Interviewing the talented Alexander Devrient was such fun, he’s dashing, eloquent and such a gentleman. You will recognise him for his latest role in Emmerdale Farm as the french love interest to Kerry. His rather dramatic entrance was too funny for words and if you watched it I am sure it would have had you gripped. The story line is unfolding and he is fast becoming one of my favourite actors. I am not going to spoil it for you in anyway, but you must keep your eyes on this rather beautiful chap.
He’s worked with the likes of Guy Richie on the set of Sherlock Holmes, and Jude Law was very excited to work with him, as was I the other day. I got to photograph this wonderful TV personality and create some rather cool images for the interview. We had such a great chat and he was a joy yo work with.
Q. What made you get into acting and was it at an early age you knew you had a calling.
A. I’ve always tremendously enjoyed acting and performing. I took drama classes as a kid, played in every school play and later, managed to see a lot of professional theatre as a teenager.
Saying that, it was only at University that I realised I wanted to make a profession out of my passion. I applied for Drama School in my 3rd year of studying Economics and International Relations. I felt I had to give it a shot and luckily I got in. A few months after finishing my degree I started acting training.
Q. Where did you grow up.
A. I grew up in Brussels, Belgium but my dad is Argentinean/German and my mum is Lebanese. My household was always a mishmash of languages. My mum spoke French to us, my dad German. When they didn’t want us to understand what they were saying they spoke Spanish.
Q. How have your parents influenced your career
A. My parents have always been very supportive but my biggest influence has been my Lebanese granddad. He’s performed on stages in Cambridge, Paris and Beirut since 1957. He absolutely adores theatre. In February, I was playing Anglo-French production Poilu & Tommy here in London. We opened the same night as he did with his play in Beirut. He’s 80 years old now. Magic!
Q. What was it like to be asked to join the cast of Emmerdale
A. It was a beautiful feeling indeed. Emmerdale is a British TV institution, the first episode was aired in 1972. The longevity of this series is incredible.
Q. What would be the biggest achievement you could imagine
A. Leaving a lasting mark in the industry for generations to come.
Q. Working with such great actors and directors it must be hard when you are not working on a project. How do you stay focused and motivated
A. I attend workshops, go to the theatre, and watch films. It’s important to be in tune with the industry and learn from the best.
I also work as a Voice Over artist and do the occasional freelance broadcasting work.
Q. What role would you just love to play.
A. Gabriel Macht’s Harvey Specter in Suits.
Q. Who in history would you have loved to star with
A. Klaus Kinski, Rita Hayworth and Jack Nicholson would have to top that list.
Q. You have striking looks, do you get spotted and recognised in the street, if so how do you respond.
A. I can still roam the streets relatively freely but when I do get stopped the responses to my work are always very positive which is great.
Q. What has been the most wonderful experience to come out of acting
A. I get to work with an array of talented people from all around the world and what do we do? We essentially tell stories. That’s a wonderful gift that comes with acting.
Q. One last cheeky question…what role do you think you could have played far better than the original and why!!
A. Give me the chance to play Lestat de Lioncourt and I’ll show you why.
We really look forward to following your career and all you lovely readers make sure you do to! Follow Alexander on Twitter @ADevrient if you want to pop me a little tweet I’m over here @sarahbacchus for any other information regarding my photography head over to sarahbacchus.com and take a look at our lifestyle blog SLBStyle.com
This interview and shoot was held at the beautiful Mamounia Lounge in Mayfair, I want to thank them for their hospitality and for allowing me to take over an entire room for a few hours! Tweet them @MamounialLounge