Many of you will recognize actor Jason Isaacs from his role as the cruel Col. William Tavington in The Patriot. Even more of you are likely familiar with him from the Harry Potter films, where he plays the evil Lucius Malfoy. If that’s the case, his newest role as Special Forces Lieutenant Briggs should be immediately recognizable. After all, within the first minute of meeting his character he punches the heroic Matt Damon square in the face.

Contrary to what you might have seen in the theaters, however, the British-born actor is an exceedingly pleasant person, which only makes his performances as antagonistic characters the more impressive. Check out my interview with Isaacs below, in which we discuss the difficulties that come with looking manly in front of U.S. soldiers and how doing a favor for a friend can leave you stuck in Morocco for nine months.