“So do my parents, which is terrifying!”
If ever there was a quote that sums up how much life has changed for Phil Dunster, it’s the one above.
The award-winning actor was describing the popularity of his character in the hit TV series Ted Lasso, and that's even stretched as far as his own family as they've been calling him Jamie!
From becoming recognised worldwide for being one of the stars of the show as Jamie Tartt to modelling our iconic ‘black sheep’ shirt’ in aid of War Child, Phil is a man of many talents who puts his hand to most things.
WE’VE GOT A SIGNED PHIL DUNSTER ‘BLACK SHEEP’ SHIRT UP FOR GRABS ON OUR OFFICIAL MATCHWORNSHIRT AUCTION PAGE. BUT BE QUICK IF YOU WANT TO GET YOUR HANDS ON IT AS THE CLOSING DATE FOR BIDS IS SATURDAY 13 APRIL!
We recently had the pleasure of welcoming the man himself to the Cherry Red Records Stadium as he took part in a photo shoot to promote the shirt designed by Warm & Wonderful – which also offered the chance for Phil to walk the dressing rooms of Plough Lane itself!
As part of an exclusive interview, he tells all about his role in Ted Lasso, discusses why he was so keen to support War Child and talks about how John Green inspired him.
Watch and read the full feature with Phil below!
THE MAGIC OF PLOUGH LANE
This is where the magic begins and the magic happens. I’ve seen plenty of games at the stadium but the presence of being in the dressing room is special.
This stadium is not just a museum piece, it’s not just a symbol of the Club’s story, it’s a place where great things are going to happen.
BEING TED LASSO’S JAMIE TARTT
It’s nice to be recognised in the street because it’s someone showing an appreciation for your job. When people sing the song, it’s a different kettle of fish! I was in America when a massive lorry ground to a halt next to me – the driver than threw open the door and started singing the Jamie Tartt song to me. I was mostly shocked and terrified but also surprised at how weird this whole thing has become.
A lot of the actors who are in Ted Lasso are big football fans, so we wanted to make sure it wasn’t just a nonsense show. Even the people in it were sceptical of it at the start but it’s grown and grown. We didn’t know what to expect and now it’s very much become a beautiful and life-changing thing to be a part of.
We’ve filmed at Wembley, Emirates Stadium and Stamford Bridge – we haven’t filmed at the Cherry Red Records Stadium, which is something I would love!
SUPPORTING WAR CHILD
It’s a partnership that exemplifies the spirit of the Club. This is very much a community-based club and I think anything the Dons can do to provide support and awareness for a charity like War Child can only be a good thing. I’m so proud to be a Don and so proud to be part of this campaign. The shirt is awesome and there’s a great history behind it with us being the black sheep of football.
THE 2016 PLAY-OFF FINAL
I lost my voice! It was the most incredible day. There’s something which has stayed with me ever since – it was the sound of a Plymouth defender running into (Adebayo) Akinfenwa and rebounding off him. I just remember thinking, “this guy is a special dude!”
The team overall was so special – we had Barry Fuller, Jake Reeves – who’s back with us now – and Lyle Taylor, it was an amazing time.
JOHN GREEN’S GUIDANCE
It was always a choice for me to support the Dons, it wasn’t something that I was born into. I am a fan of John, not just through his writing but also through the YouTube channel that he has with his brother – which is something that has drawn me incredibly close to my brother through the work that he’s done on that.
His sponsorship of the team’s shorts is genius. He exemplifies the spirit of the Club. He has a great way of putting things into context. I love seeing him come down and watch the games. I’d love to play against him on FIFA!
