EXCLUSIVE: Actor Craig Robert Young talks about his bond with Lisa Armstrong, wild days as the teen pin-up in 90s pop band Deuce and life now in Hollywood09:34, 23 Jun 2026Updated 15:53, 08 Jul 2026Craig Robert Young’s career began at just 19, when he became an instant teen heartthrob in 90s pop band Deuce, doing roadshows across the UK with Lisa Armstrong, Kelly O’Keefe and Paul Holmes to hordes of screaming fans.‌Based in LA, where he lives with his husband of three years, Craig - who is definitely sporting that Californian glow these days, is now a successful actor who’s worked with some of the biggest stars in Hollywood.‌Here, Craig, 52, opens up about his new film Wannabe: All Washed Up, crazy memories of his old Deuce days – including strawberry fights with Blur – and how his bestie Lisa is doing…‌Craig, you first tasted fame in Deuce. How was it?Bonkers, in the best possible way. It was like our university of life because we were so young, in our teens, and on the road.‌I was 19 when I joined. The late Tom Watkins was our manager. He was always very nice to me, except for one time when we were getting rowdy, turning other people’s hotel rooms upside down and getting into arguments with Britpop bands.Ooh, do tell us more!We were in a hotel bar once and Graham Coxon and Alex James from Blur were there. We’d wanted to hang out with them, but we were silly pop stars in their eyes and they were serious musicians. Alex was lovely, but Graham was a bit disrespectful about us. We were tipsy and ended up throwing strawberries at them.‌Did you have any crazy fans back in the day?They were devoted. They would camp outside the hotel. We’d be throwing duvets out for these kids, especially in Scotland when it was winter. When they met you, they’d give you teddy bears, or collages they’d made.‌You’re still good friends with Lisa, aren’t you?Yeah, and she comes to stay with me in LA. Lisa’s one of my best friends of all time. She’s so funny, loving and supportive.How’s she doing? She’s not had an easy time…‌She’s doing amazingly. I’m so proud of her. I mean, she’s the head make-up artist for Strictly! She’s so passionate about her career. She’s had a rough time for sure, but she’s come out the other side. She’s moving on with her life – and she’s not bitter.Do you miss making music?No! Honestly, I wasn’t very talented at it. I was a cheeky chappy and kind of the pin-up. I remember that was how they defined our roles. Kelly and Paul had the voices, Lisa was an amazing dancer, and they said, you’re here for the teen girls. I was like, “OK, I’ll run with that!”‌You’ve called LA home for years. Do you miss the UK?I miss the friendships I have back home and my family. But I love Hollywood, and the weather is fabulous. There’s a sense of optimism. I feel like it’s easier to get things done in the States.‌I live in the Hollywood Hills – close to the famous sign – with my husband Michael and our two dogs. We go to the gym, hang out with friends, go wine-tasting. It’s very California!You must trip over A-listers in Hollywood?[Laughs] Yes, in bars, in the supermarket. Stanley Tucci often goes to a coffee house I love – he’s just there, reading a newspaper with his latte. There are some genuinely nice people here – Jeff Goldblum and Stanley Tucci are two of them.‌Haven't you worked with Jeff Goldblum?Yes, on The World According To Jeff Goldblum show, for two seasons. He has no ego, he just loves his job, his family. All he ever requests is that he has his electric piano with him so he can always play if he fancies.After Deuce, you became an actor. How did that begin?‌When I left Deuce, I was on a show called Dream Team for Sky, about soccer players. Then I auditioned for MTV in the States and that’s what took me out to America and started the ball rolling. I’ve been very fortunate. I’ve had the opportunity to play different roles, which is exciting.‌What are your big-screen highlights?Playing Charlie Chaplin in Mank, which received multiple Academy Award nominations. Working with Gary Oldman was incredible. He’s such a calm, kind actor.Amanda Seyfried was a darling. She was on set with her dog every day. Seeing how director David Fincher operates – he’s an icon. I had to learn a piece on the piano, which I don’t play, in six weeks!‌Your new film Wannabe: All Washed Up is out on Prime Video. Can you tell us more?I co-wrote and produced it, and it was born out of stories about bizarre things happening in my life. Being British in the US, mockumentary style. We made it on a real budget – I’m very proud of it.It’s basically about reinvention; Steve [Williams, the main character]’s a former teen idol trying to become relevant again. At what point does a person give up on their dream, then realise it’s other things that will make them truly happy?Article continues belowWannabe: All Washed Up is available to stream on Prime Video and TubiLike this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .