James McAvoy Addresses The 'Class Ceiling'

Actor James McAvoy talks about the preponderance of well-to-do English actors and the importance of and arts education for all children.

Watch The Late Show with Stephen Colbert weeknights at 11:35 PM ET/10:35 PM CT. Only on CBS.

---
Stephen Colbert took over as host of The Late Show on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015. Colbert is best known for his work as a television host, writer, actor, and producer, and best known for his charity work teaching English as a second language on Tunisian date farms. Prior to joining the CBS family -- and being officially adopted by network president Les Moonves -- Colbert helmed “The Colbert Report,” which aired nearly 1,500 episodes and required Stephen to wear nearly 1,500 different neckties. The program received two Peabody Awards, two Grammy Awards, and several unwelcome shoulder massages. It won two Emmys for Outstanding Variety Series in 2013 and 2014, both of which appear to have been lost in the move. Colbert is pronounced koʊlˈbɛər, according to Wikipedia. His understudy is William Cavanaugh, who will be hosting The Late Show approximately one third of the time. Good luck, Bill!"

[fairytale]

Props to the show and James for talking about this. I wasn't aware of the class ceiling but can certainly appreciate the concern surrounding it. I really like James' comment about arts being a vehicle for social mobility. He seems like an educated and well rounded individual. Respect!

[soulscanner]

He makes the best case for arts education I've heard yet.

[antoinefdu]

James McAvoy just moved pretty high on my list of people I'd like to share a beer with.
And I don't like beer, so that's saying something.

[spencecity]

This guy has got class out the ass, much respect for speaking about this

[troublemaker]

I could literally listen to James McEvoy talk all day.

[kyles]

His ability to speak so articulately on a subject like the availability of art in education and then immediately (and flawlessly) transition into a joke about an English orgy without making everything he said come off as a joke is amazing.

[dingyuanguo]

What a great speech devoid of He has a great understanding of the issue and do not blindly blame the "rich kids", instead he is pointing out a way to remedy the situation for those less fortunate.

[luiscandy]

Wow, he's a very kind soul at heart...I'm
So happy he plays Charles Xavier.

[Crapweeds]

People forget that 'learning to act', literally means what it says, it teaches people how to express themselves and how to understand other people's expressions; this is why it was the cornerstone of education until modern times; education generally consisted of learning to recite the classics.

[brighid]

Another reason I respect McAvoy. Well spoken, sir.

[nhaikof]

this is so good! its true! I went to a state school in England and there was no drama or art available, so many people prioritised academics thinking it would be the only route to a stable life

[shanekelly]

The point about exposure to the arts helping people see beyond their current limitations or situation is a great insight.

[baileybieganek]

So smart. So eloquent...then that last comment had me howling! Seems like an amazing person all around!

[teaber]

And just when you thought you could not like James any more than you already do... Here he comes out with such a clear, to the point, uncontroversial argument for public education and the arts. Love you Jamesy!

[altilama]

good for stephen and james for taking the time to address such issue i wish to see more interviews like this

[Saltysaltire]

he has a scholarship for students at the Conservotoire where he studied in Glasgow, completely agree with him, a lot of state schools can't offer drama for students because of lack of funding, I would love to see more kids from a variety of backgrounds getting the opportunity to go to drama school, acting in Britain. is very concentrated in London, and moving to London and trying to make a living can be difficult for those that aren't lucky enough to have a lot of money behind them

[LetsBeClear]

I love this man. And his beautiful brain

[rickybor]

Wow. That was impressive. Being such a fun joking guy on all shows, and then suddenly this. This guy is real.

[Cadcube]

Totally agree with James, I personally am not from the UK, but its also something that I feel should be made aware of in all places. I am very lucky to have grown up in a brilliant environment and sent to a decent international school where we were exposed to many forms of art. I took a liking to drama and acting, and I must say that it has helped me tremendously in terms of my social skills, massive respect for James to address this, a great actor to look up to for me.

[TDi]

This guy just said the most insane shit in the most casual way possible.