If you’ve spent any amount of time on TikTok, you’ve likely scrolled upon Henry Rowley, and chances are, you’ve laughed at least once at his antics.
Known for his sharp wit, charismatic charm, and knack for perfectly capturing the absurdity of life in the digital age, Rowley has built a name as one of the internet’s most effortlessly funny storytellers. But long before the sketches and success, there was a four-year-old innkeeper in a school nativity play, shouting “round the back!” with enough conviction to convince his mum the stage may be calling his name one day. She wasn’t wrong.
Fast forward a few years, and that same kid is now starring in the new MGM+ Robin Hood series as the energetic Will Gamewell — a character that Rowley himself sees reflections of his own being. Between writing scripts (yes, plural), acting, and the occasional flirtation with stand-up, he’s making a name for himself beyond ‘that funny TikToker’.
When we caught up, he was as funny and self-aware as you’d expect, pair that with an appetite for being underestimated, and you’ve got someone quietly determined to surprise people at every turn. Rowley lets us in on what’s next, who he is behind the screen, and why his best ideas always seem to arrive just as the sauna timer hits zero.
In conversation with 1883 Magazine, Henry Rowley reflects on trading the front-facing camera for the big screen and how his quick-witted sketches, born out of boredom, unexpectedly paved the way to his latest adventure: starring in the new Robin Hood series.
Henry, tell me about what you were like as a young lad. Were you always destined to become the performer you are known as today?
I was in theater groups, and I did a lot of professional theater as a kid. I think it started when I was about four. We had this school nativity where I got the role of the innkeeper, and my only line was just to keep saying “round the back” when everyone turned up. I really remember the feeling of being on stage because I took it so far and was like screaming that one over and over. My mum says when she was watching it, she was there like, “Oh, okay, we need to get this kid to some sort of stage school.” So, off I went to a group every Saturday. I was probably just begging for attention, to be honest.
Then along came TikTok. When did you post that very first video?
It was after lockdown, so I must’ve been about 24. It was already a big thing at that point, but I was kind of out of the loop. I figured it was just for teenagers dancing. Then, randomly one day, my mate turned to me and said, “You should post that on TikTok.” I remember being like, “You know what, maybe I will.” Then I realised how good the app is and spent hours on it. There was never any real intention behind posting videos, though.
Do you recall the first video that did really well?
You know, it was pretty much one of the first ones. The first comedy ones, anyway. If you scroll back far enough, I’ve got a few of these random videos where I tried to be a travel influencer, but I hadn’t been on any holidays. So I just posted random compilations of old holidays I’d been on, and they’re still on there. So, it must have been one of the ones shortly after that. But when we say it took off, it got about 30K views. At the time, that was like viral in my head.
That’s still impressive, especially considering you had no motives behind posting, travel influencing or not. A nice surprise, I’d say!
Yeah, for sure. It just started out as a laugh and ended up catching on.
I’m curious, what’s your relationship with the app like today, then?
It’s almost too good. I try not to scroll on any social media too much because I kind of think it’s really only good for a laugh. That’s what I use it for anyway. I think it can almost be a bit dangerous when people are relying on it for news and politics, etc. It’s almost unavoidable not to get some of that stuff, and of course, some of it’s essential, but it’s also very easy to get lost in echo chambers. For me, anyway, the more lighthearted, laughable stuff is what it does best.
Couldn’t agree more. I’d love to know more about your life behind the camera. What’s something you love to do?
Big fan of the gym, but an even bigger fan of the sauna. I spend ages in the sauna. My agent always laughs at me, but that’s where I come up with anything good — in the sauna. So if there’s like a brand deal or I’m writing a couple of scripts at the moment, I’ll likely come up with it in there. But I never take my phone in with me, so I’m always sitting there panicking, trying to keep it all in my head, and then running, like sweating, trying to get it on my phone before I forget it.
Tell me more about these scripts. Is writing a big interest to you?
I’ve always wanted to be an actor. That’s always been my absolute number one dream. But there was a period where I thought I had more chance with the writing because it’s stories and people, right? Which I absolutely love. It’s the same with literature and music. I’m drawn to the human expression of emotion in all aspects. Playing around with themes and dialogue through scripts is a lot of fun. I’m writing one serious one and one comedy one at the moment.
Wow, we love the range. Which one are you feeling more right now?
It really flips between the two, depending on what I’ve thought about in the sauna that day.
Do you remember if there was a time when TikTok started popping off where you thought, “Okay, I could use this to get into acting, like this is my opportunity?”
It’s weird. I almost felt like the opposite at one point. When I started to get recognised more and more, I had an almost mourning period of grief, thinking, “Well, that’s it. Now I’m the TikTok guy and the one who does these stupid voices. No agent or casting director is gonna take me seriously because I’m just a TikTok guy.” Thankfully, it actually ended up being the opposite.
Clearly, it was meant to be, especially considering your exciting role as Will Gamewell in the new Robin Hood series. How did that come about?
I sent in a tape, and when I saw the material and the character, I was hooked. Sometimes you see the scenes and you instantly get the character, that was the case for Robin Hood. The writing was jumping off the page. There’s a lot of will that resonates with me, how playful he is, he’s quite cheeky, and can be a bit mischievous. But then there are also some other aspects which feel more unfamiliar, and it’s been exciting to discover those.
What was it like stepping into something more dramatic and being on a proper set?
It was the best experience of my life without a doubt. I’ve never had more fun. It could be exhausting and difficult, but all of that is part of it. I went out there feeling a little bit anxious, like I might have something to prove, being known for TikTok, but everyone was beyond lovely and so welcoming.
There’s obviously something quite timeless about the Robin Hood franchise as a whole. What do you think it is about the story that still resonates with people today?
I think it’s the age old tale of the enduring good of humanity against the sort of greedy establishment. It’s a story of humanity and hope at its core. The fights, romance, and friendships the storyline is packed with are also really heartfelt.
So, you’re a man of many talents. Where can we expect to see you next?
At the moment, I’m all in on the acting. I think eventually I may do another standup show, but right now I’m really just focusing on acting. I’m very excited for people to see Robin Hood. In general, I try not to look too far into the future. You never know what could happen. Never would I have thought I’d be saying I’m in a Robin Hood series!
Interview Patrick Grady
Photography David Reiss
Styling Ella Gaskell
Grooming Charley McEwen
