James Buckley reflects on life after ‘The Inbetweeners’
James Buckley, who played the iconic character Jay Cartwright on the popular sitcom The Inbetweeners, has spoken about the challenges of moving on from a role that defined his career. After nearly two decades in the public eye, he grapples with the fading impact of his earlier success and the search for new aspirations, reports BritPanorama.
Since first appearing on television at the age of 20, Buckley has become synonymous with the character known for his outrageous remarks and sexual innuendos. Jay Cartwright’s influence extended beyond the screen, contributing phrases that have entered popular vernacular. Buckley recalls the impact of the sitcom, stating, “I am so proud of The Inbetweeners. It was brilliant, amazing.” However, with its conclusion in 2014, he describes feeling “semi-retired, before the age of 30.”
At 38, Buckley recognizes that finding new ambitions can be difficult when one’s dreams are fulfilled so early. He admits, “I don’t really have a goal anymore,” and expresses concerns about the lack of direction in his professional life. Despite these challenges, he has managed to maintain a presence in the entertainment industry, including interviews and podcasts, while stating, “I just sort of keep myself busy.”
Beyond acting, Buckley has expanded his career through digital platforms. During the pandemic, he and his wife started a YouTube channel, At Home with the Buckleys, which has grown into a successful podcast with 281,000 subscribers. Additionally, Buckley made headlines as the first celebrity to earn $1 million on the platform Cameo. However, the opportunity to revitalize his acting career still holds significant weight, as evidenced by his further involvement in film projects like Finding Father Christmas and the upcoming release of Mother’s Pride, where he portrays a struggling single dad.
Despite his comedic prowess, Buckley admits to struggling with feelings of inadequacy, often dismissing his contributions to the entertainment landscape. “When I’m on a film set, I just walk around thinking, ‘I’m ruining this,’” he says, articulating a common experience known as impostor syndrome. He reflects on his humble beginnings in Dagenham, sharing his concerns about fitting into the entertainment industry without the traditional credentials many of his peers possess.
As he navigates the complexities of fame and parenthood, Buckley expresses pride in his role as a father, noting the importance of instilling values of hard work and kindness in his sons. Addressing modern societal issues surrounding masculinity, he emphasizes his confidence in his children’s generation to handle challenges thoughtfully, suggesting they possess resilience against negative influences. “I think they’re going to be quite thoughtful and quite sensible,” he asserts, underscoring his optimism for the future.
Buckley remains engaged with the ongoing conversation about comedy and its place in society, particularly regarding the legacy of The Inbetweeners. He comments on the ongoing popularity of the show, which maintains a place in modern discourse despite past controversies over its content. Ultimately, he defines his goal as spreading joy through laughter, whether as himself or through his beloved character. The journey he has undertaken since his rise to fame continues to shape his perceptions of success and fulfillment.
‘Mother’s Pride’ is in cinemas on Friday.
