In the world of television, few actors manage to captivate audiences as consistently as Jamie Kenna. Known for his roles in fan-favorite series like His Dark Materials, Gran Turismo, The Crown, Peaky Blinders, and Coronation Street, Jamie’s versatility and talent have made him a household name. Now, he steps into the spotlight once again in the second season of HBO’s House of the Dragon.
Having premiered on June 16th in the USA and June 17th in the UK, House of the Dragon has already generated considerable buzz. Jamie stars as Ser Alfred Broome, the most senior knight of Dragonstone, sworn to serve House Targaryen. His performance sees him sharing the screen with Emma D’Arcy as Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen and Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen, among other notable talents.
Beyond his impressive acting credentials, Jamie Kenna is also a passionate advocate for mental health, particularly men’s mental health. His openness about his own mental health journey has resonated with many, and his partnership with the charity PANDAS underscores his commitment to this important cause. In a recent podcast episode aired at the end of June, Jamie discussed his advocacy work, aiming to encourage more men to seek out the free mental health support services offered by PANDAS.
Jamie Kenna’s blend of on-screen prowess and off-screen advocacy makes him a remarkable figure in both the entertainment and mental health spheres.
Up Close & Personal With Jamie Kenna
Jamie, can you tell us about your journey into acting? What initially sparked your interest in the performing arts?
I think it was always there. I can’t ever remember a time when I didn’t love performing and didn’t want to perform. However, where I come from, I’m a working-class kid from a council estate, so it wasn’t really on anyone’s agenda. I certainly didn’t think it was in my grasp to be a performer because no one else I knew did it. My dad was a singer, and he was in bands and things, but I didn’t have access to national youth theatre or stage schools in my area.
It was very much something that I loved doing, that I wanted to do. I used to put on little shows for my parents and for families when we had functions and family dos. I’d always be performing or bossing my sister and cousins around to perform. So my interest was sparked from day one.
Football was my other passion, and I tried to follow that as much as possible. I played football, and interestingly, there was a lot more access to do that than there was to perform. It wasn’t until I was in my 20s, really, and I went to university that I became really aware of my desire to perform. Even doing things like karaoke and hosting events made me realize how much I loved being on stage and performing.
Eventually, this is kind of a very long story short, the itch got too difficult to not try and scratch, so I went and did an evening class in acting. That’s where it all led on from there, really. I got an audition at drama school, and I was very lucky to get a scholarship, so all my fees were paid. The rest is history – not written history yet. It’s been an ongoing process and a developing process.
You’ve played a variety of roles in fan-favorite shows like His Dark Materials, The Crown, and Peaky Blinders. Is there a particular role that has been most memorable for you, and why?
I always get asked this question, what’s been my sort of favourite role or any particular role, it’s a really hard one to answer, because I’m always so in awe of where I am and the fact that I follow the dream. I don’t come from this world. I went to drama school, and I did my training. So every time I get employed, or someone’s willing to employ me as an actor, I always have a very surreal experience, and I’m always really grateful. I do get a lot of imposter syndrome, so it’s very hard to single out one.
Obviously, there are certain roles that you can bring more to. You get more opportunity. You’re in things more, you get bigger roles. You can really invest in that. So I think probably this one now, Ser Alfred Broom in House of the Dragon, has been the peak for me because it ticks every box. The sets, the costumes, the size of the production, plus the detail of the writing, the detail of the direction – everything’s got everything. So I’ve loved it.
I also have played Max Miller on stage, who’s an old comedian from the 40s, and that’s probably been my favourite part alongside this. I’m in the process of trying to develop a TV script for that because it’s a real labour of love for me. It’s got a great story. It’s a very specific character with a very specific voice. I love doing accents, and I love immersing myself in roles like that. So I would say those two stand out particularly, but I’m grateful for everything I’ve ever done.
Congratulations on your role as Ser Alfred Broome in House of the Dragon! Can you share some insights into your character and how you prepared for this role?
Yeah, I can share a few insights. I can’t give any spoilers, obviously, although I think by the time this interview comes out, the show will be out. So yeah, finally, the pressure will be off so I don’t spoil the whole series.
Thank you very much for the congratulations. It means a lot. It means so much to be in this show and to be playing this part. It’s a great part with loads of layers and textures. He’s very loyal. He’s been in House Targaryen for many, many years, many generations. He’s been in this post a long time, but he’s quite sullen. He’s not afraid to speak his mind, that’s for sure. He’s got very strong opinions, and he doesn’t mind challenging people with them. Whether they’re right, I don’t know – that’s up to others to decide, but he certainly thinks they are, and it causes him some bumps in the road, for sure, for Ser Alfred and his relationships, certainly around the painted table.
He’s very interesting because I think he does have the best will in the world. He comes from a loyal place, a good place, but a loyal place. But he’s also one that wants action.
