Leonie Benesch
Leonie Benesch, born in Hamburg, Germany, is best known for her roles in “The Crown and Babylon Berlin.” She formally trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama before landing her breakout role in “The White Ribbon.” She was cast in the upcoming BBC series “Around the World in 80 Days,” set to premiere in early 2022. The series appears on PBS Masterpiece beginning on January 2 at 8pm ET and BBC One (UK) on December 26. Only time will tell where her portrayal of Abigail Fix will take her.
Suit by The Deck
Coat by Lupe Gajardo
Belt by Vintage
Shoes by Topshop
When did you decide to be an actress? How did you get your start?
I think I was around 12 or 13 years old when I decided that I wanted to do acting for a living. At the time, there was a girl a few years above me at school who sometimes acted in films and TV shows, and I asked her what I had to do. She gave me the address of her children’s agency, and I wrote an application to them. They invited me to come and meet them in Cologne and do a little tape for them, which I did. I was then signed on their books! Nothing really happened until I was 17, though. That’s the time when I had loads and loads of auditions, and I booked the part of Eva in “The White Ribbon.”
What is one thing you learned at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama that you carry with you to each project you work on?
Our movement department was absolutely brilliant. Whenever I’m a bit stuck, I try to imagine what Danny McGrath would say I should do. That usually does the trick.
What has been your favorite role so far?
Abigail Fix. She is such a powerful character and an absolute pleasure to play.
Left:
Coat by Zara
Set by Shek Leung
Shoes by Adidas
Right:
Suit by Helen Anthony
Shirt by Pink
How do you prepare for a role and what helps you get in character?
That depends on the project and the role. But I do love text work (especially when the scripts are well written), and I listen to a lot of music to get into the right mood or to get an idea for the rhythm of a character.
Which actor do you dream of working with?
The problem is I’m a bit terrified of meeting and working with my idols. There are many colleagues whose work I admire though.
If you weren’t an actress, what would you be doing?
I don’t have the slightest idea. Something with cats and plant pots. Is there such a thing?
Left:
Suit by Helen Anthony
Shirt by Pink
Shoes by Dolce & Gabbana
Right:
Hat by Misa Harada
Coat by Vintage
Blouse by Reiss
Belt by Stylist’s Own
Skirt by Kata Haratym
How was working on “Around the World in 80 Days” different from other projects you have done?
I was never this nervous so regularly. And I was also never this fulfilled. I don’t think I’ve ever learned more about acting on a job thus far. The full cast and crew were all such a joy to work with, and I have so many memories that I will cherish forever.
What was life like for you during the pandemic?
I’m a bit ashamed to say it was an absolute dream for me. For the first lockdown I was in Berlin, and they weren’t as strict as other countries seemed to be. We were always allowed to be outside and see one other person. So, I spent a few months seeing some of my dearest friends one on one, having cocktails delivered to my flat by my favorite bar, reading books, and going for walks in the sun.. it was lush. Sorry.
Left:
Coat by Zara
Set by Shek Leung
Shoes by Adidas
Right:
Earrings by Aloë
Dress by Zara
Coat by Vintage
Shoes by Prada
What can we expect from you in the upcoming year? Any exciting new projects?
Oh, I’m not sure when “The Swarm” is coming out, but I think that may be a bit later next year. It is another project I am really proud of. I’ve been dying for a break, which I am now taking, and I’m actually not sure what I’ll be doing in 2022 exactly. Very excited about it.
Social Media.
I don’t use it. I’ve found it’s better for my brain if I don’t use it.
CREW CREDITS:
Photographer: David Reiss
Talent: Leonie Benesch
Fashion Stylist: Bertie Taylor-Smith
Make Up: Andriani Vasiliou at Stella Creative
Hair: Sophie Sugarman
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Jessica Bally, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
