Saskia Reeves, the British actress known for her role as Catherine Standish in the spy drama series *Slow Horses*, recently reflected on her long and varied career in acting, her perspectives on aging, and the evolving nature of the industry.
Reeves, now 65, has gained wider recognition through *Slow Horses*, which is based on the novels by Mick Herron. The show centers on a group of disgraced MI5 agents, known as the "Slow Horses," who find themselves targeted by Russian operatives seeking to eliminate former spies. Reeves’s character, Catherine Standish, serves as the calm and practical personal assistant to Gary Oldman’s Jackson Lamb. Although she describes Catherine as as “dysfunctional” as other characters and rejects the label of "mother hen" often applied to her role, Reeves appreciates the character’s complexity, including her sobriety and protective nature.
The current sixth series, filmed partly in east London along Regent’s Canal, marks a return to form for the critically acclaimed show. Reeves praised the return of director Adam Randall, whose sensitive approach to her character’s development has contributed to the series’ success. She also mentioned her willingness to perform her own stunts, including being kidnapped and thrown to the ground in the third series, noting the physical demands and support she received during filming.
Reeves’s journey in the acting world has been anything but linear. Early in her career, she worked at a puppet theater in Covent Garden, an experience she recalls with humor despite hostile receptions on tour. Although she appeared in a variety of theatre, film, and television roles over the decades—including the 1991 drama *Close My Eyes* and the 2020 adaptation of David Nicholls’s *Us*—widespread recognition came later with *Slow Horses*. She acknowledged the challenges of sustaining an acting career over time, describing it as a series of ups and downs rather than a steady climb.
Addressing issues of aging and sexism in the industry, Reeves said she has experienced both ageism and typecasting, particularly with comments around her character’s supposed maternal role and reactions to her grey hair. She stressed the importance of visibility for older actors, emphasizing that it is essential for audiences to see performers who age naturally without pressure to conceal signs of growing older. At the same time, she acknowledged that younger actors face their own struggles, recalling moments of support during her early training despite criticism regarding body image.
Reeves also noted changes in the profession, such as the introduction of intimacy coordinators on sets, which she contrasted with the more exploitative and uncomfortable conditions she encountered earlier in her career.
On a personal note, Reeves shared reflections on balancing acting with family life, stating there is no predictable pattern to success in the profession—some actors work continuously, while others plateau or re-emerge at various points. She attributed much of her persistence to the influence of her late father, actor and cabaret entertainer Peter Reeves, who instilled in her the value of perseverance.
With *Slow Horses* becoming a defining project in her career, Reeves expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in a series that continues to resonate with viewers. She said she looks forward to future installments, mindful that the end of the show will bring a significant transition after years of steady work.