Gamba Cole
Gamba Cole, an English actor, stars in Stephen Merchant’s “The Outlaws,” which will soon be released on Amazon Prime and is currently available on BBC iPlayer (UK). The Outlaws is a six-part comic, crime thriller about seven lawbreakers who are forced together to complete community service and…they discover a bag of cash. They’re not the only ones after the cash. Gamba started acting in various theatres around the UK and is best known for his role in Amazon’s Hana (2019), an action-drama TV series.
Gamba Cole stars in Stephen Merchant’s The Outlaws soon to be released on Amazon Prime and available now on BBC iPlayer (UK).
What made you decide to pursue a career in acting?
Initially, it was just a subject I wanted to take to add variety to my learning experience at school. However, it taught me so much more. I felt like when I was acting I could escape my realities at the time. I enjoyed being able to explore different emotions, thoughts and feelings in a safe space that really allowed me to examine my emotional maturity in my actual life. That is when I knew this was the career for me.
What is it like playing Christian in “The Outlaws?”
I loved playing Christian for many reasons, but, most of all, I was able to tell and show a complete storyline for the first time on screen. I feel like in this industry there are not as many roles for people like me where you explore more than just the stereotypical sides. Stephen Merchant wrote such a nuanced character with moments of sensitivity, happiness, and fragility. It is especially important to see Black men showcased in a three-dimensional light. From an actors' perspective, it gives us even more to play with. Away from that, it was an absolute joy. Christian is such an active character, and I loved doing his stunts.
Do you see yourself going into more Hollywood acting or continuing acting in the UK?
For me it's all about the work! I want to be a part of projects that mean something and that the audience can connect to. I would love to work over in the U.S. one day as I aspire to play a character in the Marvel/DC universe. I'll go wherever the good work takes me.
What are some future goals you have for yourself?
I would love to work myself into a position where I can help people. I want to be a part of the change in society, give back to those less fortunate, and provide opportunities to people. Being an actor, I believe, is a hard but privileged position to be in. You become a role model whether you like it or not, so it's your job and responsibility as someone in that position to give back where you can.
What was your favorite role, and why?
I would say playing Christian is my favorite role to date because this is the first time I played a role of this magnitude. I was able to fulfill a character's story in its totality. I had the opportunity to show nuance and detail in a way that I haven't before, and it was such a great learning experience. The cast and crew made this a job I will never forget.
Left:
Jacket by Esaú Yori
Trousers by Hugo Boss
Right:
Jumper by ALLSAINTS
Rings by Rat Betty & Pyrrha
What actor/actress would you love to work with?
I would really love to work with Stephen Graham one day, I think he is such a talented actor. Also, Regina King, Aml Ameen, LaKeith Stanfield, Kerry Washington, and Viola Davis. The list could go on and on. There are so many amazing actors that I would love to work with. I have also been lucky to have worked with the likes of Idris Elba, who was, of course, also on my list.
How do you prepare for an upcoming audition?
First and foremost, I read the whole script. Context is everything. Whether you are going up for a leading role or not, it's important to know the purpose of your character and that person’s objective.
I look at the scenes that have been selected and I study and dissect them. I then start learning my lines. I tend to have many different ways of learning lines but one of the easiest methods for me, is when I treat my text like a poem or rap. I'll find the rhythm in text and that helps me digest my dialogue much quicker. I also tend to study the casting breakdown to familiarize myself with the type of characteristics the person I am auditioning for requires. Sometimes, I may watch the previous work of the director to gauge that person’s style and aesthetic.
Left:
Jumper by ALLSAINTS
Rings by Rat Betty & Pyrrha
Right:
Suit by Missoni
Tie by Hugo Boss
Boots by Manolo Blahnik
What are some of your passions outside of acting?
I like to be active outside of work, so things like playing football, going to the gym and bouldering are some of my passions that keep my mental state of being in check. I also enjoy reading and playing chess to relax. I also play Playstation.
Left:
Suit by Missoni
Tie by Hugo Boss
Boots by Manolo Blahnik
Right:
Suit by ASOS
Chain by Stylist’s Own
Who is your inspiration, and why?
My inspiration is my desire to create a legacy for my family and to encourage those coming up after me to find what it is they love and pursue it wholeheartedly. I never came from a ‘wealthy’ background nor had access to loads of various career options. I really had to fight for this. That came with many ups and downs, but I cannot see myself doing anything else.
Suit & Shirt by Alexander McQueen
Boots by Koi
What is your social media?
@gambacole on both Instagram and Twitter.
Left:
Suit & Shirt by Alexander McQueen
Right:
Suit by ASOS
Chain by Stylist’s Own
Shoes by Gucci
CREW CREDITS:
Photographer: David Reiss
Talent: Gamba Cole
Fashion Stylist: Bertie Taylor-Smith
Grooming: Daisy Holubowicz using Algenist & Qhemet Biologics
Tearsheets: Daniel López, Junior Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview: Gabby White, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
