Star of the hit spy drama Homeland, Damian Lewis, had a confession to make when he discussed how he worked through a meeting with Steven Spielberg for his role in Band of Brothers, after a night of hard partying. After a warmly received audition with Tom Hanks, Lewis mentioned going out to celebrate his potential win with his friends.
Unfortunately, instead of resting the next day, after late-night shenanigans, Damian Lewis found himself rushed into a meeting with acclaimed filmmaker Steven Spielberg, the very next morning. Recalling his wobbly yet memorable experience during an interview with TODAY, Lewis made fans feel grateful that his hungover impression didn’t go the wrong way.
Hungover Damian Lewis Went to Meet Steven Spielberg for Band of Brothers
Damian Lewis, famously known for his breakout role as Major Richard ‘Dick’ Winters, landed his career-launching Band of Brothers after one too many drinks during a night out in Los Angeles. Speaking with NBC’s Willie Geist during an interview with TODAY, Lewis revealed the story behind his big break in the 2001 HBO miniseries Band of Brothers.
Explaining how he had a successful audition for the role with Tom Hanks, and later celebrated his early win by having drinks, Damian Lewis admitted partying a bit too hard. However, the greatest twist in his story came the next day, when a hungover Lewis received a call from Steven Spielberg, for a meeting at 9 a.m.
I go out and get absolutely hammered. I’m so excited. I’m in LA. I did a really good audition for Tom Hanks. I come back at 3 in the morning and I get a phone call at 8 o’clock. ‘Damian, Steven [Spielberg] would like to meet you now, can you be here by nine?
I have three showers, 17 cups of coffee and I go in shaking. And Steven is there, and he’s already got his video on his shoulder and then they offered me the role, there in the room. It was great. It was a great day.
Thankfully, despite his late-night shenanigan which left him hungover the next day, ahead of his meeting with Steven Spielberg, Damian Lewis landed his iconic role in Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks’ Band of Brothers. Perhaps, that night out later helped Lewis tap into the spirit of the American WW2 commander he would later portray in the HBO show.
Damian Lewis’ Indelible Mark on Band of Brothers as Major Dick Winters
From the executive producers Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, HBO’s Band of Brothers, a masterpiece of historical storytelling, owes a significant debt to the captivating performance of Damian Lewis as Major Richard ‘Dick’ Winters. While the ensemble cast delivered outstanding performances, Lewis’ portrayal of a stoic soldier, a man of great conviction and discipline, elevated the series to new heights.
Damian Lewis undoubtedly brought significant depth and nuance to the character. Further, his ability to convey the weight of responsibility, the horror of war, and the humanity of the soldiers resonated deeply with audiences. While his character added an emotional layer to the show, his screen presence came as a subtle yet commanding force.
Band of Brothers’ success can be largely attributed to Damian Lewis’s commitment to his role. Immersing himself into his character and capturing the essence of Major Richard ‘Dick’ Winters, Lewis’ contribution became instrumental in making the series an unforgettable experience for the audiences. The role not only cemented his place in the entertainment industry but also turned him into an integral part of Band of Brothers’ enduring legacy.
Band of Brothers is available on Max.
