Russell Tovey — on why dogs are special and telling queer stories

Summary

Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson Episode: Russell Tovey — on why dogs are special and telling queer stories
Release Date: July 8, 2025

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Introduction to Russell Tovey

In this heartfelt episode of Dinner’s on Me, host Jesse Tyler Ferguson welcomes British actor Russell Tovey, known for his roles in Looking and American Horror Story: NYC. The conversation takes place at Cricket, a modern Indian restaurant in Shoreditch, East London, setting a warm and intimate atmosphere perfect for their candid discussion.

Russell Tovey’s Podcast: Talk Art ([05:33] - [07:11])

Russell introduces his podcast, Talk Art, which he launched in 2018 alongside a co-host. The podcast focuses on interviewing contemporary artists, aiming to demystify the art world and make it more accessible. Russell emphasizes the importance of having authentic and vulnerable conversations about art, providing a platform for artists to express their true selves without the constraints of traditional media.

Russell Tovey ([05:40]): "Our podcast has become a bit of a rite of passage for emerging artists. We create a safe space for people to be authentic, vulnerable, and celebrated."

Growing Up Queer in Essex and Albuquerque ([18:33] - [25:35])

Russell shares his personal journey of growing up as a queer individual in Essex, England, and contrasts it with Jesse’s experience in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He discusses the pervasive homophobia of the 90s, particularly highlighting the impact of Section 28, a law that prohibited the promotion of homosexuality in schools. This environment fostered deep-seated shame and fear among queer youth.

Russell Tovey ([19:14]): "There was no option that you could be gay, you could be straight. It was always like, that's not an option."

He reflects on the lack of representation and the damaging stereotypes perpetuated by the media during that era. Despite these challenges, Russell found solace and inspiration in the burgeoning art scene and the visibility of the Young British Artists movement, which empowered him to embrace his identity.

Russell Tovey ([22:01]): "Harvey Milk says you've got to give them hope. We can't feel like this is it. We exist. We're not going to go anywhere. We're only going to get stronger."

Representation in Media and Community Support ([25:35] - [28:20])

The discussion shifts to the current state of LGBTQ+ representation in media. Russell expresses concern over the rise of transphobia and the rollback of civil rights, drawing parallels to past struggles. He underscores the importance of visibility and authentic storytelling in combating these issues.

Russell Tovey ([25:35]): "If you become successful in a minority, you become an ambassador for it... We have to own that space and be visible."

He advocates for creating and supporting queer content that showcases genuine, diverse experiences, emphasizing that such representation serves as a beacon of hope and strength for the community.

Anecdotes from Russell’s Acting Career ([31:33] - [38:07])

Russell shares memorable moments from his acting career, including his time in the Broadway production of History Boys. He recounts the intense schedule, performing numerous shows and traveling internationally, which tested his resilience and passion for theater.

Russell Tovey ([34:06]): "We did about 550 performances. You go mad. You go absolutely mad."

He also humorously narrates instances like missing a show due to a phone mishap and the subsequent chaos, highlighting the unpredictability and pressures of live performances.

Russell Tovey ([37:33]): "I ended up staying and watching the show and my understudy got really mad at me for watching."

Personal Life: Rocky the Dog and Thoughts on Fatherhood ([39:03] - [46:54])

The conversation turns to Russell’s personal life, particularly his 12-year-old bulldog, Rocky, who serves as his steadfast companion and emotional support. Russell reflects on the special bond between humans and dogs, appreciating Rocky's unconditional love and presence.

Russell Tovey ([44:35]): "Rocky has been my witness. He's been beside me, my best friend in the world."

When discussing fatherhood, Russell reveals his ambivalence about becoming a dad. While he once had a strong desire to have children, his current busy lifestyle and professional commitments have made him reconsider.

Russell Tovey ([46:28]): "I used to be very, very, I wanted it a lot. Now that's waning."

Upcoming Projects: Plainclothes and Kids' Art Book ([41:27] - [47:02])

Russell talks about his latest film, Plainclothes, which recently won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Ensemble at Sundance and is competing at South by Southwest in London. The film, set in the 90s, explores queer relationships against the backdrop of societal tensions.

Russell Tovey ([41:27]): "It's about a mall being targeted by police officers, gay men that are cruising, and I'm a target. But then something happens, and myself and the police officer launch into something else unbeknownst."

Additionally, Russell announces his upcoming children's art book, designed to inspire young artists and art lovers alike. The book encourages creativity through interactive activities and showcases contemporary artists in an engaging format.

Russell Tovey ([47:02]): "It's a call to arms... inspiring young artists and art lovers from a young age."

Closing Thoughts and Appreciation

As the episode concludes, Jesse and Russell affirm the importance of sharing queer stories and supporting each other within the community. Russell emphasizes the ongoing need for hope and solidarity in the face of adversity.

Russell Tovey ([26:52]): "We have to protect them within our own community... There's a sense within the community that there's this distancing that's starting to happen, and that terrifies me."

Jesse thanks Russell for sharing his insights and experiences, highlighting the vital role such conversations play in fostering understanding and acceptance.

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Notable Quotes:

• Russell Tovey ([05:40]): "Our podcast has become a bit of a rite of passage for emerging artists. We create a safe space for people to be authentic, vulnerable, and celebrated."

• Russell Tovey ([19:14]): "There was no option that you could be gay, you could be straight. It was always like, that's not an option."

• Russell Tovey ([25:35]): "If you become successful in a minority, you become an ambassador for it... We have to own that space and be visible."

• Russell Tovey ([44:35]): "Rocky has been my witness. He's been beside me, my best friend in the world."

• Russell Tovey ([26:52]): "We have to protect them within our own community... There's a sense within the community that there's this distancing that's starting to happen, and that terrifies me."

Final Notes

Russell Tovey’s episode on Dinner’s on Me offers a profound glimpse into his personal and professional life, highlighting the intersection of art, identity, and community. Through his storytelling, Russell underscores the importance of representation, resilience, and the unwavering support of loved ones—both human and canine. This episode serves as an inspiring testament to the power of authentic conversation and the enduring strength of the LGBTQ+ community.

