Micheál Richardson
Micheál Richardson is an actor best known for his roles in the film Made In Italy, opposite Liam Neeson, Big Dogs on Amazon and the 2018 feature film, Vox Lux, alongside Natalie Portman.
Micheál is up and coming and one to watch on our radars.
Blazer by Teddy Vonranson
MSL 1-Pocket Shirt by Billy Reid
Sweater by Teddy Vonranson
Pants by Dolce & Gabbana
What pushed you into acting, and what is your first memory of being in front of the camera? Do you remember the feeling you had?
In my high school there was an after-school theater program. It was great because we showcased skits that students had written. It all came from the students and performing them in front of the whole school, without much supervision, was thrilling.
My first memory is when I did a PBS kids commercial, around the age of 7. We just had to do menial actions like eating orange slices and looking out of windows. I remember being confused as to why so many people were focused on us eating the oranges, and why it was much more fun eating oranges on set.
How was it filming in Italy, and what did you enjoy the most about it?
Filming in Italy was a dream. Everything was pretty much filmed on location, so we got to live and work from these beautiful places in Tuscany. My character’s family home was an old Tuscan villa that the art department totally flipped. We filmed there most days and got to go through the experience of seeing the old broken home come back to life. I stayed in this small medieval town called San Quirico 'Orcia. Every 20 miles there’s another medieval town that’s just as charming as the last. The locals in San Quirico were very welcoming. I’m sure they were terrified seeing a group of pale and sweaty Brits take over their town, but by the end everyone knew each other and had a laugh.
Left:
Beige Striped Shirt by Ermenegildo Zegna XXX
Purple Sweater by HOMME PLISSÉ ISSEY MIYAKE
Pink Pants by Teddy Vonranson
Shoes by Magnanni
Right:
Jacket by Teddy Vonranson
Sweater by Propaganda Agency
Pants by HOMME PLISSÉ ISSEY MIYAKE
Shoes by Magnanni
What’s your dream role, who would you like to be casted, and who would you like to direct it? What’s your favorite project that you’ve worked on, and why? Dream role?
It would be cool to do something with heavy VFX. Like in Jungle book. Maybe play a monkey or a crocodile. Get suited up in a black suit with green polka dots and just go crazy. Dream cast? Maybe Danny DeVito, Johnny Depp, Seth Rogen, Zoe Saldana, Christopher Walken, and Kathy Bates? But everyone’s playing animals. And, of course, Andy Serkis. His work is incredible. Would have to make him the director too.
What do you love about living in NYC? What is it about the city that resonates the most with you? NYC is such a special place.
Geographically, it’s such a small place with SOO much going on. I’ve lived here my whole life and still feel there’s still so much to see and get involved with. The whole energy and culture can shift block to block. I find it hard living in other cities because NYC spoils you in that sense. Everything’s at your fingertips and it really doesn’t sleep. It can be distracting and sometimes toxic but if you can manage that, it’s one of the best places.
Blazer by Miranda Kurtishi
Pocket Square by Miranda Kurtishi
Scarf by Agnes B
What’s the best advice you’ve received from someone you look up to?
Best advice? Don’t take yourself too seriously. I’m not sure who told me that, but I think that goes for everyone. The best people I know, don’t.
Do you ever see yourself behind the camera one day?
I would love to direct one day. I’ve written some short films with friends. I hope I can direct them sometime. Directing is like being the captain, if the ships sinking, it’s more or less your fault. Working with that kind of pressure would be crazy.
Shirt by Dolce & Gabbana
Shirt + Pants by Teddy Vonranson
Jacket by KYLE'LYK
Shoes by Magnanni
How was it acting alongside your dad?
I’d say both grounding and nerve-wrecking if that’s possible? We play father and son, so in that sense it was very grounding, because he’s actually my dad. Nerve wrecking because there were things that seemed really hard to do as an inexperienced actor, that he could do with ease. Watching someone you know so well, take charge, and hit the nail on the head is an incredible learning experience.
If you weren’t an actor, what would you be doing, and why?
I really don’t know but it would be smart to have a back-up plan. Maybe archeology or anthropology? To find and excavate something ancient would be an all-time high. I feel like there’s still so much we don’t know about our history and working in that field would be important.
What’s your favorite book/movie of all time, and why did it speak to you so much? What’s your favorite quote/passage in it?
It’s always changing, but right now, off the top of my head, I’d go with “The Tree of Life” and the “The Great Beauty.” They’re both incredibly beautiful and leave you with a sense that nothing really matters except your relationship with your home and the people in your life. Favorite quote? “I never let my school interfere with my education” -Mark Twain
Cardigan Sweater by Propaganda Agency
Beige Sweater by Ermenegildo Zegna XXX
MSL 1-Pocket Shirt by Billy Reid
Jacket by Tibi
Palm Bucket Hat by Teddy Vonranson
CREW CREDITS:
Creative Director, Photographer & Producer: Mike Ruiz
Talent: Micheál Richardson
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon at Agency Gerard Artists
Groomer: Luis Guillermo Duque
Tearsheets: Caitriona Moran
Photo Studio: YourSpaceNJ
Fashion Stylist Assistants: Olivia Tolins & Olive Zucchi
Interview: Victoria Durant, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
