GQ&A: Timothy Olyphant
“What am I going to wear to the Emmys? Something with a tie,” says Timothy Olyphant with a bone-dry chuckle. There’s much for Olyphant to smile about: as charismatic sheriff Raylan Givens he’s the main draw of Elmore Leonard-inspired western Justified, American GQ described him as the Most Stylish Man On TVand he’s just been nominated for an Emmy up against Jon Hamm. With a slight southern drawl (he’s the kind of 43-year-old who can say “dude” and get away with it) and having just woken up, here he tells GQ.com about stealing on set, the last time he threw a punch and shaving his head for Hitman…
GQ.com: Has your personal style been influenced by Raylan’s wardrobe?
Timothy Olyphant: I like the whole vibe – the boots are especially cool. We just got a hugepair of boots in. They look like some animal tried to eat them; they’re real vintage.
What’s a typical Justified fan like?
I have no idea. Every now and then someone says, “Hey man, like the show,” but that’s it. I don’t walk around wearing a cowboy hat and boots so that might be it. I think the beard and overcoat I wear throws people off.
When was the last time you threw a punch?
Oh gosh, it’s been a while. I punch a lot of guys on set. It’s much easier than in real life as your hands don’t hurt afterwards. The key is that you miss.
Have you ever not missed?
Um, accidents happen. Especially if there’s a co-star that you’re not that fond of – you might “accidentally” deck him. But no, I’m a professional. I’m just saying that can happen.
What skill do you think every man should have?
Well, if your only manly man skill is changing a tyre, you’re setting your bar really low. The basic thing a man should know is how to change a tyre and how to drive a tractor. Whatever that bearded dude is doing on the Dos Equis beer commercials [see below] sets the bar. That’s your guy. Every man should be aiming to be like him. The beard is just the tip of the iceberg.
Raylan is a big fan of whisky. Has his taste rubbed off on you?
Oh, I love a little whisky. If I’m going for a drink other than beer or wine, I’d definitely go with whisky on the rocks. I’m not going to tell you my favourite – I’m not giving you a commercial here unless someone’s going to send me some free whisky. [laughs]
What Elmore Leonard books would you recommend other than Fire In The Hole?
They’re all pretty good – it’s hard to find a bad one. He’s fantastic. I just read Pagan Babiesthe other day and that was great. I enjoy his writing a great deal and I’m thrilled that he’s pleased with the show.
Have you had any real experiences with sheriffs or cowboys?
So far, no run-ins with the law. Should that day come, I hope I get a little mileage from the show.
Who’s the toughest guy you know?
My dad’s pretty tough. He’s out there working hard, doing his thing, getting older but still getting it done even though, as he says, “getting old is a mother****er”.
The show has a real dry wit to it. What other comedies make you laugh?
I can’t get enough of that Curb Your Enthusiasm. I’m the biggest fan in the world of that show.
You played a paper salesman in a few episodes of the American Office. Were you a big fan of the British original?
Oh my gosh, yes. It’s really a piece of work. They are both very good: bright and really funny. Who was the funniest guy on the [American] set? [Deadpan] You know, they’re all pretty boring in real life.
What’s the worst haircut you’ve ever had?
I think Hitman, where I had to shave my head, was pretty high on the list! The good news was that it grew back.
Have you ever stolen something from the set?
That’s all I do – every movie and every show, I just take clothes home with me. I don’t think I’ve been shopping in years. Someone will ask, “Do you really think Raylan would wear that?” Who cares? I’m taking it home!
Justified season two is out on DVD from 18 July (UK release date).