James Buckley, famous for his portrayal of Jay Cartwright in 'The Inbetweeners,' recently opened up about the challenges the cast faces due to their advancing age during the production of their third film. Speaking on his podcast 'The Buckleys' with his wife Clair, the 39-year-old actor also disclosed plans for a new television series on Channel 4 with fellow cast member Joe Thomas, set to begin after the current movie's filming concludes. Additionally, Buckley reminisced about his early career struggles, recalling how he worked as a kitchen fitter while shooting the first season of 'The Inbetweeners' for a mere £6,000.
Navigating Age and New Endeavors in 'The Inbetweeners' Franchise
James Buckley, the beloved actor behind the character Jay Cartwright, shared with his wife Clair on their podcast, 'The Buckleys,' that the cast of 'The Inbetweeners' is increasingly aware of their age during the filming of the third installment. The movie, picked up by Netflix, sees Buckley, 39, reunite with Simon Bird, 42, Blake Harrison, 41, and Joe Thomas, 43, all reprising their iconic roles. After nearly two decades since the show first aired in 2008, the actors are experiencing the physical realities of growing older, with complaints ranging from knee pain to neck issues, especially during scenes that require frequent entry and exit from cars. This palpable sense of time passing has brought a new dimension to their on-set experiences.
Buckley elaborated on the physical tolls of filming, humorously noting the cast's groans when getting in and out of cars, a common activity for their characters. He specifically mentioned Blake Harrison's neck discomfort, highlighting how vividly aware they've all become of their age. Beyond the physical aspects, Buckley also discussed the logistical challenges of maintaining continuity, such as haircuts, during production. Following the completion of the 'Inbetweeners' movie, Buckley is set to embark on another project with Joe Thomas, with whom he already co-hosts the 'Joe and James Fact Up' podcast. They will be developing a new TV show for Channel 4, marking an exciting new chapter for the duo.
James Buckley's Early Career and Financial Realities
James Buckley reflected on his humble beginnings in the entertainment industry, revealing the financial difficulties he encountered during his early days on 'The Inbetweeners.' Despite landing a role in what would become an iconic comedy, Buckley had to continue working as a kitchen fitter to make ends meet. He candidly shared that his payment for the first season was a modest £6,000, which barely covered his daily expenses, often leaving him unable to afford public transport to film locations. This period of his life underscores the stark contrast between the glitz of show business and the economic realities faced by many aspiring actors.
Buckley recounted an anecdote from that time, recalling how he was fitting kitchens the day after the first episode of 'The Inbetweeners' aired. A customer recognized him and asked if he was 'off the telly,' a surreal moment given his ongoing financial struggles. He also touched upon the phenomenon of receiving freebies once he gained recognition, a perk he greatly appreciated because he couldn't afford new clothes himself. These experiences provide a rare glimpse into the less glamorous side of a celebrity's journey, emphasizing the hard work and perseverance required before achieving widespread success and financial stability. His journey from a struggling kitchen fitter to a recognized actor illustrates a significant personal and professional evolution.
