Interview: James Lance on Becoming Trent Crimm on ‘Ted Lasso’

At the start of Ted Lasso, Trent Crimm (James Lance) was a by-the-book reporter who didn’t ever want to let Ted (Jason Sudeikis) get away with answering a question with just a charming smile and a clever diversion. Over the course of the series, however, he’s evolved and, especially in season three, taken on a new role that shows a fresh and unexpected side of him.

Awards Radar had the chance to speak with the Emmy-nominated Lance, who shared the warm experience of getting to see Trent develop a connection with Colin (Billy Harris) in season three:

“The persona we first meet is the last person you would imagine who would be able to have that kind of empathy for young Colin, and I loved that element. Sometimes the clothes do not make the man. Like every character, like every human being, there’s many facets to them. To be able to pull those layers off and create this new safe harbor for Colin when he most needs it – it was beautiful.”

He also shared the joy of working with Brett Goldstein as Roy Kent:

“I can tell you that there’s something just inherently funny about being in close proximity to Roy Kent as Trent Crimm. He’s just funny. You know that moment where they ask, what’s your favorite Julie Andrews movie? I say what movie my character loves and then Roy Kent quickly goes, fuck yeah Princess Diaries. I could watch a conversation between Trent and Roy all night long. It used to crack me up every single time. They’re like oil and water.”

Watch the full conversation below.

New episodes of Ted Lasso debut weekly on Wednesdays on Apple TV+.