power of storytelling, Phil Dunster’s reflections and Alison Stewart’s warm stewardship make for essential listening.