Transcript

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

So I'm currently traveling abroad in London right at the moment, which is why so many of my episodes have people with British accents right now. It's amazing here. I love it. And until I need directions or restaurant recs or anything. And I've got no WI fi and sky high roaming fees, which is just. It's not cute. That's why I started using Saily. Saily is an easy to use ESIM app created by the folks behind NordVPN. It gives you instant mobile data in over 190 countries, and you only have to install it once. That means I didn't have to line up at the airport for a SIM card, get scammed outside the train station, or keep hunting for public wi fi signals like it's a rare Pokemon. Seriously, I sat outside of Wagamama the other day trying to get onto their wi fi for probably 20 minutes. I just opened the app, picked a regional plan, and boom. I had reliable Internet from Italy to Greece without switching a thing. Plus, Saily offers private features and 24. 7 support, which makes me feel a whole lot more secure out here. Get 15 off your saly plan with the code dinners on me. Just download the Saly app or head to saily.com dinnersonme S A I L-Y.com dinnersonme Stay connected and don't miss your dinner reservation. Okay, let's be honest. Staying hydrated is the only thing keeping me from turning into a raisin these days. That's why Fiji Water is always close by. Fiji Water really is from the islands of Fiji, 1600 miles miles from the nearest continent. It's filtered through ancient volcanic rock, naturally protected from external elements. And it picks up a unique profile of electrolytes and minerals along the way that gives it more than double the electrolytes of the other top premium bottled water brands. And that soft, smooth taste that I absolutely love. Unlike some other top premium bottled water brands, Fiji's water electrolytes are 100% naturally occurring. And Fiji's water has a perfect balanced 7.7 pH. I have no idea what that means, but I like the word perfect score. Okay? And since 2022, Fiji's water's 330 and 500 milliliter bottles have been made with 100% recycled plastic. So whether I'm backstage at home with the kids or planning our podcast recording, I know I'm hydrating the earth's finest way. Fiji Water. It's Earth's finest water. Hey, it's Jesse today on the show. You know him from Queer TV favorites like Looking and American Horror Story nyc. Also the upcoming romantic thriller Plainclothes. It's Russell Tovey.

[Russell Tovey]

I used to fantasize about getting stabbed on the subway. Just a surface wound so that I'll have to go to hospital and I won't be able to do the show tonight, guys. And it's legit. Reason. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Cause you end up just going mad. Yeah.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

This is Dinner's on Me and I'm your host, Jesse Tyler Ferguson. Today's guest is someone that I've admired for a very long time. On stage, on screen, on Instagram. Russell Tovey is one of those actors who just. He disappears into every role, whether he's breaking hearts in looking or chilling us to the core in American Horror Story nyc, or holding the emotional center of something as layered as the play Angels in America, which I've talked about so much on this podcast. Speaking of Angels in America, he's a fellow theater kid at heart, and I mean that in the best possible way. We've both done our fair share of eight shows a week, and I've loved watching him on stage in the History Boys, which I saw him do on Broadway, Angels in America. Also, I saw him in this incredible production of View From a Bridge at the Lyceum Theater on Broadway. I actually got to go into the Lyceum Theater with my own show right after he left that theater and I happened to have the dressing room right next to his old dressing room. Fun fact. He's also one half of Talk Art, which is one of my favorite podcasts about creativity, collecting and the weird, wonderful world of contemporary art. And also he's starring in a new film that just made a huge splash at Sundance called Plainclothes, which is gripping and gutting and honestly, eerily relevant. Russell lives in one of London's coolest neighborhoods, Shoreditch. It's kind of like the Silver Lake or Bushwick of London. It's very cool, very hip, it's very artsy, just like Russell. So naturally, I brought him just down the street to Cricket, a modern Indian restaurant that recently opened a new outpost right in the heart of Shoreditch. What started as a small pop up in a shipping container in Brixton has taken off and is now a beloved London staple with locations throughout many parts of London. The space itself is a vibe. Gorgeous pink walls, minimalist, but warm, with subtle Indian influences and a calm, contemporary energy that fits right into the creative spirit of this neighborhood. I also knew it would be perfect for Russell because he's Vegetarian. And cricket has a stellar reputation for its inventive vegetarian dishes. Okay, let's get to the conversation. I was listening to your podcast. I took an. I'm living in Battersea right now while I'm here. And so I listened to an episode in the car coming over. It's really fantastic. And you've been doing it a long time.

[Russell Tovey]

Since 2018. We started it and when we first started, people, a few people like, it should be really pure. You should only be talking to artists. And also, how can you do an art podcast? Because that's highly visual. Yeah, how can you talk about it? But I was determined because I love listening to art interviews on radios and conversations. And, you know, you go back to the Getty Archives, there's all these incredible conversations with these amazing artists that have passed to.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

You know, there's so much we don't know about the great artists of history because there is not a lot of recorded, you know, conversations about, like, what art meant to them. There's so much mystery, I think, about so many of the artists in our very, very great past.

[Russell Tovey]

Yeah.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

So I really love that, you know, obviously today so much is documented, but it's so interesting to have so many different perspectives. And hopefully 100 years from now, these things that, you know, that you're a part of creating these conversations will be something that, you know, really fill out, like, who these artists were and are and like, what they mean to history.

[Russell Tovey]

You know, back in the day, the artist wasn't a celebrity, the artist made the art, and then they disappeared. So now there's. There's this real kind of anxiety, I think, around having to. Especially for emerging artists, having to be aware of what your practice is, what your message is. So I feel like our podcast, it's become a bit of a rites of passage for emerging artists. But I feel like we're a real safe space to sort of go just muse with us. And I'm really proud of that. And I'm really proud that we create this space for people just to sort of be authentic and vulnerable but celebrated.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I mean, that's the beauty of podcasts, you know, that's why I love doing it is, you know, it gives an opportunity for people to sort of talk in long form and give context to their thoughts and not talking sound bites. Hi, how are you?

[Russell Tovey]

I'm very well. How are you? I'm good, thank you. Welcome to Cricket. Thanks. In terms of cricket, we are modern Indian restaurant that we specialize in sharing plates. So for you guys, we would recommend about Five dishes between you. Also recommend a snack and a drink to start, and then your food will follow as it's ready. We do have a menu set up to start with. Still a sparkling water. Sparkling.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I'm great with sparkling.

[Russell Tovey]

Yeah, Love it. And the drink to start? Coffee. I'll have a Diet Coke. That's right, yeah.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Do you have, like a lemonade or an iced tea situation or something similar or.

[Russell Tovey]

We do have some cold infusions, like lemon ginger. We do have just fresh, like, lemonades, if you want.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I'll do a lemon ginger.

[Russell Tovey]

Perfect. Yeah. Amazing. Cool tea.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

But when did you first become interested in art? First of all, my producer, Joanna, she's staying. She's staying in Shoreditch.

