Sid Owen’s Transformation: Acting as a Lifesaver
In a candid interview, Sid Owen, best known for his role as Ricky Butcher in EastEnders, reveals that his acting career might have saved him from a life of crime and an early demise.
Growing up in a turbulent environment in North London during the 1970s, Sid was surrounded by criminal influences. He shares how he was on the brink of becoming a petty thief, following in the footsteps of his older brothers.
A Turning Point: Discovering Acting
Sid’s lifeline emerged when he began attending performing arts lessons at the Anna Scher Theatre in Islington, London.
The actor credits these classes for making him realize that he didn’t want to follow the same path as many of his relatives.
Acting became his savior, steering him away from a potential life of crime and an untimely death. He reflects on the fast-paced and dangerous lives led by those involved in illicit activities and expresses gratitude for choosing a different path.
Cutting Ties to Stay on the Right Path
To maintain his commitment to staying on the straight and narrow, Sid had to distance himself from family members involved in criminal activities.
He reveals that he only visited his father in prison once and chose not to maintain contact due to unfavorable experiences and stories he had heard about his father.
Despite the attempts at reconnection in later years, Sid remained focused on his own path and career.
Behind Bars: An Eye-Opening Experience for Sid Owen
Sid recently found himself on the other side of the law for a new television show, “Banged Up.” The program recreated a realistic prison environment with the participation of former convicts who authentically portrayed their behavior during incarceration.
This experience gave Sid a firsthand understanding of what some of his relatives went through when they were in prison.
He shares the impact of being locked up for extended hours, the harsh realities of prison life, and the genuine challenges faced by inmates.
From EastEnders to Real-Life Ex-Convicts
Sid Owen reflects on the realism of the show, acknowledging that it was an eye-opener for him. He confesses that the experience was scarier than expected, raising concerns for his safety at times.
The presence of hardened criminals within the prison environment was a stark reminder of the unpredictable and potentially dangerous situations inmates face daily.
Maintaining Contact with Troubled Relatives
Despite his own successful career, Sid Owen maintains connections with some of his relatives who continue to struggle with criminal activities.
He expresses heartbreak over their inability to change their ways and reveals that his real-life experiences far exceed the drama seen on EastEnders.
Sid’s life journey from potential criminality to acting stardom is a testament to the transformative power of the arts.
Banged Up: A Glimpse into Prison Life
Sid Owen’s upcoming television show, “Banged Up,” is set to premiere on Channel 4 on October 31 at 9.15pm. The program offers viewers a realistic look into the world of incarceration, featuring Sid’s own unsettling encounters with genuine ex-convicts.
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