To prepare for that role, it’s really hard not to go in there and just be in character. You do your prep work beforehand. So I know who he is and how he feels about everyone and how they feel about him. But as soon as you put those costumes on and walk on those sets, and then you’re working with these fantastic actors that give you everything – these are all people that are the best at what they do – it’s a gift. It’s an absolute gift.
So you go in there with, you know, if you go in there with too many preconceptions, that can sometimes hold you back because you’re not then able to be free and play. So I try and enable myself a bit of freedom so I can adapt to what other people give and what other people bring.
What has it been like working on the set of House of the Dragon, especially alongside actors like Emma D’Arcy and Matt Smith?
Emma D’Arcy is just a terrific actor! I can’t speak highly enough of them. They’re so dedicated, they bring such great intensity and believability. Same with Matt Smith, same with all the guys. There isn’t a weak link. And so when people are bringing that and they’re giving you that generosity, you can’t help but up your game, because you have to.
I always put everything into a sporting analogy, but if you’re playing in a football team that’s a bit below your standard, sometimes you drop to that level. But equally, when you play in a team that’s amazing, and you’re kind of, you know, almost out of your depth, but not quite, you raise your game and you’re much sharper. And that’s been the case in House of the Dragon. Working with, particularly Emma and Matt, who I was lucky enough to have a lot of scenes with, a lot of stuff to do with – you up your game because their level is so high, and they obviously know the show as well, so they’re in the groove of it. It’s just a real privilege.
You are a passionate advocate for mental health. Could you tell us about your personal journey with mental health and what inspired you to become a spokesperson for this cause?
I am a passionate advocate for mental health. The reason for that is I have been on my own journey. I’m still on my own journey. I think mental health is such a broad term, and it affects everybody. My thing is, when it was really affecting me heavily, when I was in my sort of darkest place, suffering from severe anxiety and a bit of depression, I didn’t know what was happening to me, and I didn’t know what it was.
That comes from the fact that, as a mental health child of the 70s, I wasn’t taught to speak about my feelings or to speak up. I was taught to get on with it and you’ll be all right. It’s what everyone does. Thankfully, now we’re getting into a place – I still don’t think we’re far enough ahead – where people can put their hands up and go, “I’m struggling, and I don’t know why I’m struggling. I don’t know what it is. I just don’t feel right,” and it’s a scary place to be. That’s where I was. I just didn’t know what was going on. I was having panic attacks, but I didn’t know what panic attacks were.
So now, if I have one, which I still do, I can identify it, and I know what it is, and I can acknowledge it. As soon as I acknowledge it, it sort of cuts it in half immediately, because I can breathe. I can go and sit in a dark sort of corner somewhere, or whatever it is I need to do. But if I speak to my wife and say, “Look, I’m having a bit of a wobble,” it just makes it much easier to deal with.
I feel I represent a certain demographic. I’m six foot four, big, burly guy, you know, and I’ve worked on building sites, I’ve worked in all those sort of places, been around those kind of people. And I think there is a thing – I don’t think men have been encouraged. I think we’re so behind the times with men being encouraged to speak out and put their hands up in these testosterone-fueled environments and go, “I’m having a really bad day, and I don’t know why,” or “They don’t understand me, and I don’t know what it is.”
I want to use my platform to help because I know if I’d been watching something or hearing an interview at the time I was really struggling, someone like me, someone I could identify with, was going, “You know, I had these battles, and this is what it was, and this is how it manifested itself, and this is what I did,” it would have really helped me. It would have really, really helped me, because I’d have gone, “Okay, I think that’s what’s happening to me.” So it would have put me on my journey earlier.
It’s about finding what works for you. There’s no quick fix, there’s no “take this”, “do this,” or “see this person.” You’ve got to find your own way. For me, it was meditation, it was a bit of yoga, it was breathwork and all that sort of stuff. And like I said, speaking up, putting my hands up and going, “I’m having a bad day. I’m struggling.” It’s my life’s mission to get that message out there and to help, for sure.
How did your partnership with PANDAS come about, and what message do you hope to convey through your collaboration with them?
My work with PANDAS – I know one of the people involved in PANDAS very well. She came to me because PANDAS is about mental health, but also about being a parent, which I am. I’ve got two lovely children, but it’s hard work, especially in this industry. They just didn’t feel that they were reaching dads enough. Because, again, I think dads, you know, we do go unnoticed a little bit, and it’s harder. It’s very, very hard being a parent and to put your head above the parapet and go, “You know, I think this.”
So they wanted me to be an advocate of that and to speak, and I was more than happy. I’ve gone on their podcast, and it’s exactly the message that I’ve just talked about. In my collaboration with them, I want to get the word out to as many people. I want to try and help as many people. That’s not me having some sort of god complex. That’s just me going, “You know, I’ve been there and I’m still there, but now I know what it is,” and encourage people to say it, to speak out. That’s what this is about.
