Matinee To Midnight With Russell Tovey
Russell Tovey, has been nominated for a 2020 Critic’s Choice Award for best supporting actor in Russell T. Davies Years and Years for BBC/HBO, and can recently be seen in Bill Condon’s The Good Liar (Warner Bros.) opposite Helen Mirren and Ian McKellen. I just rented and watched this movie, and found it enjoyable with anticipating suspense as to what the ending will entail.
Russell can also be seen starring in ITV’s Flesh and Blood directed by BAFTA nominee Louise Hooper and will soon be seen in a leading role in a new ITV Drama, Because The Night, from Luther creator Neil Cross. He was also set to return to Broadway to star in Scott Rudin’s revival of Edward Albee’s “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”, a remake of the 1966 classic movie featuring Hollywood couple, Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton, which has since sadly been cancelled following the COVID-19 outbreak.
Featured in this article is an exclusive interview with Russell, as we put him out of his comfort zone in some fun and flashy suits. We think he looks great and radiated an English charm throughout the shoot.
Foreword by Alison Hernon, Editor-In-Chief, PhotoBook Magazine.
Coat by Mr. Turk
Suit by Calvin Klein
Tie by Joseph Abboud
Dress shirt by CK by Calvin Klein
1. Name?
Russell Tovey.
2. Where are you from?
Romford, Essex, UK.
3. Where do you live?
Hackney, London, UK.
4. What are some other hobbies or activities you enjoy doing when not acting?
Art, gym, dog walking.
5. What made you passionate about wanting to be an actor?
I knew I always wanted to do some form of entertainment after watching films as a child. Films like The Goonies really transported me to another place, and I wanted to make sure I could be transported to ‘that place’ every day. Books were also something I got completely emotionally and mentally invested in. Reading something that was then transformed to the screen was so amazing for me as it previously existed only in my imagination and was then being played out in real life by kids my age! That was it. That’s what I wanted to do. I wanted to do what those kids were doing. It was magic.
6. What is one thing that you think is important to share with people about the movie industry that many people don’t know?
Acting is the most important part. I think it is easy to lose sight of the fact that you are your craft and that comes first and foremost.
Left:
Coat by Mr. Turk
Suit by Calvin Klein
Tie by Joseph Abboud
Dress shirt by CK by Calvin Klein
Right:
Suit by Catouwear at The Confessional Showroom
Shirt by Bruno Cucinelli
Shoes by Bruno Magli
Tie by Joseph Abboud
7. What are some of your favorite locations that you have shot at for your last film and television projects?
I have filmed at some amazing locations over the years. Australia, New York and Manchester, to name a few. It always depends on the cast and crew that surround you wherever you are that make the location that much better.
8. What are some of the challenges you face with being an actor? How have you overcome these and become so successful?
I think everyone faces different challenges with being an actor. The attention is something that one needs to get used to. Having a continuous spotlight on you bears a massive weight. But if you treat people with kindness and are nice you will, most of the time, receive the same behavior right back. Surrounding myself with love, texting family, telling my dog I love him and that he’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. That’s love, isn’t it? That’s the only way to overcome anything. Love.
9. You are currently working on "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf" on Broadway. Why did you choose to play this role? What makes it such a special and interesting character?
It’s the great American play and a total classic! As a Brit on Broadway, it’s amazing to get to play such an American character in such a great American city. Also being able to share the stage with such amazing actors is a blessing.
10. Were you originally a fan of the film with Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton?
Of course, I was. Elizabeth and Richard are two of the absolute greats! Although, I think it scared me a bit when I was younger.
Suit by Mr. Turk
Shoes by Bruno Magli
Shirt & Tie by CK by Calvin Klein
11. What do you do to prepare for a movie/television show? How do you get into character?
I always like to give as much of a backstory to a character that I possibly can. To imagine who this person is and what and how that person feels when they are alone. Those moments are what bring a character to life and brings them depth and color. I also have a few focusing exercises, which other actors I have worked with have probably told you about.
12. What do you love about your job?
Acting. The relationships and friendships you make along the way are a bonus too.
13. Do you have any advice for young aspiring actors and actresses out there?
Go to your local drama clubs and go whenever you can. I went 2-3 nights a week and all weekend when I first started. Don’t doubt yourself.
14. Who inspires you? And why?
Good and interesting actors who find the balance of being comedic as well as emotional. Robin Williams was, and continues to be, my hero. Such a devastating loss.
15. What are your goals for the future? Any future projects you can talk a little bit about?
I have so many: finding new characters to grapple with and writing my own stuff. Continuing to throw myself into my passion project Talk Art. Let’s wait and see! The rest of the year is solid with the play and am totally immersing myself in that. If you are in New York, you should come and see it at The Booth theatre from April.
16. I have seen that you have a massive love for art with your successful podcast Talk Art. What made you so passionate about art
I am art obsessed and a very visual person! And, it just so happens that one of my best mates, Robert Diament, is also a total art geek. Talk Art was born from two art nerds wanting to meet and speak with likeminded people. Our goal is to make the conversations with guests feel natural and, for our audience, make art accessible, non-academic, non-elitist, gossipy and fun. You really don’t need to know anything about art to listen to our show. Download them and listen to some of the greatest voices like Ian McKellen and Lena Dunham while you are on your commute to work, cooking dinner or hanging out with mates – easy and fun listening!
17. What and who are some of your favorite art pieces and artists?
Too many to list, but my touchstone artwork is, “Night fishing at Antibes” by Picasso, currently in storage at the Moma.
18. What is your motto in life?
Be kind.
19. What is your Instagram handle?
@russelltovey
Crew Credits:
Creative Director & Photographer: Mike Ruiz
Model: Russell Tovey
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon at Agency Gerard Artists
Hair: Andrea Wilson at Next Artists
Makeup: Renee Garnes at Next Artists
Tearsheets: Wei Liu, Graphic Designer, PhotoBook Magazine
