Matthew Macfadyen on Death by Lightning and Playing John LeCarré’s George Smiley
If you want to connect with working television industry professionals, both on-screen and behind the scenes, joining our organization provides exceptional access, benefits, and opportunities.
Death by Lightning's Matthew Macfadyen
The Emmy-winning actor stars in Netflix’s new limited series, portraying President Garfield’s troubled assassin, Charles Guiteau. While most Americans recognize the names John Wilkes Booth and Lee Harvey Oswald as the assassins of Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy, Charles Guiteau remains relatively unknown. Guiteau shot President James Garfield in 1881, just four months into his presidency.
Garfield survived for several months after the attack, but his death was ultimately caused more by poor medical treatment than by Guiteau’s bullet. This lesser-known historical event serves as compelling material for television as much as more famous incidents.
The Netflix series Death by Lightning features Matthew Macfadyen as Guiteau, Michael Shannon as Garfield, and Nick Offerman as Chester A. Arthur, who becomes president after Garfield’s death due to Guiteau’s actions. The show portrays the story with poignancy, humor, and strong entertainment value.
The English-born Macfadyen spoke with the Television Academy about playing this strange and tragic figure.
Author's summary: Matthew Macfadyen brings depth and nuance to the overlooked figure of Charles Guiteau in Netflix’s Death by Lightning, highlighting a dramatic and often forgotten part of American history.