In a notable episode of his new social media show, Tucker Carlson welcomed actor Kevin Spacey, who intriguingly stayed in character as President Frank Underwood from the popular Netflix series “House of Cards.” The interview, airing on Christmas Eve, marked a distinctive blend of fiction and political commentary.
Carlson, having departed from Fox News earlier in the year, introduced the segment by pondering the possibility of a late entry into the 2024 presidential race. He then directed this speculative query to his guest, Spacey, who was consistently referred to in the guise of his on-screen persona, President Underwood, rather than by his real name.
During the interview, Spacey, as Underwood, expressed his belief in the importance of boldness in both art and leadership. “We need to get some adults back in the room,” he declared, indicating his fictional character’s readiness to assume a leadership role for the nation’s benefit.
This on-air appearance follows Spacey’s complex relationship with the public, especially after his dismissal from “House of Cards” in 2017 amid allegations of sexual misconduct. Despite these controversies, Spacey has maintained a connection with his character, delivering annual Christmas messages in Underwood’s persona via his YouTube channel, where this interview with Carlson, aptly titled “Being Frank with Tucker,” was also posted.
Spacey, who has faced legal battles in recent years, was acquitted in July of nine counts of sexual assault in the United Kingdom. This verdict came on the heels of a Manhattan jury finding him not liable in a battery case brought by actor Anthony Rapp. Following the initial allegations in 2017, Spacey’s career took a hit; he was removed from “House of Cards” and his role in “All the Money in the World” was recast and reshot.
The interview serves as a fascinating confluence of entertainment, politics, and the personal tribulations of a high-profile actor, blurring the lines between reality and the fictional world of “House of Cards.”