By Gabriela Acosta, MWN
Jason Sudeikis is back once again to bring humor to the ‘Ted Lasso’ series. The first season became the most Emmy-nominated new comedy series in history. In addition, it has been recognized with an esteemed Peabody Award; a SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor and a Comedy Series Award for Sudeikis; three Critics Choice Awards, Best Actor in a Comedy Series for Sudeikis and Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Hannah Waddingham, sweeping all categories in which the series was nominated.
The American actor and producer recently sat down with Metro to give an overview of the third season, which is now streaming on Apple TV+.
How does Ted’s character develop this season?
I would say Ted takes the responsibility of being a coach, specifically a football coach. I think he’s always taken it seriously, but with a level of curiosity that probably Nate’s absence allows for, you know. Ted is willing and able, and maybe even has a knack for delegating and encouraging people to become the best version of themselves according to their own ability in their own measure. And with Nate leaving, it leaves room for – in terms of the tactics and style of play that the team is going to use – exploration, and for him to be curious and not judgmental.
What’s it like to play a character that people love?
Oh, wow. I’m very flattered by this question. It’s a wonderful way to see the world, to not be shaken by people’s fear and insecurity. It’s also a very beautiful way to meet people, to really get to know people as they are, to not have expectations of something or someone, and just go into situations and come out of them with grace. It’s a joy, as far as kindness is a gift that you put into people. But as far as the optimism that Ted shares, I can speak to that, as I’ve tried to embody that for the last couple of years. Well, that’s where my responses come from, not so much from the perception of him, because that’s what I have no control over. I’m very appreciative of how kind people talk to me for the character, especially when I’m with my family, with friends or with my kids.
Can you give a description of Ted Lasso’s origins?
He’s not based on anyone specific, it’s an amalgamation of a vibe that I always like to play. I’ve felt like I’ve been able to connect with someone who’s not so broken, just a little bit like someone happy who got lucky. The accent does kind of resonate very closely with me and it probably comes out a little bit more when I’ve been drinking and when I’m back home, around certain friends. People in Kansas would say we don’t have an accent per se and yet I would suggest going somewhere else and they would tell them the opposite. For example, I go visit my family in Chicago and I think and say, ‘These people have accents, and they’re like, ‘no, you have an accent.’’ As for his leadership style, it’s deeply rooted in the teachings and philosophy of the great American basketball coach John Wooden, but also my own.
What position would you like to play and why?
I’d like to be an attacking midfielder, but that would be running too much. I’d like to be able to just sit in the middle and just be like a central station.
That’s what my intuition tells me I should do, that’s what my heart would want to be, but my body is like, ‘Are you kidding me?’ I run ten feet and I’m out of breath, if the ball comes towards me, I flip or I freak out. But at the same time, I don’t want to be a goalkeeper, it’s a lot of pressure, although you have access to your water bottle and that’s fine, you can wear a long-sleeved shirt which is better in cold weather. I guess I’d be a better striker because the moments are more glorious.
