Chris O'Dowd and James Franco receive rave reviews for Broadway show Of Mice and Men
HE'S taken Hollywood by storm since starring in hit blockbuster films such as Bridesmaids and Thor, and now it seems as though British actor Chris O'Dowd is hitting the big time on Broadway.
The actor, who made a name for himself in the popular TV show IT Crowd, was hailed by critics for his performance in the broadway revival of Of Mice And Men, alongside his co-star James Franco.
Critics couldn't fault the performance of the star, who is married to Dawn Porter, with many describing his portrayal of Lennie, a larger-than-life giant who doesn't know his own strength, as "heartbreaking."
The Hollywood Reporter wrote: "O'Dowd is tremendous in a part that could easily stray into mawkish territory. His Lennie is a trusting innocent, clinging to the rituals of his life with George."
While Variety added: "O’Dowd has mastered a small but refined repertoire of facial expressions and gestures (one hand movement has the delicacy of an artist) that is quite astonishing.
"Going beyond that physical expressiveness, the depth and understanding he brings to the role render Lennie, quite simply, heartbreaking."
35-year-old Hollywood heartthrob James Franco's portrayal of the sharp but uneducated George also received critical acclaim.
Variety wrote that his performance was "equally honest and beautifully crafted."
"Franco has the kind of storytelling voice that can make anyone believe in his dreams," they added.
The pair appeared in great spirits at the after party of the first showing, with O'Dowd showing off his shaved head and beard, which he grew specifically of the role.
The revival of the Steinbeck classic was the first time in 40 years the story has been produced on Broadway.
The first Broadway production was in 1938, only a year after the novel was published, and a revival also ran in the 1974-75 season.