Welsh comedian and actor Rob Brydon has publicly defended his long-time friend and colleague James Corden, calling for the public and critics to show the television personality more understanding. Brydon's comments come amidst years of fluctuating public perception for Corden, who has faced significant backlash for various incidents despite his professional successes.
A Career of Highs and Lows
James Corden, 47, has enjoyed a notable career on both sides of the Atlantic. His achievements include co-creating and starring in the BAFTA-winning BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey, hosting a popular US late-night talk show for eight years, and winning a Tony Award for his performance in the 2012 play One Man, Two Guvnors.
However, his career has been punctuated by controversies. In 2017, he faced a backlash for making jokes about disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein while hosting the AmfAR Gala, an HIV/AIDS fundraiser, during the unfolding #MeToo movement. Later, in 2020, he was accused of portraying "gross and offensive" gay stereotypes in a Netflix drama.
One of the most publicised incidents occurred in 2022, when he was banned from a prestigious New York restaurant over allegations of rude behaviour towards staff, for which he later apologised. He has also faced accusations of joke theft from fellow comedian Ricky Gervais.
Brydon's Intervention and Defence
In a new interview with The Times, Rob Brydon addressed a past intervention he made with Corden. Approximately twenty years ago, Brydon took a then-newly famous Corden to one side to discuss his conduct, which had been perceived as rude.
"Yes, I remember that, but come on," Brydon stated. "James gets so much shit thrown at him. Give the guy a break." Brydon pointed to Corden's recent successful return to the stage in a Broadway revival of Art as evidence of his talent, adding, "Look, he's the toast of Broadway again. I think we should celebrate him."
Brydon had previously elaborated on this moment to The Independent, describing Corden as being "on a rollercoaster" after his initial success. "This boy from High Wycombe, and he's suddenly enjoying the fruits of his success, and he just lost his way for a bit," Brydon explained. "He was burning the candle at both ends, and becoming ratty and irritable. He was in a washing machine being battered around. I felt for him."
Corden's Own Reflections
James Corden himself has acknowledged this period of his life. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs, he admitted to becoming "spoilt and brattish" after winning the BAFTA for Gavin & Stacey in 2012.
He recalled Brydon's advice during their lunch: "Rob took me to lunch and said, 'What are you doing going out all the time being photographed with all these people? This isn't the you I know. But it is the you I am having to defend to people.'"
In recent years, Corden concluded his US talk show in 2023 and quietly returned to writing. He secretly reunited with co-creator Ruth Jones to pen one final episode of Gavin & Stacey. The Christmas special aired on BBC One on Christmas Day last year, drawing a record-breaking audience and reminding the British public of the beloved show's enduring appeal.
Brydon's latest defence highlights the complex relationship between celebrity, public scrutiny, and personal growth, suggesting that Corden's achievements deserve recognition alongside the scrutiny of his past missteps.
