Why Richard Madden used American accent even with family

Published By Alexandra Heilbron on Apr 26, 2023

Game of Thrones star Richard Madden plays an American spy on the new series Citadel for Prime Video. Since he's a native of Scotland, I asked him how he managed to pull off an American accent so effortlessly. It turns out he spoke in an American accent for two years straight, even when he wasn't on the set. That is, with one exception.

He said: "I'm not a method actor in any way but I stayed in the accent for the duration -- so sadly for my friends and family had to listen to me put on a silly voice evenings and weekends for a couple of years."

However, there were certain occasions when he would drop the accent. He explained with a laugh: "So I stay in the American accent, you know, apart from the occasional Friday night martini with Stanley Tucci, in which case my Scottish accent comes out, but the rest of the time I keep training that accent. I don't want anything taking away from the audience believing who the character is so I just worked hard to make sure the sounds were as spot on as they could be."

Watch the full interview above to see the exchange and also to hear more about his experiences starring in the spy thriller series with Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Stanley Tucci, including whether or not he did his own stunts.

Season 1 of Citadel begins streaming April 28 on Prime Video. ~Alexandra Heilbron 


Comments & Discussion

  1. Alisa • 4/27/2023 10:00:39 AM

    Love him!

  2. sharon • 5/1/2023 3:18:39 PM

    Wow. You got to interview Robb Stark (Game of Thrones). OMG. Also PS Budd from the Bodyguard. You lucky person!!! He is very articulate. And he seems like a down to earth guy.


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