Andrew Garfield’s heroes are people who don’t seek praise for their work or actions.
The 33-year-old actor has been nominated for the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of pacifist soldier Desmond Doss in Mel Gibson’s World War II drama ‘Hacksaw Ridge’, but although he is pleased to get the recognition he looks up to those who are devoted to their passion or job and don’t look for praise.
Garfield’s alter ego Doss was an American army medic who refused to fire a weapon and became the first conscientious objector to win the Medal of Honor after saving 75 lives during a battle on the Japanese island of Okinawa.
Speaking to the Metro newspaper, Garfield said: "The heroes in my life are the ones who aren’t looking for any recognition. My brother is a doctor with the NHS and stays at work for three hours after everyone else. He’s devoted."
He likened Doss’ values to those he holds himself.
He said: "I think Desmond’s core value – and a value that I try to come from in my life – is living from a place of love. Desmond had a very simple access to that pool of unconditional love and you see it in how he didn’t discriminate with anyone he was healing or saving."
Garfield has just wrapped filming ‘Breathe’ – in which he plays a polo sufferer – based on a true story of the father of Jonathan Cavendish who is one of the film’s producers.
Speaking about having someone who is so close to the story also be so close to the action, Garfield said: "That was surreal … to have him behind the monitors while I’m courting his mother, impregnating her and creating him!"
But as with all his roles, Garfield takes his job seriously and in order to get into character of a Jesuit priest in 17th century Japan for his role in Martin Scorsese’s ‘Silence’, Garfield went on a week-long retreat in Wales and he admitted that his on-screen roles have an influence on his life.
She said: "I don’t think it’s any accident the two projects are about how to live a life in contact with some form of spirituality. I’m drawn to the things I’m exploring in my life by the things I’m drawn to in work. I don’t think there’s much separation."
Andrew Garfield reveals his heroes are selfless