[Russell Tovey]

Great.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

And she was like, I walked by Russell the other day in Shoreditch and he was carrying some big box and she's like, I'm certain it was art.

[Russell Tovey]

Yes, it was art.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Or a dead body.

[Russell Tovey]

It was square one, really flat. Flat and framed. Yeah. No, that was a Wolfgang Tillman's photograph. Yeah. Wow. Good spotting.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Russell Tovey]

So on brand.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah, right.

[Russell Tovey]

So on brand. Art. Art I've always loved since I was little. I love cartoons growing up. Then I discovered pop art. So Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, David Hockney. And I thought it was a reason not to grow up because I could go to museums and see these comic strips on the wall when it was art, and I could still like cartoons. And that really inspired me. I loved, like, Ren and Stimpy growing up and then suddenly seeing them colors of Nickelodeon on the walls in, like, Ellsworth Kelly, them sort of just big orange canvases I found so inspiring. Then when I was 16, there was an art movement here called the Young British Artists movement in the 90s. So that's artists like Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst, Gavin Turk, Mark Quinn, and I'm working class. I'm from Essex. And the. A lot of the artists who were part of the Young British Artist movement were working class, but they were in all the press. They were having these, like, massive exhibitions. They were being collected. They were being discussed on, like, by museum boards. And it really inspired me. And it felt like that was my invite into art, because if they're doing it, then surely I'm allowed to be there. Because before that I'd go to museums and galleries and sort of keep my head down and apologize for being there, because I felt like art was never given to me, never given to us, I think, in general, which is one of the motives behind the podcast But I feel like art was never presented to me as something that I could enjoy or be a part of or discuss. You know, nothing belongs to us art wise. I've sort of worked out over the years, unless we have an opportunity to critique it. Whereas, you know, we are given books, films, music, all of our lives. And you can say, I like that album by Fleetwood Mac. And I'll be like, that's not the best. I prefer this album by Fleetwood Mac. And you'll be like, respect. Whereas if you went, I don't like that painting, and I knew about the painting, I'd be like, oh, come on. You don't like that painting. You don't know what you're talking about. And there's this sort of snobbery with art. So this podcast was a way of breaking down those sort of gatekeepers and breaking down the barriers of that and talking about it in a way that's like colloquial. You know, I don't know all the references. And now if someone talks about something, I'm like, hold up. Can you just explain what that means? Because I want to learn. And I think my mum's listening to this. I want her to know what it is. Because as soon as she hears something she doesn't understand, she shut out. She's like, oh, I'm not interested anymore. They're talking about something that they're not including me.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Right.

[Russell Tovey]

It's about being inclusive and excited and enthusiastic and welcoming. And I think that's what we've tried to do and hopefully achieved. Yeah, Yeah.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I love it. I love your passion for it. It's really.

[Russell Tovey]

I mean, you have a few snacks right now. We have panipuri. So panipuri is rice flour. Inside you have sun dried tomatoes. And then you. The recommendation is to pour this tomato spicy broth halfway in, eat it in one, and it's like a disclosure in basically in your mouth. All right. You have the threesome arts and Moses with a deep fried mash with a black garlic dip on the side. Great, lovely. Enjoy. Thank you. Do you want to start with this explosion in your mouth bit? Girl, I did look at you when I do.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I. Yeah. You couldn't look me in the eye.

[Russell Tovey]

When you said that.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah, Halfway, halfway.

[Russell Tovey]

Good explosion.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

That's a good explosion.

[Russell Tovey]

It's a good one. Yeah.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Better the most. So you did years and years with Rory Kinnear, which I haven't seen, but I watched the trailer of He Wanted Me to. I said I was sitting down with you and he said he wanted Me to ask you about singing karaoke in. Where were you? Where did you shoot it?

[Russell Tovey]

Canal Street. In Manchester.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah, in Manchester?

[Russell Tovey]

Yeah. I mean, we went. Ended up in a karaoke gay bar on Canal Street's like the gay street. Queer street of Manchester in the Queer Village. And.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

And you took Rory Kinnear.

[Russell Tovey]

I took Rory Kinnear and Jessica Hines.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Amazing.

[Russell Tovey]

And we went down and we sung karaoke down there. Neil Diamond, Sweet Caroline featured. I always. My go to is always John Legend, all of Me, or Ordinary People. A bit of swing. I would pepper in there, you know, I've got a few things I've worked on. I'm quite. When karaoke's on, I'm quite serious about it. Really. Yeah. Me and. Me and my friend Brad, years ago, we were going to 40th birthday in Brighton and we stopped off at Karaoke Box, just me and him for an hour, and we. We played karaoke songs. And he would start singing. I go, no, it's pitchy. Next one, cancel. I pick one up and they'd be like, you sound really good doing that. I'm like, great. It's in my key.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah.

[Russell Tovey]

On my phone. Right, your turn. We just go. Right. So then we have this roster of. That's in my case.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

That's so funny.

[Russell Tovey]

Karaoke. So many times you start to sing and then you're like, oh, no, it's gone up there. And I don't.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I always start to sing, thinking I absolutely know a song. And then I get to a part. I was like, I have no idea how this goes.

[Russell Tovey]

No, Right. Yeah. There's a section. You're like, I've heard this hundreds of times. Why do I not know?

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I know like three songs confidently.

[Russell Tovey]

What are those?

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I know the Miley Cyrus. You can't stop.

[Russell Tovey]

Wow.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

We can't stop. Is that what it is?

[Russell Tovey]

Oh, wow. You know it really well. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Well, I know Taylor Swift.

[Russell Tovey]

No, historical.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Historical. Corner sky from Pippin.

[Russell Tovey]

So you would. That would be your go to on karaoke. I was hoping you come up with some Fleetwood Mac or you'd be.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Oh, those are the ones that I think I know. And then I don't.

[Russell Tovey]

You don't. Wow.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

But, you know, I could do Neil Diamond. I could do Sweet Caroline.

[Russell Tovey]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I mean, everyone could do that. But that's obnoxious.

[Russell Tovey]

Frank Sinatra, New York, New York. Oh, do you know it's obnoxious.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Oh, Sweet Caroline. Because then everyone's good and it's like the whole bar sings. You like that.

[Russell Tovey]

Is that Obnoxious or is that. Is that not inclusive?

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I don't know. It's like. It's sort of.

[Russell Tovey]

Yeah, yeah.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

It's sort of like. It's one of those, like. It's like a cliche karaoke song.