Instagram and social media can make your life look so perfect, and particularly someone like me, who’s on TV, who’s in this big show, and I’m at the premieres, you know, it looks like my life is perfect. I’ve got my little children, but it’s not. It really isn’t. And I try and post videos on my social media sometimes going, “I’m having a really rubbish day, and I don’t know why. I just don’t feel like doing anything today,” and that’s all right.
So collaborating with charities like PANDAS gives me another voice and another platform to get that message out there and support the brilliant work that they’re doing.
You’ve recorded a podcast episode with PANDAS. Can you give us a sneak peek into what listeners can expect from this episode?
Listeners can expect the truth from me. You can always expect I’m very self-effacing. I am very happy to speak about all the issues that I’ve had and all the issues I’ve been through because I don’t see it as an embarrassment. I don’t see it as anything to be ashamed of. I see my mental health journey, and I see my life journey as something to be very proud of.
I come from nothing. I have had all my struggles. I’m sure there’s people who’ve had way worse upbringings and worse struggles than me, but I’m only who I can be, and so therefore you’ll always get honesty from me, and you’ll always get the truth. Because I want people to see me as someone that they could talk to, that they could open up to. I’m approachable, and that’s what I want to come across. Because we’re all human beings, and whether you’re an actor or whether you’re an accountant, whether you’re a plasterer, it doesn’t matter. We’ve all got to kind of stick together and help each other through this because life can be tough, but it’s much easier when we all work together.
Why do you think it’s particularly important to address mental health issues among men, and how can society better support men in seeking help?
I think we’re getting there. I think we’re moving there, but I think it’s honestly, I cannot say enough – it’s about having the courage to reach out for help, whether that’s a close family friend, whether that’s a parent, whether that’s your boss, whether that’s someone on a tube. You’ve got to have the courage to go, “I’m struggling. I’m scared.” Because that’s what I found when I had my issues. I was scared because I didn’t know what was going on.
I couldn’t leave the house and I didn’t know why. I’m someone who’s very outdoorsy, who’s very outgoing, I’m very gregarious as a person. All of a sudden, I was breaking out into a sweat just walking out the front door, and I couldn’t walk to the end of the road. I didn’t know why. I didn’t know what was happening, and I was embarrassed and ashamed and scared, and I kept all of that internal. I kept all of it to myself.
Like I said, if I just switched the TV on or the radio on, or opened a newspaper and saw someone that I kind of recognize or identify with saying this, it would have helped. Really would have helped. So that’s what society can do. We can make it easier, cut away these stigmas, cut away this kind of masculine thing where it’s, you know, “You’ve just got to get on with it.” Stop belittling people, and stop belittling the situation around mental health, and let’s just support it. And it will level itself out. But we got to help everyone. Everyone is susceptible to it, doesn’t matter.
Often, with me, I found it’s not when things are going badly. It’s not when I’ve got no work or no money or I’m struggling to pay the bills, because that brings anxiety and everything, and that’s obvious. Often for me, it’s when things are going really well. That’s when I suddenly have an anxiety attack or whatever. And so it comes at you when you’re least expecting it. So don’t be fooled by people being successful, being in the public eye, thinking, “Oh, they’re all right,” because that’s the danger point.
You look at famous people, Gary Speed taking his own life – that struck such a massive chord with me when that happened. We’ve got to stop this. We’ve got to help. We’ve got to help. Society has to do its bit by encouraging people more and more to speak out.
How do you balance your demanding acting career with your advocacy work? Do you find one influences the other?
Balancing my acting career and advocacy work is because I see they go hand in hand, for sure. I went to ITV when I was in Coronation Street and said, “I want to have a voice. Can you help me?” And ever since then, I have done that. So they go hand in hand, and I feel very proud of where I am, the profile that I’ve got and the platform that I now have.
That enables me to do advocacy work, that enables charities to approach me, and I’m able to come on and do interviews like this, or podcasts and things, and TV chat shows. And I can talk about it and talk about it openly. So for me, the more successful my acting career becomes, the more advocacy work I get approached for, and the more I want to do. That’s what I’ve always wanted. I love being an actor, but also then to jump on and help use my powers for good, as it were, is something I’m really excited about.
Who are some of the actors or individuals in the industry that have inspired you throughout your career?
I’ve been so lucky to work with some huge names, and everyone inspires you in some capacity or another. I remember it was Sean Bean that I first saw being interviewed before I became an actor, but it was a really prominent thought I wanted to follow. He was on a chat show, and he was talking about how he doesn’t come from this world, and he’s a working-class kid from Sheffield, and he got the mickey taken out of him because he wanted to be an actor, and he didn’t think it was possible. And he just kept following his dream. And the dream kept becoming, you know, the urge kept getting stronger and stronger.
