Will Sharpe, the 38-year-old actor, writer, and director, reflects on the complexity of characters that captivate him, particularly those with bad first impressions who later reveal unexpected depths. He draws inspiration from childhood antagonists who soften over time, like Cera the triceratops in “The Land Before Time.” This fascination with flawed characters permeates his own work, which has showcased a diverse array of projects, from the darkly comedic “Flowers” to the true crime drama “Landscapers,” featuring Olivia Colman.
Sharpe recently gained widespread recognition for his role as the enigmatic tech bro Ethan Spiller in the acclaimed series “The White Lotus.” He now stars in Lena Dunham’s forthcoming Netflix romcom, “Too Much,” where he plays Felix, a punk musician who strikes up a connection with Jessica, a workaholic looking to reinvent her life in London after a breakup. The show, co-created by Dunham and her husband Luis Felber, promises to capture the millennial experience, blending comedy with the complicated dynamics of love and personal baggage.
In “Too Much,” Sharpe appreciates Felix’s layers of vulnerability and flaws, stating, “Everyone’s a mess, ultimately, aren’t they, in some way?” He admires how Dunham’s storytelling manages to portray both romanticized visions of love and the messy realities of relationships fraught with trauma. The comedy also highlights the cultural clash between American and British personalities, a theme inspired by Dunham’s own experiences after moving to the UK.
Sharpe, born to a Japanese mother and English father, brings a unique perspective to his work, informed by his multicultural upbringing. This background, combined with his education at Cambridge and his experiences in the entertainment industry, has shaped his approach to storytelling, particularly regarding mental health. He opened up about his bipolar II disorder during the creation of “Flowers,” emphasizing the cathartic nature of working on the project.
Having enjoyed success across various genres, including comedy and serious dramas, Sharpe is now eager to revisit directing. He is working on a new show that he describes as “quite hopeful,” which aligns with his vision of finding personal relevance in his projects. It has been announced that he will create and star alongside Ayo Edebiri in a new romcom series for Apple TV+ titled “Prodigies,” about two former child stars navigating their paths in the industry.
With “Too Much” set to premiere on Netflix globally on July 10th, Sharpe continues to capture the hearts of audiences with his unique blend of talent, candidness, and a commitment to exploring relatable, multi-faceted characters. As he embraces new challenges, it’s clear that Will Sharpe is a name to watch in both acting and directing, with much more to come.