[Russell Tovey]

Wow.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

And it's one of your. It's one of your go to. I'm sure you do it beautifully.

[Russell Tovey]

I do, yeah. But if it's a cliche, that's fine. Yeah. Rory, I love. We did. Yeah, we did. Years and years. And it was an incredibly special job. And we're playing brothers in it, and we. Part of a family. Lions family. And I just adore him. Absolutely adore him. So funny. Naturally. Just like, so funny. And he'll say something, and then you would take a couple seconds, you'd be like, that is funny.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah, he's hilarious.

[Russell Tovey]

Yeah. So these are the chedo butter prawns. They are butterflied and grilled. And then you've got. Underneath you've got a butter emulsified layered sauce. Yeah. Got lime and ginger on top. The. You've got a butter brush on the prawns. And then you've got curry leaf. Right. Well, you have those because I'm vegetarian. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. You have. These are the sapphire pakoras. So samphire is deep fried with chickpea flour. This creates this. You've got tamarind chutney. And then this, you've got a chili garlic mayonnaise. And then this is bel puri. It's like a space. It's a street food. Got raw mango coriander, and then it's topped with some yogurt and tamarind chutney as well. So that's veggie.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yes.

[Russell Tovey]

Great, thanks.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Now for a quick break, but don't go away. When we return, Russell opens up about being a queer kid in London in the 90s when homophobia was in vogue. Something I can definitely relate to. Okay, be right back. This summer, I'll be spending a lot of time in New York City working on Shakespeare in the park, which I am so excited about. But it also means I'll be away from home, and Justin will be juggling the kids and the home fort, which is hectic enough without also having to worry about home security. That's why we use Simplisafe. We've got the full setup. Cameras, sensors, 247 monitoring. So whether I'm backstage in Central park or Justin's doing bedtime back home, we both know the house is protected. Simplisafe's professional Monitoring team is amazing. If something suspicious happens, they can talk through the camera, trigger lights, and even alert the police before anything bad happens. No contracts, no hidden fees. Monitoring starts at about a dollar a day and there's a 60 day money back guarantee. Visit simplisafe.com Jesse to claim 50% off your new system with a professional monitoring plan and get your first month free. That's S I M, P, L I S. There's no safe like Simplisafe now that Beckett is five and Sully is not far behind at three. I've been thinking a lot about school options. I want to set them up for success, but also make sure they're learning in ways that actually work for who they are. That's why I love what K12 powered schools are doing. These are tuition free, online accredited public schools for kindergarten through 12th grade. Kids can learn at their own pace, in their own space with the curriculum that meets them where they're at. And let be clear, this isn't homeschooling where you're on the hook for teaching everything. K12 has state certified teachers trained in online education using interactive tech that actually keeps kids engaged. Plus they offer clubs, social events and activities that make sure students don't miss out on connection. With over 25 years of experience, K12 has helped more than 3 million families. And it might be just right for yours too. Go to k12.comJTF that's the letter K the number 12.comJTF to find a tuition free K12 powered school near you. And we're back with more dinners on me. Talk to me a little bit about growing up in Essex. And you know, I'm like you. I've known for a long time that I was gay. I grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which was not an easy place to grow up and be gay. It's, you know, very centrally located in the United States. States. At the time that I was growing up there, it was a very red state.

[Russell Tovey]

Big art scene there though, isn't it?

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

There is now, yeah. I mean, like Georgia o' Keeffe is from that region. A lot of really fantastic artists, Bruce.

[Russell Tovey]

Naumann and Susan Rothenberg has studios there.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

That's right, yeah. Yeah. And I think, I don't know how long that has been a part of that culture, but certainly now when I go back, it feels like there's been great progress made and it's a very LGBTQ and inclusive environment, I find. Not, not the most inclusive, but certainly more so than when I grew up there. Essex I mean, I don't know a ton about Essex, but it seems to me it's a little bit more rugged and more working class.

[Russell Tovey]

Yeah. What was.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

What was it like growing up there as a. You know, I assumed you were closeted for a bit of the time that you were.

[Russell Tovey]

Well, I mean, aren't we all, really? But what's kind of upsetting for queer people of a certain generation, and thank God it's not the case now for many, many people, but is that you carry shame from an incredibly young age that what you're feeling or thinking isn't the status quo. Yeah. And that's so sad when you look back now that I, at the age of four, was having these thoughts and feelings, but I knew that I had to hide it because society, the environment, made me feel like it wasn't okay. Yeah. And thank God that has changed. So it wasn't an environment because there was no. We also a time when representation in media as role models, possibility models, which Laverne Cox calls it, which. I love that phrase so much. There wasn't any. The press was all about HIV and aids. We had a homophobic government. We had. I'm under the education of section 28. And I don't know if you know what that is, but this was. This was put in by Thatcher's government that in education, schools could not promote homosexuality. So if any kids thought that they were gay, they were not able to talk about it. So it became even more alienating and you felt even more like society didn't want you. And so there was never this option that, you know, you could be gay, you could be straight. It was always like, that's not an option. So that having that, you know, growing up, having that sort of mentality and then coming out and then coming of an age when you are interested, you know, discovering your sexuality at a time of aids, then you then having them thoughts where I. I confused sex and death. Yeah. And I would. I would think of pleasure. Could mean that I would die. Right. And from like the age of 14, 15, terrified of getting anything. Terrified that I was just gonna, you know, die. And that. That is so much to have to sort of unpack as you get older. And I'm so in awe and happy that there is this young generation now that don't even consider death with sex at the same time. But for like. Like us, and I'm sure for you, for our generation, it's just. It was just like this middle generation where, you know, I came out when there was medication. So you weren't dying, but it was still like, that was what all the press was about. I remember that we had an advert here and every British gay man will tell you this. Every British queer person would tell you this of a certain age where John Hurt did the voiceover and it was the tombstone. It's saying, don't die of ignorance. And this tombstone would just drop and it was just like bell chiming and it was like, death. You're going to die.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah.

[Russell Tovey]

And that was on the news, that was on, like, tv. So you'd be watching TV at home, your family, and then suddenly this advert would come on, just being as a kid, going like, what the is that?

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

And you're sitting in a terrifying room.

