'The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.'
So goes Deuteronomy 28:13 of the Old Testament. Words to take to heart – or, for David Gyasi, inscribe on your watch.
"A dress watch from my family for my 30th," says Gyasi when asked his favourite accessory. "With the engraving of Deut 28:13, a scripture I was brought up on. We actually use that same watch for my character Dennison in The Diplomat!"
Political thriller The Diplomat sees Gyasi star opposite Keri Russell. The show comes to Netflix on April 20 so keep your eyes peeled.
Meanwhile, take a tour of Gyasi's life and style.
Life
What upcoming project(s) are you most excited about?
The Diplomat! It’s been a thrill from the first moment I read the script prior to my initial meeting. It’s like nothing I’ve seen or read before.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment?
Hopefully it’s something I’m unaware of. One of the things that most inspired me as a youngster was seeing someone that looked like me coming into school as one of three cast members and delivering a TIE (Theatre In Education) piece on bullying I think.
That actor would not know that he inspired me to go on and do what I do now. If I can or have emulated that in any way… I’m good!
If you could change one thing about your career, what would it be?
Honestly… Wouldn’t change a thing. The lows/dark and ridiculous times have paved way for the highs, gloriously and sublime times!
What do you hope to achieve that you haven’t yet?
Bigger platform to raise bigger questions through art…
Also DIY mastery but I’ll settle for DIY novice/competency status!
Outside of your family, who is / was your biggest inspiration?
Jesus… With John Barnes and Liverpool Football Club in a close second!
Tell us something nobody knows about you…
When I’m in the gym sometimes a favourite boy band song (Westlife or some such) will come on my playlist and I nod along like it’s Kendrick Lamar…
Nobody suspects a thing… Until now.
Style
What’s your favourite item of clothing – and what does it mean to you?
A special birthday suit… My wife had this amazing suit made by my favourite Ghanaian designer ‘@Smullywear’ who made the outfit for my 40th, I love it as it incorporates family, love, heritage, memories and style!
Favourite accessory – watch / jewellery / etc – and why is it special to you?
A dress watch from my family for my 30th. With the engraving of Deut 28:13, a scripture I was brought up on. We actually use that same watch for my character Dennison in The Diplomat!
What's your biggest style disaster?
Once turned up for a boxing class in a gym that wasn’t on so thought I’d take part in the basketball session that was taking place. Used to captain my school basketball team… What could go wrong?
It was at that point that I realised my faded, out of shape, three quarter length trackies, faded freebie T-shirt along with my busted Nike Air 180s were not what was required to blend in with the much younger, taller and trendier players. Ended up last to be picked.
Is there an item you threw away – or lost – that you really miss?
My wedding ring(s). Have lost a few. Would like to officially apologies. Again!
What’s next on your shopping list?
We need to decorate the front room so – paint!
What would you buy if money was no object?
A company that could raise everyone’s education, health care and nutrition standards to that in the private sector…
And a season ticket at Anfield!
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The Diplomat is out now on Netflix
