Actor and writer Richard Gadd has revealed he underwent a dramatic physical transformation ahead of filming the upcoming series Half Man, gaining nearly 100 pounds to fully step into character.
Speaking on the How to Fail podcast, hosted by Elizabeth Day, the 36-year-old explained that the change was a deliberate move to separate himself from his previous role in Baby Reindeer.
“I knew I had to move as far away from that character as possible,” Gadd said, referring to Donny Dunn — a role closely based on his own life.
A Complete Physical Reinvention
Gadd shared that he weighed just under 69 kilograms (around 151 pounds) while filming Baby Reindeer, intentionally slimming down to portray vulnerability and youth.
For Half Man, however, he took the opposite approach.
At his heaviest during filming, he reached approximately 110 kilograms (around 242 pounds), marking a significant shift in both appearance and physical presence.
The actor said the transformation wasn’t just about weight, but a complete overhaul — including changes to his voice, hair, and overall demeanor — to ensure audiences would see him as a new character.
Training and Diet Behind the Transformation
In a separate interview with Men’s Health, Gadd detailed the discipline required to achieve the change.
He trained up to six times a week, sometimes twice a day, while following a structured nutrition plan. Working with a personal trainer and nutritionist, his diet focused heavily on protein, with earlier phases including higher carbohydrates to support weight gain.
Gadd emphasized that the goal was not a traditionally “lean” or highly defined physique, but a more natural and realistic build suited to his character.
“I wanted it to feel real,” he said, noting he intentionally avoided an overly sculpted or artificial look.
A Demanding Commitment
Beyond the physical demands, Gadd was also deeply involved in the creative process, balancing acting with writing and producing responsibilities.
He acknowledged the challenge of transforming his body while managing multiple roles behind the scenes, describing it as a major commitment.
Streaming Availability
Baby Reindeer is currently available to stream on Netflix, while Half Man is streaming on HBO Max.
Gadd’s transformation highlights the extent to which actors can go to embody a role — not just emotionally, but physically — in pursuit of authenticity on screen.
