Actor Chris O'Dowd has revealed he believes #MeToo is 'great for everyone' as men have 'coasted in power' for too long.

The Bridesmaids star, 39, claimed men also haven't benefited from a patriarchal society, so more equality is 'going to be great for everybody'.

The Irish actor, who is married to British TV presenter and writer Dawn Porter, went on to argue that the idea of men having a stereotypical macho persona is 'hopeless'.

Speaking to The Guardian, he explained: 'I know that men have coasted too long in power – but come on! Having to be aggressive? Despising showing your feelings? All that's hopeless.'

Chris O'Dowd said men have 'coasted too long in power' and argues that #MeToo is 'great for everyone'

Chris, who rose to fame after starring in the Channel 4 drama the IT Crowd, said he thought the #MeToo movement could also benefit men as well as women.

He has been married to wife Dawn since 2012, with the couple having tied the knot in an intimate ceremony after first meeting at her 30th birthday party in 2009.

The couple are proud parents to two sons; Art, four, and Valentine, two.

Explaining why women weren't the only losers in a patriarchal society, he said the abolishment of this institution will be a positive step for both sexes.

The actor - who is married to TV presenter Dawn O'Porter - went on say that hiding your feelings and being aggressive was 'hopeless'

'To be elevated above our protective side is going to be really good for men,' he said.

'Equality is going to be great for everybody.'

Chris opened up while discussing his new BBC Two TV series State Of The Union, which he was nominated for an Emmy for in July of this year.

He stars alongside Rosamund Pike in the drama, which follows their characters Louise and Tom, who meet in a pub before their weekly marital therapy session.

Chris opened up while discussing TV series State of the Union, which he stars in with Rosamund Pike

Each episode pieces together what their lives are like, what drew them together and what has started to pull them apart.

Speaking about the state of the characters' relationship, Chris said: 'They both need to be stripped of their illusions if they’re going to have a future together.

'She wants their marriage to be constant rapture. Maybe this idea that marriage is nothing but a joyous experience is nonsensical. I certainly think it is.

'The truth is that it's OK to be unhappy.'

State of the Union airs on BBC Two and will be available on the BBC iPlayer from September 8.