[Russell Tovey]

With your parents, terrifying going on. And they. And they don't know that that's me, that that's about me. Yeah. So. But I think, you know, Essex is a wonderful place, but as a gay person, you know, I feel like we always flock to the metropolis. Yeah, yeah. It's not, it's not. It's quite rare that, you know, within families that the queer kid will stay close to home. They normally have to go and find a community where they're more. So I knew that London, for me as a creative person, definitely, but as a gay person was like, I can't be who I'm meant to be unless I'm in the Metropolitan. Yeah.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

When I was reading about your family, I mean, I, I. So much of your history, I resonate with, specifically the evolution that your parents went through, you know, accepting your homosexuality and, you know, because they don't know anyone, though, on their own timeline, which is I. The thing that I. It was really refreshing to hear is that it's probably. And I think this is probably actually true for. For many queer kids, but it takes a lot longer than we would like, you know, I know you had a very, very unique relationship with your father, specifically. But first of all, I want to know, like, what your relationship with. With him is like now it sounds like he's, you know, grown quite a bit.

[Russell Tovey]

Oh, he's amazing.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah.

[Russell Tovey]

My parents are amazing. It feels like a different time. It feels like it sort of crazy few years, you know, with the. There's no this possibility model thing, you know, as an actor. I'll put it in a reference as an actor. I wanted to be an actor from a young age. I got into, like, stage school. My dad was like, I don't want you to go stage school. Because he's worried that it was my acting Was just going to be something that I did as a kid. And then I would go and get a regular job because there was no actors, there was no. There was nobody who we knew, no friends or family or anything that was a possibility. So as an actor, as a kid, going like, that's what I want to do. It was.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

It was very, very abstract.

[Russell Tovey]

Very abstract. And very much like, well, what is that? What does that look like? So it's the same when you're of that generation, a gay person, when you realize you're queer, is that there's no other way of going. All, you know, is, you know, at that time was death, was aids, was. Was tragedy, was sadness, was loneliness that, you know, because everything that the journalists were putting out, tabloids, the putting out was homophobic. So the consensus was, is that this is wrong. Right. So when you come out, it's more a place of fear of, like, what? Why, why would you do that to yourself? And it's like you have no choice. This, this option of choice. Yeah. Just wasn't a thing. So I completely. I got it then. I get it now. And thank God everything's changed for. For like many, many people. Yeah.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

You know, I mean, it's. It's crazy because we are, you know, living in a time now, specifically in America, where so much of that's being rolled back and the fear and the headlines are really. They're dangerous, you know, they're incredibly dangerous. And it's. It's a scary time, I think, to be openly queer person, specifically in America. I mean, again, I don't know how it is everywhere, but I could speak very, very honestly about how it feels in America. And it's not great, but does that.

[Russell Tovey]

Not make you feel? You know, my hero is Derek Jarman, and this is a quote I say a lot. He said in the late 80s, if you wait long enough, the world moves in circles. And he said that in the late 80s where the rhetoric was very homophobic, we had Section 28, which I've just talked about. You know, gay men were just seen as, you know, dying of aids. It was very. A very unfortunate time. Now here we are, like 30 years later, it's transphobia in the press. The way that, you know, civil rights are being taken back from human rights being taken back from people, things are being reversed. Nothing that we thought was concrete is now becoming liquid. That's what we're in. But there's got to be hope that it is cyclical and it will come round and in our lifetime, it's Going to get worse, but it has to get better. Harvey Milk says you've got to give them hope. We can't feel like this is it. And as a gay man, as a queer person, I feel more emboldened than ever to be like you. This is it. We exist. Nothing's going to change. We're not going to go anywhere. We're only going to get stronger. Keep making queer content, keep telling those gay stories. Keep putting it out there. Because. Because you have to. And for someone like you and for someone like me, we become these beacons because we become ambassadors for a whole community. And we may not set out to do that, but by proxy, you do.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah.

[Russell Tovey]

Because. Because if you become successful in a minority, you become an ambassador for it. Yeah. And we have to own that space and go cool. We have to be visible. Yeah. And we have to say, this is an honest, authentic, kind, genuine life that's full of love, full of hope, kindness. Yeah. We're good people. And that. It makes me more than ever, just keep making them stories and not shy away from it. And it's going to get harder because funding's not going to be there. People aren't going to want to back it. Same with, like, you know, queer artists. It has. We have to do more. Yeah, we have to do more. And we have to do more for trans people. And the fact that we. We have to protect them within our own community, because there's this sense within the community that there's, like, this distancing that's starting to happen, and that terrifies me. Yeah. And I'm like, absolutely not. No way. We have to, like, we as a community first have to, like, protect our own, bring them in, and then become stronger. And, you know, there comes a time when you do go, you have to say. You have to just be, like, out there saying these things because the world is fucked. The world is terrifying. And, yes, we're receiving more information than ever, but every single day is something horrific. And we're all so fatigued now and so paralyzed that there has to be hope. That's all we have, isn't it? And you got. You got. So, you know, whatever you can do, you have to.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Now for a quick break, but don't go away. When we come back, Russell shares why a play drove him to a full breakdown. And I'll share the time. One of my biggest onstage fears actually came true. Fun times. Okay, be right back. Hey, it's Jesse Tyler Ferguson. I'm here in London right now. Rehearsing, exploring, dodging, the rain, you know, all the classic London things. But with summer creeping in, I keep hearing about my friends who are planning holidays to Spain and Italy and Greece, anywhere with sun and aperol spritzes. And if you're lucky enough to be leaving town for a little bit this summer, can I suggest something? Host your place on Airbnb while you're off enjoying the Mediterranean. Your flat could be hosting guests earning you a little extra cash while you're away. And with Airbnb's co hosting feature, you don't even have to worry about managing it all. A local co host can handle the bookings, the check ins and all the little details. So while you're getting some sun, your place back home is working for you. Head to Airbnb.com host to learn more.

[Russell Tovey]

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[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

And we're back with more dinners on me. One of the pressures I've always felt, well, specifically after, you know, being on a show like Modern Family where I'm portraying a gay man on a television show on network that is as popular as it is, is that there was a, you know, you receive criticism as you do with anything you do, but the criticism that I think I heard the loudest was always from the gay community feeling as if like maybe I didn't represent their idea of what a gay Relationship was. Or a gay man was, which I always took with such a grain of salt, because, like, I'm representing one person. I'm in charge of this one character. This is.

[Russell Tovey]

How can you be.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

And it also was. It also was a shade of who I was. So it's like you're kind of like, you know, if it's stereotypical, I'm basically playing myself. So I guess, you know, guilty. Guilty as charged. But what I love so much about a lot of the work that you. That you've done is you play a lot of closeted men who are very conflicted, both on stage and on film and in television. And there's, like, a struggle with masculinity in a lot of your characters I find really interesting. I mean, have you. Have you thought about, like, how, you know, these roles keep coming to you and how you. Are you drawn to the complexities of these characters?

