Let's not get too precious about it: actors are not heart surgeons or brain surgeons. We are just entertaining people.

Career
McDowell began his professional life serving drinks in his parents' pub and then as a coffee salesman (the latter job providing inspiration for the film O Lucky Man!). In 2011 McDowell was also cast in the role of Stanton Infeld on the TNT original series Franklin & Bash.

McDowell was nominated for a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Alex DeLarge in A Clockwork Orange.