Shirt by Rhyzem Official
Scarf by Rhyzem Official
Coat by Xingyu Ren
Trousers by Luting Chen
Earrings by Model’s own

Freddie Dennis, an English actor, who stars in the upcoming limited Netflix Bridgerton spin-off, “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.” Dennis is a London native, a talented actor, a skilled photographer, and writer in his free time. He was previously in the HBO series “The Nevers,” acquired many theater credits, and will portray Reynolds, valet to young King George in “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story,” which premieres on May 4th.

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**Right:**
Coat by Zak London
Vest by Zak London
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Necklace by Zak London

How did you get your start in acting? What sparked your interest?
The strange thing is, despite spending much of my childhood dreaming of acting, I did not try it until I was 23. I used to watch school plays filled with envy for those performing but never had the confidence to try it myself, I was so scared of failing. I always had an excuse; I’ll try it next year, I’ll try it in sixth form, I’ll try it when I’m at uni. However, I finished university without having acted and thought to myself ‘it’s now or never.’ So, after graduation, I secretly enrolled in a beginner’s acting class on Monday evenings and discovered what I had always known; this was what I wanted to do with my life. I decided to take the next step and apply to the NYT and several Drama Schools to see if this was a realistic goal. To my surprise I got several offers and at this point decided to tell my parents and friends of my decision to go to drama school. After a year of ups and downs at drama school I was lucky enough to get signed by an amazing agent who really believed in me.

How does your current role compare to your first ever acting role?
To be honest I consider this as my first ever role. I was a day player on HBO’s “The Nevers” but playing Reynolds in “Queen Charlotte” was a significantly bigger and more intimidating task. But one in which I loved every minute.

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Shoes by Tommy Hilfiger
Earrings by Model’s own
**Right:**
Jacket by Jérome Henrottin
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Shoes by Grenson

You were previously in the HBO series “The Nevers” set in Victorian London and you moved onto “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.” What is it about period pieces that you gravitate towards?
The fact they offered me the job. It’s true that both my credits are currently in period dramas, and it has been so fun stepping into two totally different worlds and times. However, down the line, I would love to try my hand at everything. At this stage of my career, I am just trying to look at each job as an opportunity to learn, gain confidence and improve my craft.

The costuming in period pieces is often so glamorous and enchanting. How do you make sure that your performance does justice to the time-period while not letting the costuming do the work?
It’s amazing. In truth though, it would be naïve of me to think that the costume or hair doesn’t help in some way. Be that by helping me match the aesthetic of the wider world we have created or making me believe who I am and where I am in each scene. I did a lot of reading about the time period and used some of this knowledge to create Reynolds’ backstory and to work out how he moved and spoke. But really everything is a collaboration and each member of the crew and cast helped to create the world of “Queen Charlotte.”

**Left:**
Jacket by Jérome Henrottin
Shirt by Stylist’s own
Trousers by Stylist’s own
Shoes by Grenson
**Right:**
Shirt by Rhyzem Official
Scarf by Rhyzem Official
Coat by Xingyu Ren
Trousers by Luting Chen
Earrings by Model’s own

Your Instagram highlights a passion for photography. Were there any things directionally or aesthetically that you took away from your experience on the set of “Queen Charlotte?”
I love it. Alongside acting it is my favorite thing in the world. On set, everything looked incredible, and I loved seeing how intricately all the sets had been dressed. It certainly gave me a newfound respect for and fascination in moving image and art direction. Also, our amazing cinematographer Jeff Jur often complimented my photos which gave me such confidence to continue doing what I love alongside acting.

Was there any pressure coming onto a project written by such a writing legend as Shonda Rhimes?
Of course. it was completely terrifying. I felt like such an imposter, though I think this was useful as it made me work even harder than I would have done already. But the strength of the writing makes our jobs as actors so much easier. Shonda’s wit and authenticity provided the perfect playground for us all to play with the text and after the initial terror had subsided it was nothing but a joy. I also think that everyone was sensitive TO my greenness, as well as Corey’s (also his first job), and they did everything they could to make us feel as comfortable and worthy as possible.

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Suit by Xingyu Ren
Vest by Uniqlo
Shoes by Tommy Hilfiger
Earrings by Model’s own
**Right:**
Coat by Zak London
Vest by Zak London
Earrings by Stylist’s own
Necklace by Zak London

What was your favorite moment on the set of “Queen Charlotte?”
This is impossible to answer. We just had the best time and I have left the job with friends for life. I can tell you the worst moment, though; being chased by about 40 cows in Lincolnshire with Sam Clemmett. I thought it was all over!

What things did you bring with you to “Queen Charlotte” from your theatre work at the Oxford School of Drama?
Terror! I am partially joking but I certainly brought with me a sense of my own imperfection. I also took a curiosity, a desire to self-analyze and to continuously improve.

**Left:**
Coat by Zak London
Vest by Zak London
Earrings by Stylist’s own
Necklace by Zak London
**Right:**
Suit by Xingyu Ren
Vest by Uniqlo
Shoes by Tommy Hilfiger
Earrings by Model’s own

What have been some challenges you’ve faced thus far in your career, and what did you learn from them?
For me there is one continuous challenge: staying confident. It was much of the reason I resisted acting for so long and to this day I struggle to retain self-belief. But it is something I dedicate a lot of time to improving, as it seems to be the bedrock of much success in the industry. When coming close to roles that could potentially be life-changing, but ultimately being rejected, it is easy to feel like you’ve failed. But simply reframing those experiences as successes can go a long way. If someone does know the answer to consistent confidence, please do let me know.

In what ways are you different from, and similar to, your character, Reynolds?
Aside from having the same face and voice, I, like Reynolds, am loyal and hard working. However, I tend to move a lot more and have an easier time sharing my emotions than he does. All part of being a butler, I guess.

Social Media
Instagram: @freddiedennis

**Left:**
Suit by Xingyu Ren
Vest by Uniqlo
**Right:**
Shirt by Rhyzem Official
Scarf by Rhyzem Official
Coat by Xingyu Ren
Trousers by Luting Chen
Earrings by Model’s own

CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Photographer: David Reiss
Talent: Freddie Dennis
Fashion Stylist: Emily Tighe
Groomer: Amanda Grossman at The Only Agency using Typology & Oribe Hair
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Ary Russell, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine