The Villain with a Heart: Josh Charles on Playing Commander Lawrence

Josh Charles on the Complexities of Commander Lawrence in 'The Handmaid’s Tale'. The Hulu series "The Handmaid’s Tale" has captivated audiences with its complex characters, and Commander Joseph Lawrence, played by Josh Charles, is no exception. In a recent interview, Charles shed light on the character's multifaceted nature, describing him as "the villain" of the show, yet also surprisingly kind. 'He's obviously a fundamentalist, a true believer to his core,' Charles stated, 'but also incredibly capable of incredible cruelty, but also really kind, which makes that cruelty even stand out more.' This duality, Charles explained, is what makes Lawrence so compelling. The actor further highlighted the interesting juxtaposition of Lawrence's strong beliefs and his hidden desire for family. 'It was really interesting to play both of those things at the same time,' he said. Charles's insightful comments offer viewers a deeper understanding of this controversial character and the nuances of his portrayal. The complexity of Commander Lawrence is a testament to the show's compelling storytelling and the actor's skillful performance.