Apple TV+’sTed Lassohas one of the greatest ensemble casts in recent TV history, yetone of the best characters of all is Roy Kent, whose scenes are always amazing, whether they are dramatic, comedic, or somewhere in between. Initially released in 2020,Ted Lassois a sports comedy following the titular character, Ted, an American football coach who travels to England to coach thefailing soccer team, AFC Richmond. Ted meets a number of distinct characters in Richmond, but one of the absolute best is Roy Kent, the grumpy and aging star of the team.
What makes Roy so outstanding is the fact that he is such a unique person. Despite being a star soccer player,Roy is not cocky or charming like some of the other members of AFC Richmond. In fact, he’s quite reserved and aggressive. Yet, through his gruff exterior, Roy is one of the kindest and most hilariousmembers of theTed Lassocast. There are various moments throughout the show’s three seasons that stick out as some of Roy’s best.
10Roy’s “Whistle”
Roy Has Quirks Like Anyone Else
A small yet incredible moment fromTed Lassoseason 3was when Roy yelled out “whistle,” rather than actually blowing a whistle. Despite the fact that this is a brief joke in the grand scheme of the show, it stands out because it is just so unexpected.According to Roy, his allergy to impure metals means he has to fiercely yell “whistle”throughout practice, which is far more distracting than a real whistle would be.
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In many ways, Roy’s “whistle” moment encapsulates how wonderfully strange Roy can be. Although he presents himself as a tough guy,Ted Lassoproves time and again thatRoy is far from invincible, and something as small as a metal allergy can still affect him. Even better, he has no shame in yelling out at his team in a silly way. To Roy, it isn’t silly: it’s just efficient.
9How Roy Deals With Paparazzi
Roy Loves To Swear
Another brief Roy moment that is fantastic to watch comes inTed Lassoseason 1, episode 14. Roy is attending an event and walks down a red carpet that is lined with eager paparazzi. Rather than stopping for a picture or even giving a smile,Roy tells the cameramen to “f**k off,”and gives them the middle finger. If any scene could showcase Roy Kent in a nutshell, this is absolutely it.
ThroughoutTed Lasso,it is clear that Roy is not just a grump, but is actually quite an intimidating presence. Withactor Brett Goldstein’sdark features and constant scowl, Roy isn’t someone to mess around with. However, it is his language that truly cements Roy as a threatening figure.Through his use of F-bombs and creative swear combinations, Roy is formidable, but also genuinely hilariousfrom an audience standpoint. Roy’s swears prove that he will never be a people pleaser.
Roy Is A Great Role Model
Roy has countlessfunny moments inTed Lasso,but his scenes that mix comedy with drama are even better. A perfect example of this comes inTed Lassoseason 2 when Roy’s niece, Phoebe, begins to suffer from bad breath. Although the situation is quite comical, Phoebe is clearly ashamed of the smell and needs cheering up after a bully teases her. In a perfect uncle moment,Roy comforts Phoebe then takes her door-to-door to find a dentist.
This scene, and most of the moments Roy shares with Phoebe, showcase how caring Roy is. Once again, his gruff exterior would make audiences assume he would be bad with kids, yet his relationship with Phoebe makes it clear that this isn’t the case.Roy has a soft spot in his heart for certain people, and when he cares about someone, he will do anything for them - even deal with some awful breath. Roy’s scenes with Phoebe are almost always heartwarming and show a lovely side to Roy.
7When Roy Became A Pundit
Roy Tells It How It Is
Following Roy’s retirement from AFC Richmond, the star soccer player struggled to find a new purpose. Without soccer, Roy couldn’t figure out what he wanted to do, and worse, what he was best suited for. Before he ended up becoming a coach for AFC Richmond, he tried his hand at being a pundit, as many real-life athletes do. Yet,Roy’s personality didn’t quite fit with the other smarmy men on TV.Where they shared a similar style of discussion, Roy swore, argued, and said exactly what he was thinking.
Roy knew he didn’t fit in with the others, yet he continued going for it, never forcing himself to be different for the sake of other people.
Although being a pundit definitely wasn’t Roy’s groove, it was awesome to watch as a viewer. Roy’s bluntness, and the other pundits' horrified reactions, were hilarious to watch. Roy knew he didn’t fit in with the others, yet he continued going for it, never forcing himself to be different for the sake of other people.This is one of Roy’s very best traits. Though he always strives to be a good person, he will never change his personality to make others more comfortable.
6Roy Crying On TV
Roy Is Emotional & Doesn’t Try To Hide It
In a similar vein, another awesome Roy moment was when he cried on live television. Following the announcement of his retirement, Roy gave his final press conference on TV, and ended up shedding a few tears aboutleaving AFC Richmond. While this scene may elicit a chuckle or two, the real beauty of it is the fact thatRoy cries without worrying about what others might think. He is completely secure in his masculinity, enough so that he can cry in front of millions but still be his usual brooding self later on.