[Russell Tovey]

100%. I mean, I decided very early on in my career to come out. So I was playing a lot of gay roles probably at a time when people weren't choosing to play as many gay roles. And I was like, great. You know, when I did Looking, I remember that being a show on hbo, which I loved. But you talking about how people were sort of saying that you weren't doing enough to represent, or you were sort of narrowing down representation because of the role, and you're like, well, how can you take that on a. But Looking was a show that within the gay blog, people were saying it didn't represent them. And there was this buzz that it was boring. And we would be filming in San Francisco, and people are like, oh, what are you shooting? And we're shooting, looking. They're like, oh, that's boring. We'd be like, have you seen. It's like, no, I just heard. It's like, watch it. It's in your. It's in your town, it's in your city. It's about, like, friends, Me. It was one of the most beautiful jobs I've ever done. Loved it. And I was so devastated when it finished, but so happy we got to do the film. But it was. That was like, so like, now people find it now. That's the beauty of streamers is like, 10 years on, people are discovering it, and they were like, kids when it was on. Yeah. And now for them, it's like an incredibly important show, and they binge it all, and they, like, relate to all these characters, and it makes sense. It was way ahead of its time. That show come out now it have a different impact altogether.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

One of the first things I saw you in was History Boys, and I saw it on stage. When you came to Broadway with it, did you do it at the National?

[Russell Tovey]

Where did it?

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

It was at the National. Yeah, yeah, in the Witch Theater, which.

[Russell Tovey]

Is in the Littleton.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

That's where I am.

[Russell Tovey]

Yeah, he was in Littleton. And originally it was only booked for about 45 shows, and then we kept extending.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

You did two years.

[Russell Tovey]

It worked out being two years. Yeah, we did. We extended a show so much. And then during the summer holiday when the schools were shot here, we shot the movie in the school. And then we went around the world for nine months. So we started in Hong Kong, Sydney, New Zealand. Then we was on Broadway for, like, six months. Right. It was wild times.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

It was. It's an incredible play. Richard Griffith was absolutely astonishing in it.

[Russell Tovey]

I know.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I want to ask you about him, but also, you know, James Corden, Dominic Cooper. What was it like putting that. That show together? Did you know it was going to be. Did it feel special when you were rehearsing it? Sometimes so many of these things, you know, you're in a rehearsal room, like, I don't know. Know what this is going to be?

[Russell Tovey]

Well, by the time I got to Broadway, we'd already performed it like 300 times. So, you know, overall, we did about 550 performances. Now you go mad. You go absolutely mad. Yeah. And with nostalgia, I'm always like, oh, it's so brilliant. So great. But James Corden always reminds me that I used to fantasize about getting stabbed on the subway. Just a surface wound so that I could have a show off. I would leave the show. I'd get on. I'd get on the subway. Subway. And someone would slash me. And then I'll have to go to hospital and I won't be able to do the show tonight, guys. And it's legit reason. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Because you end up just going mad. Yeah. Because it's like you're tricking your brain and you're there again. You're like, this is never ending.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

How am I making this fresh?

[Russell Tovey]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Speaking about missing a show, I. When I was doing spelling bee, it was New Year's Eve and we had a weird show scheduled, so I think we had like a. A 2pm matinee instead of a 3pm I completely forgot. It's the winter. I'm wearing a big, heavy winter jacket. My phone's inside the jacket. I probably had my headphones in. It was ringing. It Was vibrating. I wasn't feeling anything. The stage manager was wondering where I was. I arrived to the theater at, you know what I thought was my half hour, 2:30. The show had been going on for a half hour already. And it's circled in the square theater on Broadway where you have to. The only way back stage to walk through the audience. So I remember walking in, I was like, gosh, I mean, I know the weather is bad, but like, there is no one here. Like, I know it's New Year's Eve, but no one is at the theater, right? So I walk into the theater, I walk down the stairs into the lobby. No one's in the lobby. Like, this is very strange. We're gonna have an audience today. I walk into the. The auditorium and the show's going on.

[Russell Tovey]

That is like.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

And I see my understudy on stage.

[Russell Tovey]

No.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Who had never rehearsed it.

[Russell Tovey]

I would act absolutely shit myself.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I was like. I thought I was having like a nightmare. I thought it was a fever dream. Yeah. I was like, this is like literally a nightmare. And so I went into the stage manager's booth and they were just so happy to see me. They thought I. Because it's not like me just to not show up. And they, they did not know where I was. And I looked at my phone, I had like 39 missed calls from them. So I ended up staying and watching the show and my understudy got really mad at me for watching.

[Russell Tovey]

Oh, really? Yeah.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

He's like, I don't like that you watched this. My first time going on, I was like, I didn't. This was not planned.

[Russell Tovey]

What else was I going to do?

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Like, I might as well watch it.

[Russell Tovey]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. And was he good?

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Loved it. He was great. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Russell Tovey]

I've only. I. I really up on a film. I did Hallelujah, which was an Alan Bennett play and I'd had it before the day's filming. I was. I had a podcast and I've got like an intercom on my wall and it goes on if someone knocks the door and there's some people getting food deliveries and if they can't get through to that flat, they will buzz my flat. My dog will go. So I took the intercom off for the podcast and didn't put it back on. And I went to bed and my battery was low on my phone and I charged it up. I hadn't turned the plug on. And I was getting meant to get picked up at 5:30 in the morning to do this scene. Wake up look at my phone. Turn it on. I thought, it hasn't charged. Plug it in. There's literally like 30 missed calls. And I'm like, what the? And I go, what's the time? And I roll over and it's like 8am no.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I'm like, you're so late.

[Russell Tovey]

And I'm like, what the. So I pick up phone. My agent's like, are you okay? Like, thinking I've done something terrible. I'm like, yeah, what's happened? What's happened? She went, they've been trying to call you, trying to pick you up. I said, why don't they buzz the door? And they went, they have been buzzing the door. And I went, I didn't put the thing back on. So the driver had been outside since, like, 5:30am buzzing the door, ringing my phone. So I turned up on set with Derek Jacoby, Jennifer Saunders, Judi Dench, all waiting for me, all shifting scenes around, hanging out, waiting for me to turn up on set. It was the most horrific feeling.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

How far into the shoot were you? Had you developed relationships with these people, or was it.

