Robert Aramayo Wins BAFTA for Role as Tourette's Advocate

A biographical film is helping millions better understand a condition that affects one in every 160 children, and the actor who brought it to life just won Britain's highest acting honor.

Robert Aramayo won Best Leading Actor at the 2024 BAFTAs for his portrayal of John Davidson in "I Swear," a film about the Scottish Tourette syndrome advocate's journey to acceptance and achievement. The movie opens with Davidson's 2019 visit to Buckingham Palace, where he received an honor from Queen Elizabeth II despite experiencing an involuntary verbal tic during the ceremony.

Davidson has dedicated his life to educating people about Tourette syndrome, a neurodevelopmental condition that causes involuntary movements and sounds called tics. His work has helped countless families navigate diagnosis and build understanding in their communities.

To prepare for the role, Aramayo spent extensive time with Davidson, focusing not on mimicking tics but on capturing the emotional experience of living with the condition. "I worked with a movement coach, but we worked a lot on how John moves through the world," Aramayo explained.

The actor's first meeting with Davidson left a lasting impression. Sitting in Davidson's kitchen over tea, Aramayo witnessed the advocate's passion for helping young people with Tourette's and his joy in sharing knowledge that could make their lives easier.

Why This Inspires

The film highlights the transformative power of understanding and acceptance. Davidson found supportive figures in his life who looked past his condition to see his potential, including Tommy, a community center custodian who employed him, and Dottie, who became a fierce advocate.

These relationships helped Davidson develop what Aramayo calls "healthy masculinity" and self-acceptance. Even his relationship with his mother, who initially struggled to cope with his condition, eventually evolved into mutual grace as both recognized the lack of resources and understanding available during his childhood.

Aramayo's performance resonated deeply with the Tourette's community. "There's nothing more gratifying than hearing from people in the community who saw the film and say it reflected their experience," he shared.

The diagnosis that changed Davidson's life came from Oliver Sacks, the renowned neurologist whose work helped advance understanding of neurological conditions. That moment of clarity became a turning point, enabling Davidson to transform his struggles into a mission of education and advocacy.

As "I Swear" rolls out in American theaters, it carries Davidson's message of hope to new audiences who may be navigating their own diagnoses or supporting loved ones with Tourette's. The film proves that representation matters and that sharing our stories can build bridges of understanding.