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This scene is not just amazing for Roy, but forTed Lassoas a whole. The series may center on sports, but it does not flinch away from serious emotions and problems.Ted Lassodebunks the myth that athletes are superhuman celebrities, and more importantly, shines a light on the real issues that these men may go through. In particular, this Roy moment normalizes the fact that a man can be emotional about leaving his team, and it is OK for him to show it.
5“Roy Is Sorry For Not Understanding Keeley Playlist”
Roy Is A Great Boyfriend
One particularly lovable relationship that Roy has throughoutTed Lassois his bond with Keeley. ThoughRoy and Keeleystart out as mere acquaintances, they eventually form an attraction to each other, and begin dating. The best part of this storyline is thatTed Lassodigs into the issues they have trying to navigate their life together. An especially heartfelt example is when Roy and Keeley get into a fight, and rather than getting angry,Roy sets up a bubble bath for Keeley and makes her a “Roy is Sorry for Not Understanding Keeley” playlist.
Roy and Keeley are yet another dynamic duo inTed Lassowho brings a lot of fun and sweet moments to the show.
Once again, Roy absolutely exceeds expectations in this scene. Althoughsome might have expected Roy to be stubborn with Keeley, he proves that he can be a good listenerand is willing to go the extra mile for Keeley. After seeing this moment, audiences are just as touched as Keeley is, and become even more invested in their relationship. Roy and Keeley are yet another dynamic duo inTed Lassowho brings a lot of fun and sweet moments to the show.
4Roy Reading A Wrinkle In Time
Roy Is Willing To Try New Things
Yet another surprising Roy moment is when he readsA Wrinkle in Time.In the episode, Ted gives each of the members of AFC Richmond a book to read that he believes will inspire them.He gives Roy the children’s fantasy novel,A Wrinkle in Time.At first, Roy doesn’t appreciate the gesture and jokes that Ted wants him to be like a little girl. However, once Roy reads the book, his entire reaction changes. The book actually hits him exactly where Ted intended.
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Roy’sA Wrinkle in Timemoment is so impactful because, as per usual, it mixes comedy with drama to create a touching moment that anyone can relate to. Like Roy, viewers probably think it’s silly for Roy to read a children’s book for inspiration, but seeing the character become enlightened is incredibly satisfying.Of the many breakthroughs Roy makes throughoutTed Lasso,this is by far one of the bestbecause audiences at home can do it too.
3Roy Hugs Jamie
Roy Puts His Grudges Aside
One finalTed Lassorelationship that deserves some credit on this list isRoy and Jamie. Throughout the first half of the series, Roy and Jamie were essentially mortal enemies. Jamie was rude and didn’t respect Roy, while Roy thought Jamie was overrated. However, over time, they begin to see commonalities between them, and one ofthe first moments of peace between them occurs when Jamie’s dad shouts at him in the locker room and Roy gives Jamie a hug.
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Similar to when Roy cried on TV, this scene is wonderful because it normalizes men being emotional and comforting each other as friends should. In fact, it even goes beyond that by having Roy push aside his grudge against Jamie to make him feel better. More than anything,this scene proves how good a person Roy is, and also, encapsulates the main themes ofTed Lasso,which are community and forgiveness.
2How To Deal With A Bully
Roy Is Unconsciously Hilarious
The last memorable funny moment on this list is Roy’s “How to Deal with a Bully” speech. While talking to Ted and Beard about bullies in season 3,Roy says that the best thing to do to bullies is ignore them, then sneak into their house in the night and beat them with a rope covered in red paint. Not only is this monologue deeply funny, but the serious way Roy delivers it is even better. It isn’t funny to Roy, but just an honest peek into who he is as a person.
This scene is a fan-favorite and for good reason. It is completely unexpected, detailed, and ridiculous.While it is awesome to see Roy act sweetand loving in other moments, it is just as gratifying to see him return to his aggressive nature. His bully speech definitely sees him acting the way audiences would expect from his appearance.
1Roy & Jamie’s Bicycle Adventure
Roy Lets Himself Relax
Finally, the best Roy scene fromTed Lassois when Jamie teaches him how to ride a bike in Amsterdam. In this episode,Roy and Jamie are finally able to put their differences asideand bond. Jamie teaches Roy how to ride a bike and the two discuss all sorts of topics, from Jamie’s performance on the soccer field to the ways in which they grew up. It is a vulnerable moment, but one that is incredibly tender. As much as Roy’s relationship with Keeley is adorable, his bond with Jamie might be even better.
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Roy is funny because of how stuck in his ways he is, yet seeing him break free of expectations might be the best part of his character. Despite aging out of soccer,Roy proves that it is possible to change whenever you want. It may not be easy, and it may not always look good at first, but trusting in others and yourself will allow you to open doors you always thought were closed. It is no surprise that Roy is one of the best characters inTed Lassobecause he exemplifies the most important themes of the show.
Ted Lasso
Cast
Ted Lasso is an American football coach who moves to England, hired to manage a struggling soccer team, despite having no experience. With cynical players and a doubtful town, Ted will have to convince them that he’s fit for the job.
