Interview: Jeremy Swift on Music, Football, and Playing Higgins on ‘Ted Lasso’

One of the most endearing players throughout the first three seasons of Ted Lasso has been Leslie Higgins (Jeremy Swift), the Director of Communications for AFC Richmond whose job often involves a considerable amount of damage control. His interactions with Ted (Jason Sudeikis), Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham), and many other members of the ensemble are among the show’s most entertaining and delightful moments.

Awards Radar had the chance to speak with the utterly delightful Swift about how much he thinks he’s like his character:

“I’m a little bit like him. I’m quite amenable. I’m a good listener. I can be much more grumpy than he can be, or is seen to be. You never know what he’s doing at home, with all his sons getting on his nerves. I have some quirks. I make some funny noises, and I play the double bass, which is very convenient. I don’t think I’m quite as put-upon. Not that he is put-upon anymore. I would have resigned in season one by episode three, I think, if it was Jeremy Swift.”

On the course of his career and the roles he likes to play:

“I know it sounds completely rotten career-wise, but I’d like people to be halfway through watching something and go, oh my god! It’s him from that. That’s what I want. Or not to realize at all. But basically, just to get into the character. I like to people watch and I like to steal things and stick them into character.”

Watch the full conversation below.

Seasons one through three of Ted Lasso are now streaming on Apple TV+.