Actor Aidan Turner reflects on his evolving career, the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the entertainment industry, and his personal approach to fame and privacy. Known for roles that have often emphasized his sex appeal, Turner acknowledges a shift toward more complex characters. “The sexy stuff has got to be coming to an end,” he remarked, noting that the roles he is now offered are becoming “more interesting” and less focused on physical allure.
Turner has deliberately avoided social media, expressing no desire to engage with platforms like Instagram despite the potential benefits, such as receiving free products or increased exposure. He cited discomfort with oversharing and doubts about his ability to navigate the medium effectively. Instead, Turner maintains a relatively private personal life, sharing only minimal details about his family and daily routine.
Living in London with his partner, FitzGerald, and their son, Turner relocated there in his 20s after starting his career in theatre in Dublin. He described London as “one of the most exciting cities in the world” and confirmed occasional stays in the United States but ruled out settling there, primarily for political and social reasons. He expressed concern over gun violence and the healthcare system in the US, especially as a parent.
Turner’s upbringing in Clondalkin, west Dublin, was in a working-class family, with no prior family history in the performing arts aside from an amateur dramatics enthusiast grandmother. An unexpected early chapter in his life was his involvement in competitive ballroom and Latin dancing from age six to 17, achieving notable success in All-Ireland championships. He acknowledged that this background was unusual given his environment, often leading to disbelief among peers.
His pivot to acting came after an injury ended his dance career and a spontaneous application to drama school at 18. Acting helped him overcome shyness and quickly revealed itself as the right path.
Looking ahead, Turner is involved in several projects that expand beyond traditional leading-man roles. He is attached to the live-action adaptation of the 1971 novel *Grendel*, where he will portray a warrior rather than the titular monster. He is also cast as the Apostle Andrew in Terrence Malick’s biblical film *The Way of the Wind*, shot several years ago but yet to be released. Additionally, Turner recently returned to his role as British spy Callum Ellis in the Netflix political thriller *The Diplomat*.
Turner expressed cautious optimism about the future amid rapid technological changes, particularly AI advances affecting creative industries. He referenced a podcast on Meta’s new AI assistant, highlighting the tension between convenience and privacy. While acknowledging AI’s growing capabilities — including resurrected voices and AI-generated actors — Turner emphasized a preference for human creativity and connection. “I want the human. I want the connection,” he said, noting skepticism about AI-generated literature or art.
As for continuing to be seen as a sex symbol, Turner hopes that phase is nearing its close, though he joked at the prospect of it lasting another two decades.