David Harbour has been attentive to the cries of his fans as he strolls through the streets of New York City and London, his current places of residence. He’s not bothered by the attention, but like a musician with a breakthrough hit, he aspires to be more than a one-hit wonder. His portrayal of the beloved police chief Jim Hopper on Netflix’s “Stranger Things” catapulted Harbour from a relatively unknown character actor to a two-time Emmy nominee and a household name. However, unlike his young co-stars, Harbour’s fame came later in life. Having been in the industry for decades, he was well-prepared for the onset of fame. In fact, it was through his newfound celebrity status that he met his now-wife, singer Lily Allen. Nevertheless, Harbour is ready to take it to the next level. At 48 years old, he’s contemplating his future.
During a Zoom call in late June, I had the opportunity to speak with Harbour. Calling from London, he was in full dad mode, looking after one of Allen’s daughters while she performed in a play at a West End theater. Jet-lagged and sporting a bushy beard (for his role as Red Guardian in the upcoming Marvel series “Thunderbolts”), Harbour humorously slumped into his chair, simulating sleepiness. The recent Writer’s Guild strike has affected his schedule, delaying production on both “Thunderbolts” and the fifth and final season of “Stranger Things.” We had our conversation just before the actors joined the picket line following SAG-AFTRA’s strike call.
Despite recent disruptions, Harbour has been considering roles that challenge and stretch him as an actor, even before the strikes commenced. Over the past few years, he has played a Marvel character, a Santa with unique skills, and a ghost who doesn’t speak. Though these projects have provided a solid foundation as he bids farewell to “Stranger Things,” Harbour desires to push himself even further and become a sought-after actor on the big screen.
Harbour shared his perspective on his rise in the later stages of his career, saying, “I have always been waiting for the man roles. My 20s never worked for me. For guys like me, we’re always waiting to be 40, even when we’re, like, 19. We’re waiting for the hairline to go. Those are the guys that I admired growing up, and those are the guys I wanted to emulate.” I compared Harbour to another actor who achieved success later in life after experiencing hair loss—Gene Hackman—a comparison that delighted Harbour.
Similar to Hackman, Harbour commenced his career in the theater and didn’t achieve movie stardom until his forties, when he portrayed the cop in the 1971 classic “The French Connection.” Hackman’s gritty performance as New York detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle earned him an Oscar and led to his appearance in a diverse range of roles, from Lex Luthor in the “Superman” movies to a B-movie director in “Get Shorty.” It was Hackman’s versatility that captivated audiences and drew them to the theaters. Harbour seeks the same effect. He wants his presence in a movie to offer something special—a profound emotional experience and an element of surprise.
Harbour’s desire for intriguing roles is evident in his upcoming film “Gran Turismo,” set to premiere on August 25. The movie is based on the true story of Jann Mardenborough, a teenage gamer who won the 2011 GT Academy, a competition that allowed the best “Gran Turismo” video game players to become real race-car drivers for Nissan. Harbour portrays Jack Salter, a brash American who becomes Jann’s coach. Director Neill Blomkamp envisioned Jack as an older character, reminiscent of Robert Duvall in “Days of Thunder,” but upon hearing Harbour’s name, he realized the potential in casting him. Their initial meeting confirmed that Harbour was the perfect fit for the role, with Harbour drawing inspiration from Gene Hackman’s character in “Hoosiers.” Harbour’s performance as Jack is endearing and holds the film together. He effortlessly delivers sarcastic one-liners that make him instantly likable, but as the movie progresses, he showcases a broader range as Jack develops a softer side towards Jann, providing a calm presence amidst the chaotic world of racing.
Blomkamp revealed that many of the creative choices for Jack’s character came from Harbour himself, who would suggest ideas just days before shooting. This collaboration added depth to the role and helped shape the final script. The director praised Harbour’s meticulous and controlled approach to acting. Although Harbour admitted he’s not a car enthusiast, he eagerly took the opportunity to drive during production. Instead of being drawn to the race cars like his co-stars, Harbour found the safety cars more enticing, as they required manual transmission. In a poignant scene where Jack and Jann chat on the race track before driving off in a safety car, Blomkamp recalled Harbour’s desire to continue driving. Harbour reached speeds of up to 140 miles per hour, reflecting on his journey from an unknown theater actor to his current position.
Harbour’s theater career, which involved attempting to be noticed while honing his craft, included memorable performances that caught the attention of director Jo Bonney. Over two decades ago, Bonney saw Harbour on stage, playing Antonio in a production of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” in Central Park. Despite the presence of well-known actors like Julia Stiles and Zach Braff, Bonney couldn’t take her eyes off the up-and-coming Harbour. His entrance, which involved him surfing on a piece of carpet down a massive wave constructed on the set, left a lasting impression. Harbour’s commitment to his craft and his ability to capture an audience’s attention were evident even then.
David Harbour’s journey in the entertainment industry reflects his dedication and patience, as he worked his way up from the theater to become a recognizable face on screen. Now, as he looks to the future, Harbour yearns for diverse and challenging roles that allow him to demonstrate his emotional range and surprise audiences. “Gran Turismo” serves as a prime example of Harbour’s commitment to his craft and his ability to bring depth and complexity to a character. With his desire to continually push himself, Harbour is poised to carve out a unique and compelling space in the realm of cinema.
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