I remember that really struck a chord, and that was probably the last push that I needed to then look into, “Right? How do I do this?” Because if he can do it, so can I. And ironically, he was in Game of Thrones. So I think there’s a little bit of a pattern there. I’ve never worked with him, but I hope I do one day so I can thank him for that interview.
But along the way, I’ve worked with some phenomenal actors. Some are huge, famous, household names, some aren’t, but they’ve all contributed in some way, and they’ve all inspired me in some way. I have to mention David Whitworth and Jane Glassy, who are my drama school teachers, who gave me the toolbox in order to leave and set out on this journey into this industry. So they were definitely inspirational. David in particular saw something in me that I didn’t even know was there, and I’m eternally grateful to them for giving me the tools to be able to flourish. There are just too many people to mention, but they’re the few that I’d like to mention that were there at the beginning. Yeah, I’ve been very lucky.
What advice would you give to aspiring actors who are looking to break into the industry?
You’ve got to just be resilient. If you want it, and it’s your dream, and you can think of nothing else, and your passion is there – I’m 22 years into this industry now, and I think my passion is, I’m a bit more cynical these days, but my passion is as strong, if not stronger than ever. So you got to make sure that that’s there, and if that’s there, then just keep on pushing. Just keep on trucking. Put one foot in front of the other.
Don’t worry about the rejection. There is no rejection. You have to deal with ghosting rather than rejection. So that’s even harder. But if you want it, just keep doing it. Keep believing. Don’t lose your identity. Get into it for the reasons you want to and be the actor that you want to be. And that takes a while to find, and I still haven’t fully found it yet for me. Just keep going. Just keep going. Even when people say you can’t, you can. Just keep going.
It’s a tough industry, but when you’re working, it’s the best thing ever. Also, figure out what you’re going to do while you’re waiting for the phone to ring. Prepare yourself so you’re fully equipped for the waiting around. And then when you get that opportunity, jump on it. Some people say, “Turn, say no to things.” I’m an advocate of just taking everything, especially in the early days. Do everything, meet everyone, and just keep going.
What has been the most challenging role you’ve played so far, and how did you overcome the difficulties associated with it?
I’ve played loads of challenging roles, and I think the one that gave me the most trouble and the one I really struggled with was when I played Caliban in The Tempest, it was really hard and kept me awake at night. They often do. This business keeps me awake at night a lot because I think about it 24/7, but that role, because when you’re playing such an iconic Shakespearean character, everyone’s got an opinion on it, and everyone’s played it.
And Caliban, particularly, is a very physical part. You know, he’s half monster, half man, and you’ve got to come up with new ideas. And it was so challenging but so rewarding. It’s one of my favourite parts, one of the favourite things I’ve ever done. I really felt the reward of creating a character, and I loved it.
How have you seen yourself grow personally and professionally over the years, and what are your goals moving forward?
I mean, I don’t think you see yourself grow personally or professionally. I think it’s something that sort of organically happens, and then you have little check-in points. That’s what I’ve become good at, I think, is probably an answer to the question. I’ve become better as I’ve got older at checking in with myself, about where I’m at.
I think acknowledging where I am – I did a post on Instagram recently, where I was in New York for the premiere of House of the Dragon, and I was just sitting there having a cup of coffee in the morning, and I was like, “Wow, look at where I am.” Like, this is incredible. I just took a punt and followed my dream, and here I am, you know, the day of going to walk the red carpet in New York at the Manhattan Centre.
I think you have to have moments like that. You have to immerse yourself in them acknowledge them and take a stop and a check. Whereas when I was younger, I think I used to just sort of bulldoze my way through and I was always looking over the fence going, “What’s next, what’s next, what’s next.” And I didn’t fully appreciate where I was at. So I think I do that now, both personally and professionally. I think I’m much better equipped to sit in the moment and go, “I’m going to absorb this. I’m going to acknowledge where I am, and I’m going to pat myself on the back, and I’m going to bask in this a little bit,” because otherwise, what’s the point? If you’re always moving forward and you don’t, you know, kind of lookup, metaphorically speaking, then you miss where you’re at and what you’ve achieved.
So, my goals moving forward, I want to bring my kids up the right way. I want my kids to be happy. I want to give them opportunities I didn’t have. I want to be the best role model I can possibly be to them, and I want to keep working. I love this job, and I just want to just keep working and inspiring and being someone who can spread whatever message that people want to take from my life and my career. But like I said, I’ll always be open. I’ll always be honest, and what you see is what you get. And I’m a life lover. I’m one of life’s positive life lovers, so I just want to keep doing that ticking off boxes and fulfilling my dreams.
Photographer – Jemima Marriott
Stylist – Prue Fisher
Groomer – Megan McPhilemy
