He is arguably one of the most chameleonic actors of his generation; perhaps best known for his comedy characters, but increasingly for his tenacious work in drama. And in Dr. Strangelove - the first stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s 1964 war satire - he even plays four different roles.
The show recently completed its debut West End run and is now moving to Dublin’s Bord Gáis Energy Theatre from February 5th - 22nd. To mark its arrival, we count down ten of Coogan’s best roles to date.
10. Dr. Strangelove (2024 - )
If you're going to make your stage debut proper at the age of 59, you might as well go big. Presumably that’s what was behind Coogan’s decision to take on four different roles in the adaptation of Dr. Strangelove: the titular warmongering scientist, Captain Mandrake, President Muffley and Major Kong. Even Peter Sellers only managed three in the film. Coogan is superb in all of them, too; from scene to scene, he ducks and darts through costume and wig changes, aided and abetted by a terrific supporting cast, a fantastic set design and a script (co-written by Armando Iannucci and director Sean Foley) that pings and jabs in all the right places. For all of the production’s assets, however, it is Coogan who is undeniably the star of the show - and rightly so.
9. Stephen (2021)
Perhaps because of his formidable comedy chops, Coogan is often overlooked as a dramatic actor. His role in Stephen, the three-part series based around the tragic racist murder of black teenager Stephen Lawrence in 1993, proved any doubters wrong. The ITV series was a follow-up to the 1999 TV film The Murder of Stephen Lawrence, and is equally harrowing. Adopted from DCI Clive Driscoll's book In Pursuit of the Truth, Coogan plays Driscoll himself - the man who finally secured the convictions of two men responsible for Lawrence’s murder in 2012. Amid a backdrop simmering with racial tension and corruption, it’s a powerful film made all the more so by Coogan’s steely, unwavering presence.
8. 24 Hour Party People (2002)
One of Coogan's many collaborations with filmmaker Michael Winterbottom, his portrayal of the late Tony Wilson - the former Granada TV news reporter who went on to become a hugely influential figure on Manchester’s music and cultural scene in the 1980s and 1990s - was superb. Wilson also founded Factory Records and was the man behind the legendary Hacienda nightclub, and so various bands swerve in and out of Wilson’s story, from Joy Division to the Happy Mondays, New Order and more. There is more than a little 'nudge-nudge-wink-wink’ element to this music biopic-cum-mockumentary, which often breaks the fourth wall, but it’s still hugely entertaining and Coogan carries it with just the right level of humour and absurdity.
7. The Reckoning (2023)
There are probably not too many actors out there who would be enthused by the prospect of playing one of the most reviled public figures of the 20th century, but Coogan's portrayal of prolific predatory sex offender Jimmy Savile was chillingly accurate. The Reckoning, a four-part BBC miniseries, told Savile’s story from the beginning of his media career in the 1960s right up until his death in 2011 - also asking questions about how he bafflingly got away with his heinous crimes for literal decades. Coogan himself said that he was 'relieved’ when filming was finally over - and that he had not taken the decision to play Savile lightly, but the script "tackled a horrific story which - however harrowing - needs to be told". A brave performance, no doubt.
6. Despicable Me (2010 - )
If you have small people in your life, there's every chance that you’ve seen one of the Despicable Me films. No, we’re not going to reveal Coogan as one of the minions, but let’s face it: any animated film about a supervillain-turned-spy usually has a haughty stereotypical English character. In the franchise, Coogan provides the voice of Silas Ramsbottom, head of the AVL (Anti-Villain League) who is drawn out of retirement to help Agents Gru and Lucy capture their various nemeses. If nothing else, he proved that he is more than capable of adopting an imperious tone of voice. Even the biggest Hollywood star will tell you that voice acting is still acting.
5. Tristram Shandy (2005)
There have been several long-lasting creative partnerships that Coogan has maintained throughout his career. One of them is with Armando Iannucci; the other is with Michael Winterbottom (see above, and below), who directed Coogan in this 2005 adaptation of Laurence Sterne's 18th century comic novel The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman. Given the source material’s unconventional approach to storytelling, Winterbottom chose to frame it as a behind-the-scenes mockumentary about the book’s film adaptation, with Coogan playing both the lead character and himself, and the aforementioned Rob Brydon as his friend and rival. It’s easy to see why Winterbottom wanted to reunite them for The Trip.
4. Stan & Ollie (2018)
Coogan pulled off his portrayal of screen legend Stan Laurel opposite John C. Reilly's Oliver Hardy with aplomb. Set at the tail-end of the legendary comedy duo’s career as they struggle with both a dwindling audience and their personal relationship, Jon S. Baird’s 2018 film offered us a rare glimpse behind the curtain, paring back the slapstick to find the human story. It made for a moving and bittersweet tale, made all the more authentic by the central performances - particularly Coogan, who excelled as Laurel and nailed both his mannerisms and his physical posture.
3. The Trip (2010 - 2020)
A semi-improvised series about two old actor friends playing themselves and eating their way around a country doesn't sound overly exciting. The joy of The Trip (of which there are four series) is in the improvised performances of Coogan and Rob Brydon - a continuation of their roles in 2005’s A Cock and Bull Story (aka Tristram Shandy - see above). Two pals shooting the breeze about their lives and their careers, basically trying to make each other laugh, yet also adhering to the overarching storyline - what’s not to like? Every single episode is a joy.
2. Philomena (2013)
If you thought you had Coogan pegged as a mere comedy actor, his role in Stephen Frears' 2013 drama may well have changed your mind. Coogan played the role of journalist Martin Sixsmith - the film is based on Sixsmith's 2009 book - as he aided Irish woman Philomena Lee (Judi Dench) in her real-life search for the son she was forced to give up for adoption fifty years previously. Coogan beautifully plays the role of the hardened former news journalist who is initially reluctant to take on the 'human interest story’, but which soon dominates his own life. A poignant and gorgeous performance opposite the wonderful Dench.
1. Alan Partridge (1991 - )
Undoubtedly one of the most memorable comedy characters of all time, Coogan's turn as the cringeworthy, self-important local radio DJ - a parody of numerous TV personalities, we’ll let you figure out which ones - has endured magnificently across the last three decades. It has spawned several TV shows (with another, Alan Partridge: How Are You? on the way later this year), books, films, podcasts and even live shows since he first co-created Alan with Armando Iannucci in 1991. He has also given us countless catchphrases for everyday use - from 'Smell my cheese’ to ‘Dan! Dan! Dan! Dan! Dan!’ and ‘Sunday, bloody Sunday’, while ‘A-haaaaaa!’ can be used in basically any situation. A comedy icon.
Dr. Strangelove is at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin from February 5th - 22nd - find out more here.
