Photo: David Buchan / Variety / Shutterstock
Paul Mescal has become an undisputed object of international thirst in the months after his emo-jock Connell debut on Hulu’s Normal people. These days, the 24-year-old former Irish stage actor can barely walk down the street without inadvertently fabricating mayhem on the Internet throughout his shorts. And as of this morning, Mescal is now an Emmy-nominated international thirst, drawing a prominent lead actor in a limited series nomination alongside heavyweights like Mark Ruffalo, Hugh Jackman and Jeremy Irons. Vulture called him in to quickly chat about his reaction to the nomination, whether he’s spoken to co-star Daisy Edgar-Jones, those Phoebe Bridgers rumors, and of course the shorts.
Hi, Pablo! Congratulations
Hello Rachel! How are you doing Thank you very much.
How you feel?
A little like … fuzzy. It is really difficult to describe: tired, excited, breathless. I just got out of a taxi; I come from rehearsal. Trying to carry bags up the stairs. That is a really inconsistent answer. Basically very, very happy.
Rehearsal for what?
Rehearsing something in London. I am doing a concert with Dermot Kennedy, who is a singer.
Very cool. Did you talk to Daisy today?
Yes, I have spoken to her. She was one of the first people I called.
What was your reaction?
She was thrilled, only the show had been nominated, and she was excited for me, obviously. The fact that I am nominated is a testament to the work he has done. Normal people it’s the kind of show that: the relationship between Connell and Marianne [is central]. I was thanking her for being an amazing person, but also the best scene partner anyone could ask for.
Were you upset or surprised that she wasn’t nominated too?
Personally, totally. If it was me, I would have given him all the love in that category. I can’t speak more highly of the work you did on the show. I know there are extraordinary actresses nominated in that category, but I think Daisy’s work is just phenomenal in this.
So clearly you are no longer locked up. Has your life returned to normal?
Yes, more or less. Incrementally Not the euphoric type of release that I think we were all waiting for, but I’d like to think it’s normal. It was nice to get out of the house and do some work.
What else have you been working on?
Um, nothing I can really talk about. [[[[Laughs nervously]It’s really exciting that the [industry] it’s moving towards openness again and I hope I can be a part of that.
Can you tell us what the format is? A television show, a movie?
I can’t really discuss it as a format. All I can say is that the people I am working with have had problems with their work for years and years. And to end up on a set with them, I’d be really excited to work with them.
In the months since we first spoke, I feel like your life has changed a lot. You feel so?
It is really difficult to know. I think it was a quick change once the show came out, and then everything else felt incremental. And then something big happens, like someone you really admire who has seen the show, and you think, “What the hell is my life right now?” It is crazy. But for the most part, I’ve been trying to stay safe, wholesome, and healthy during the lockdown. And see my family, and things like that.
Are you surprised by the attention you have received from an internet perspective?
Yes. Totally. [[[[Laughs] It is quite vast. The vast majority have been incredibly flattering, but I think it’s odd to adapt, to be totally honest. But I’m happy that it’s mostly positive and that people don’t seem to hate me. I’m sure there are people who do it, but …
How much do you follow it?
No, but my friends and family will read it, and it’s very funny. But it keeps me sane not looking at that kind of thing. Because finally it’s because I don’t know. I don’t think it is particularly healthy to read about yourself at all.
Thats fair. But have you followed the fascination with your shorts?
[[[[Laughs] Well, I heard about it. But I wouldn’t say I’m following him.
How did you notice?
My brother will send me a funny tweet. It’s never really a conversation that lasts long. Because I don’t think it’s very interesting, my roommate just walked in, but it’s not something we talk about for a long time. Around the family table, talking about my shorts, it wouldn’t be the most interesting conversation.
Would you say that your shorts are particularly short?
Look, I think to a stranger, they probably are. But for someone who has grown up playing soccer, they are unfortunately the standard short length in soccer. [[[[Laughs.]
You have recently received attention for having breakfast with Phoebe Bridgers, whom you have called one of your favorite musicians. How does that feel for you? Is it strange that people know where and who you are going to have breakfast?
Err, I’d rather not talk about it. Sorry.
It’s okay. Did you know that the Connell chain had become an object of fascination? I got one in the mail from Hulu.
[[[[Laughs] Yes, I saw it. I was like, “What’s going on?” It wasn’t something we ever saw, oh, the chain will be this thing. But then it was and was weird, like, “What’s going on?” But it became a kind of show totem, and best of all, we were able to raise over € 70,000 for a charity by auctioning my own chain.
What do you miss most about filming? Normal people?
I miss people. I miss working with Daisy and Lenny [Abrahamson] and Hettie [Macdonald]. It’s a cheesy answer, but really, that was my favorite part of the experience. Just working and working with incredibly talented people who really are some of the best people I have ever met.
Photo: Courtesy of Hulu.
Have you seen the complete series?
I saw him the first weekend he was on the BBC, and then I put him to bed.
What do you mean?
I won’t see him now until he’s old and gray. That is not true. I don’t know when I’ll see him again. Obviously I am incredibly proud of it, but yes.
How was the experience of seeing you in something so intimate? It was uncomfortable? Did you enjoy it?
It was not uncomfortable nor did I particularly enjoy it. I was in that gray area. It’s strange to see you in that position, but also, I was very proud of the material. I thought this is what I think is a very accurate, truthful and honest representation of a relationship, but also a sexual relationship.
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