Simon Kassianides has appeared in a James Bond film (he played Vesper Lynd's treacherous lover in Quantum of Solace). His directorial debut Geezas won several awards at the 2013 British Independent Film Festival. He's now a regular on The Mandalorian as the mercenary Axe Woves.
In short, the man has numerous options when asked for his proudest professional accomplishment. Yet Kassianides opted for something much more personal.
"I remember seeing my grandparents in the audience of a play I was in on London’s West End Stage – Night of The Iguana with Woody Harrelson," recalls Kassianides. "That was a proud moment for me. One I shall always cherish.
"They grew up in a world far removed from anything close to the world I’m in now. It was wonderful to see how much it meant to us both."
It's a lovely little anecdote. Kassianides neglects to mention that he was offered the role while still at drama school. Like Axe Woves, the man is a high flier.
Life
What upcoming project(s) are you most excited about?
On the acting front I’m excited to see the reaction the fans have with the return of Axe Woves in season three of The Mandalorian!
I’ve also, as a writer, been adapting a Camilla Läckberg and Henrik Fexeus book, Trapped, for television with Warner Bros in Europe which has been extremely rewarding. I have a feature film with them also I am set to star and direct next year. It’s an exciting time.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment?
I remember seeing my grandparents in the audience of a play I was in on London’s West End Stage – Night of The Iguana with Woody Harrelson. That was a proud moment for me. One I shall always cherish.
They grew up in a world far removed from anything close to the world I’m in now. It was wonderful to see how much it meant to us both.
If you could change one thing about your career, what would it be?
I would change how much I trusted LA agents as a young actor. How much room do you have for those stories?!
I would have trusted in myself more and made choices based on the tastes I should have been confident to own. Instead of listening to the direction the wind was blowing.
What do you hope to achieve that you haven’t yet?
I hope to see a feature that I’ve written come to the screen. To be part of the history of cinema, something I have been in love with from my earliest memories, would be a dream come true. I hope that the film ends up being good!
Outside of your family, who is / was your biggest inspiration?
Jon Favreau. His career is incredible and his knowledge is vast. And he is approachable and kind whilst having a mountain of pressure around him. I feel extremely fortunate to have been in the same room with him and watch him work.
Tell us something nobody knows about you…
I have a weakness for my fiancé’s favourite reality TV shows. I was quick to roll my eyes at the start. But now I’m invested.
Style
What’s your favourite item of clothing – and what does it mean to you?
A comfortable pair of shoes. And by shoes I mean sneakers. Having worn (questionable) fashionable shoes over the years that caused misery, a great pair of sneakers means a great deal.
I currently own a pair of Axel Arigato sneakers. They work well in any situation. Love them.
Favourite accessory – watch / jewellery / etc – and why is it special to you?
My Persol sunglasses. I love their history and how they are made. They’re a treat to myself.
What's your biggest style disaster?
The Critics' Choice awards years back. My rep at the time suggested I have my hair styled. I no longer ’style’ my hair. Absolute disaster.
Is there an item you threw away – or lost – that you really miss?
I’ve moved more times than I can think. I’ve gotten very good at having the bare minimum and only ascribe deep feelings to people these days.
Besides, my style has changed, thankfully, for the better over the years.
What’s next on your shopping list?
I’ve been very nomadic for the last few years by design, acting in the US and writing and producing over in Europe.
A forever home with my (soon to be) wife is the next major item. We are enjoying the search and it’ll be nice to have a permanent base.
What would you buy if money was no object?
A 1956 Porsche 356 Speedster. Yes. Please.
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The Mandalorian is streaming on Disney
