Actor Michael Ward admits that football led to depression, leading him to pursue acting as an alternative
Micheal Ward, the rising British star, is making waves in the film industry with his latest role in Netflix's 'The Beautiful Game'. The film, based on the real-life annual event, the Homeless World Cup, sees Ward portray a young, talented footballer grappling with homelessness.
Ward's portrayal of this character is deeply moving, capturing the complexities of identity, struggle, and sport. His authentic performance is a testament to his understanding of the emotional nuances of a footballer dealing with hardship, a connection that seems rooted in his own football background.
While details about Ward's personal football career are scarce, his transition to acting appears to be intertwined with football in more ways than one. The film gave him the opportunity to interact with former homeless players, blurring the lines between sport and acting. This experience highlighted football's power to facilitate communication and connection among diverse groups, a lesson that has undoubtedly impacted Ward's understanding of the sport's social impact.
Before his acting career took off, Ward tried out for Chigwell Boys and Chadwell Heath Academy but was not developed by the clubs. However, his football skills and charisma didn't go unnoticed. A modelling competition run by JD Sports led him to try drama full time, setting him on a path that would eventually lead to his Bafta Rising Star gong in 2020.
Ward's acting career has been a whirlwind ever since. He played Jamie in Netflix's Top Boy and is currently filming Eddington, a Western, in New Mexico alongside stars like Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, Austin Butler, and Pedro Pascal. Despite his busy schedule, Ward dreams of getting into nature more but finds it difficult to find the time.
Despite his success, Ward remains grounded. He recently spent a day off in New Mexico watching TV and going to Walmart, a far cry from the glamorous life one might expect. As he needs to shut his laptop and head back to work, it's clear that his passion for football, his first love, continues to drive him.
In 'The Beautiful Game', Ward is returning to the football pitch for his first leading role. His journey from the football field to the big screen is a testament to the transformative power of sport and the resilience of the human spirit.
Sources: [1] City A.M. Magazine Spring edition [2] Variety.com
- Michael Ward's career in the film industry, centering around the sports drama 'The Beautiful Game', offers an intriguing blend of sports, lifestyle, and entertainment, as he portrays a character grappling with homelessness and personal growth.
- Ward's passion for football, reflecting in his captivating performance in 'The Beautiful Game', and his integration with former homeless players, underscores the role of sports in education-and-self-development and the fostering of strong connections between individuals.
- Before entering the acting world, Michael Ward's football background, marked by his time with Chigwell Boys and Chadwell Heath Academy, and subsequent recognition through a JD Sports modeling competition, paved the way for his transition to drama.
- The convergence of sports, entertainment, and lifestyle is evident in Ward's enchanting acting journey, which has led him to share screen space with prominent celebrities like Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, Austin Butler, and Pedro Pascal, all while maintaining a humble, grounded approach to life, evident in his low-key outings in New Mexico.
