Matthew Macfadyen on Death by Lightning and Playing John Le Carré’s George Smiley
In the Netflix limited series Death by Lightning, Emmy-winning actor Matthew Macfadyen portrays Charles Guiteau, the unstable assassin of President James Garfield. The show delves into an often-overlooked chapter of American history with humor, empathy, and dark irony.
Every American recognizes the names of John Wilkes Booth and Lee Harvey Oswald — the assassins of Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy. Yet few remember Charles Guiteau, who fatally shot President Garfield in 1881, only four months into his presidency. Garfield fought for life for several months, ultimately dying due to poor medical treatment rather than the bullet itself.
What could have remained a historical footnote becomes, through this series, a compelling and darkly comic portrayal of ambition and delusion. Alongside Macfadyen, Michael Shannon plays Garfield, and Nick Offerman portrays Chester A. Arthur, the vice president unexpectedly elevated to the presidency.
“The English-born Macfadyen spoke with the Television Academy about playing this strange and tragic figure.”
About the Story and Characters
- Matthew Macfadyen as Charles Guiteau
- Michael Shannon as President James Garfield
- Nick Offerman as Vice President Chester A. Arthur
The series transforms a grim episode into a deeply human exploration of ego, failure, and unexpected legacy.
Author’s Summary
Macfadyen’s portrayal of Garfield’s assassin in Death by Lightning turns a forgotten historical tragedy into a nuanced mix of satire and sorrow, revealing the fragile humanity behind a notorious act.