Phil Dunster Reflects on Collaboration with Bill Lawrence at ATX Festival

AUSTIN, Texas — Actor Phil Dunster, known for his role as Roy Kent on Apple TV+’s hit series “Ted Lasso,” shared his experiences working with Bill Lawrence during the ATX TV Festival on Saturday. Dunster participated in the ‘Bill Lawrence & Friends’ panel alongside other notable actors, including Zach Braff and Josh Hopkins.

Dunster recalled his early connection with Lawrence, who initially cast him in a pilot titled “Spaced Out” in 2017, which unfortunately never aired. “It was my second pilot season in L.A., and I was so excited to work with Bill because of ‘Scrubs,'” Dunster said.

The show featured a team of scientists trying to build a rocket to Mars. Dunster humorously described it as ‘Scrubs set in a rocket factory,’ though Lawrence joked that they never called it that.

“We all felt that this pilot was special,” Dunster said. However, after the pilot was shot, he experienced uncertainty regarding its future. “When I moved out of my house and sold my place in England, I was shocked to find out it wasn’t happening,” he added.

Despite the setback, Lawrence remained in contact with Dunster. Years later, he offered him a writing role in “Ted Lasso.” Initially hesitant due to a scheduling conflict with his stand-up shows, Dunster was encouraged to accept the offer. “Cancel the f—king show!” his friend Nish Kumar urged.

Finally, Dunster agreed to leave his stand-up gigs behind, not realizing his role would also evolve into playing Roy Kent, a character he is now widely recognized for. “I filmed an audition and just killed it,” he said about the process that ultimately led to his breakout role.

As “Ted Lasso” continues to grow in popularity, it’s a reminder of the unforeseen journeys actors like Dunster take to find their place in the industry.