[Russell Tovey]

Yeah, they were fucked after that. They were like, you're over. No, I think probably a few weeks, but it was just. And Richard Air was like, you'll never do that again. I. I said I would never do that again. But the. The feeling where you're literally like, I'm not even. I'm not even on set. I've got to get to set.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah, you're so far away.

[Russell Tovey]

When they were on camera at like, 7:30am and I'm still at 8:30 in bed. Oh, like, it's giving me the sweats now. Just telling the story. So this is your butternut squash. The squash is grilled and it comes in a makani sauce made with tomatoes. Rich flavors, enhanced, no sweet. You've got the burnt garlic, taka dal. The garlic is basically cooked until nearly burnt. Give us some sweetness in there. You've got your cumin rice. And then this is a brown butter paratha.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Oh, that looks incredible. God.

[Russell Tovey]

Lovely. I've got some spoons, so.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Okay. Thanks, mate.

[Russell Tovey]

Thank you. Thank you.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Are you. Do you ever talk about dating or your love life? Like, what's happening?

[Russell Tovey]

Single.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

You're single.

[Russell Tovey]

Okay. Yeah, that's my love life.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Do you find it hard to meet people with, you know, people knowing who you are, or is it.

[Russell Tovey]

Yeah, it's. It's not hard to meet people.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

It's.

[Russell Tovey]

At all. I'm very, like, social and it's a. It's A weird scenario when you date and you're in the public eye. Yeah. And you sit down and they know who you are, so much about you. They can find out all the information. And your question is like, sorry, what's your name again?

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Russell Tovey]

And, and it's a real, it's a real imbalance with dating. But that, that's just something, you know, boohoo. That is what it is. But you just have to sort of get your head around.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah.

[Russell Tovey]

I, I, My thing with dating now is that I want to know star signs. I've not been someone that's been through astrology all my life, but I, I like to go like, what's your star sign?

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I'm doing it backwards.

[Russell Tovey]

And then I look back and I'll be like. And, you know, and I've got star signs of exes that I'm trying to avoid. So I'm like, if they're that star sign, I'm like, what's mine? Scorpio. But when you're dating, it's really, it seems really basic and, like, ridiculous, but I do go, oh, okay, cool. That goes like, you are compatible. And I like being, you know, in a relationship. That's great.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Do you.

[Russell Tovey]

I like having a witness. Yeah. I feel like it's someone, you know a lot. I, you know, what we do is there's some wonderful perks. You're here with your family, they're experiencing that with you. That's wonderful. I've had wonderful perks. And you sort of go, this is all lovely. Upgrade on a plane, nice hotel. If you share with someone, I'm someone. I love sharing stuff and I love, you know, hopefully my friends would say that I was a generous person, and it feels to me, I feel like it's a shame when it's just for me. And when you're with someone, that's a great way of doing that, experiencing that and having that witness to go like, this is. This is what I've achieved. This is what I'm doing in my life. That's great. But also finding that in yourself is equally as important, which is the journey we all go on, where you can be your own boyfriend, you know, and be your own champion and be your own witness and your friends and your family. Family are that. And your dog, he sees everything.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

A movie you worked on recently, Plain Clothes.

[Russell Tovey]

Yeah. So we, we were at Sundance, and it won the Grand Jury prize, the best ensemble of Sundance, which was amazing. We shot it last year upstate in Syracuse. Writer, director, first time called Carmen, Emmy, me, and Tom Blythe. And it's about a mall that's being targeted by police officers, gay men that are cruising, and I'm a target. But then something happens, and then myself and the police officer launch into something else unbeknownst. So it was, again, a heavenly, beautiful job, like a month up in Syracuse in the snow. Absolutely loved it. One of those jobs, you come away going like, that was a great experience. If that comes something else, amazing. If it doesn't, just the memories are great. And then to be, you know, win a Sundance Award. Now we're at south by Southwest London in competition. So it's. It's a whole thing. It's getting like a life. And that is so exciting because indie films is what I've always, always, always wanted to do and always inspired by and, like, strive to do. And I want to sort of, you know, really make as many people as possible to this film because it's beautiful and I just feel really excited.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah, it's. I mean, it's interesting. It's also a bit of a period piece in itself, you know, taking place. It's in the 90s.

[Russell Tovey]

Right.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

I just find it interesting that you keep, like, kind of going back and exploring gay history in a way.

[Russell Tovey]

Yeah. Because I think that's what I was surrounded by when I first sort of started to see myself.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

But it's like a.

[Russell Tovey]

It's.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

It's almost you are reclaiming it in a way and in a really interesting way, because it's something that I think. I don't know. Just as I sort of, like, zoom out on even our conversation today, just talking about your parents and, like, how all these elements of gay history are kind of what. What made you tentative to. To be truthful with yourself and also made your parents scared for reasons that they had, you know, and then, you know, as an artist now in your 40s, like, you're now kind of re examining those points of history and, like, it's really interesting that you're. It's. It's like reclaiming them in a way.

[Russell Tovey]

I love that. I've never really thought of it like that. I really love that. Yeah. There's got to be a reason why I'm attracted to that and why I'm. You know. I made a documentary in an artist called David R. Billard, whose studio was the Next Road over, who died in 1988 when he was 36. I discovered his work around the age of 36, which made me then go, this doesn't make any sense. Nothing Makes any sense. If I'd have been born 10 years earlier, that could have been me. Or we'd have met or we'd have been lovers or we'd have hated each other or I'd be dead. And Derek Jarman and Peter Hoosjar and Debbie Wojarowicz and, you know, Robert Mapplethorpe and so many artists that died of AIDS that have had such a huge. Keith Haring have such a huge impact on my identity and who I want to see myself that I just feel emboldened to highlight and tell these stories.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah, for sure.

[Russell Tovey]

It's really interesting. I've never really thought of it like that, but thank you for. I'm going to museum on that.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Use on it a bit.

[Russell Tovey]

I will, baby.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Do you. Is Rocky still with you?

[Russell Tovey]

Rocky's 12.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Rocky's 12. Rocky's are incredible. Bulldog. So cute.

[Russell Tovey]

Yeah, he's amazing.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

12 years.

[Russell Tovey]

12 years. 13. He's a scorpion. He's 13 in November.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Your most consistent relationship.

[Russell Tovey]

100%. He's been. He's been my witness. He's been beside me, my best friend in the world. He's slept next to me in the bed for 12 years. Nearly 13 years. He's got one eye, arthritis. He's now gone completely deaf. I think he had a mini stroke a couple of weeks ago. It's the biggest privilege of my life is being burdened with him. And he is a total miracle. I think pets are miracles, dogs especially, because we have a direct communication with another species and we don't speak the same language. Language. But I know what he's thinking, he knows what I'm thinking. And with a look or with like a movement in bed, and you're like, okay. I think it's an absolute miracle. And there's this line from a radio show that I heard once, someone pointed me towards that dogs are the secret loophole that allow British people to talk to each other. And it's so true because if you started talking to someone in the street, they would walk away from you. But with a dog, we're having a good old chin wag. I don't know your name. I know your dog's name. They are. He is the most wonderful mate I've ever had in my life. And it's going to be horrific, but I know that anyway, right? I know that I've. I've been devoted to him. Yeah. And that thing about, you know, they're there for part of your life, but you are their whole life. And I hope that you know.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah, yeah. It's really special. I'm a dog owner too, and so, you know, that all resonates with me. Did you ever want to be a dad?

[Russell Tovey]

Yeah, for sure.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Do you still want to be a dad?

[Russell Tovey]

I don't know how I feel about it now. I don't know. I've got so much I'm doing. I'm so busy. Yeah. That it's. You have to be dedicated to. You have to be like, this is. It has to be a decision. I think the switch will go one day and be like, okay, I'm ready to do it now. Yeah. But no, I used to be very, very. I wanted it a lot. Now that's waning.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Interesting. I think I've covered almost everything. Is there anything else we should talk about?

[Russell Tovey]

Got a kids book coming out.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

You have a kids book?

[Russell Tovey]

Yeah. So this is. We've written three kids, three art books for Talk Art. And the first one was a Sunday Times bestseller.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Incredible.

[Russell Tovey]

Which is a guide to the art world. The sort of books that I would have wanted when I was younger to have found, like, these sort of things. The second one was a lot of the interviews that we'd done over the podcast that people can read them because I love reading interviews. And then this one is a kids book, nine plus. And it's sort of art school in a book. So. So it's a lot of fantastic contemporary artists, but artists that are past modern artists. And it's like a call to arms. You see, these artists say, for example, you're looking at Matisse's the Snail, which is that big collage work. Do you know that one that's in the tape? So we'd be talking about that work and then we'd say like call to arms at the end. What insect or what animal would you make and what colors would you use and how would you sort of collage that? So it's. It's inspiring young artists, basically. And if you're not want to be an artist, it's inspiring you to be an art lover from a young age. So that comes out in October. It's available for pre order now. Okay. Absolutely. Plug that, please.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah, I love that. Yeah, I studied art history in high school.

[Russell Tovey]

All right.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

And if I hadn't become an actor, I think I would have pursued art history degree. I didn't have a very good history teacher, but my art history teacher was absolutely incredible. And I make such a difference.

[Russell Tovey]

I went to high school and the drama teacher was great and she put me in shows and she really championed my appreciation of It. And that made such a difference that to have those teachers than whatever it is that just inspire you is so important. Teachers shouldn't be overlooked, really, for what they can do. Yeah.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Wait, I remember reading that you had to drop out of your school play. That was a college commercial. Was a college.

[Russell Tovey]

That was college. Yeah. I was. I'd left school, so I was 16 at college. My nan at the time lived two doors away, so I used to get a roast dinner every lunchtime. I was like the size of a house, but I was happy. And we had the second year, had the main show and they were doing Rent music. Magical, Like a montage, the other bits. And I was in the chorus of Rent because when you're in the first year, you didn't really get lead roles, so you had to build up to that. But I had an agent at the time, which they were slightly dubious about. So we had this show. I was doing, like the rrs in the background of Seasons Of Love. Yeah, yeah. And then the Millennium Dome had just been built, which is now the O2. So I filmed this, like, short film and I got a McDonald's commercial. So I said to the music teacher, I said, listen, I'm not going to be able to do the show. I've got this advert and I've got that. It sort of clashes. And she said to me, oh, you know what, just call your agent, say, thank you very much for the work, but you're going to be doing the college show. And I was like, oh, I don't. No, I don't think I'm going to do that. I don't think I'm going to do that, actually. And she's like, well, the thing is, though, if you leave now, you probably won't ever work again, were her words. And I remember going, oh, interesting. I'm going to do the film and the. And the advert. And I did. And then they didn't invite me back, so I got a letter saying, we're not inviting you back for the next term. But then I had friends who were younger than me, like cousins and stuff, and they wanted to do performing arts BTEC course, and they would be given the tour and then it'd be like, yes, well, Russell Tovey went here.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

That's right.

[Russell Tovey]

I'm like, oh, yeah, yeah, that's interesting.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Russell Tovey]

How interesting?

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Yeah, I've always been very fascinated with their career and. And the work that finds its way to you. So I think, you know, I'm excited to see what you do next.

[Russell Tovey]

Man, you. I mean, I'm gonna come see the show, obviously.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Please come see the show.

[Russell Tovey]

Yeah.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Thanks for doing this, of course.

[Russell Tovey]

Thank you for keep doing these yourself. They're. They're vital.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Thank you. Thank you. And dinner's on me.

[Russell Tovey]

Oh, okay.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

Okay.

[Russell Tovey]

Thank you. Thank you.

[Jesse Tyler Ferguson]

This episode of Dinners on Me was recorded at cricket in Shoreditch, East London. Next week on Dinners on Me, British Olympic diver and the subject of the new BBC select documentary, 1.6 seconds. It's Tom Daly. We'll get into going to the Olympics for the first time at the age of 13, being half of a high profile queer couple with his partner Dustin Lance Black, and how being a father has changed not only the way he dives, but the way he lives. And if you don't want to wait until next week to listen, you can download that episode right now by subscribing to Dinners On Me. Plus, as a subscriber, not only do you get access to new episodes one week early, you'll also be able to listen completely ad free. Just click try free at the top of the Dinners on Me show page on Apple Podcasts to start your free trial today. Dinners on Me is a production of Sony Music Entertainment and a kid named Beckett Productions. It's hosted by me, Jesse Tyler Ferguson. It's executive produced by me and Jonathan Hirsch. Our showrunner is Joanna Clay. Our producer in the UK is Grace Laker. Our associate producer is Alyssa Midcalf. Sam Baer engineered this episode. Hansdale Sheet composed our theme music. Our head of production is Sami Allison. Special thanks to Tameka Balance Kolasny and Justin Makita. I'm Jesse Tyler Ferguson. Join me next week.

[Russell Tovey]

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