Gamba Cole is the prime example of carpe diem – seize the day.
Cole was working as a security guard when he met director Clint Dyer, who invited the aspiring actor to audition for a play. The result was quite literally career changing.
"Clint not only gave me the role but he got in touch with an agency and told them about me," recalls Cole. "I then went to meet them and they offered me representation."
This month, Cole appears in The Outlaws, a six-part BBC comedy directed by Stephen Merchant and starring the legendary Christopher Walken.
"The fact that I can even call this my career is amazing to me," Cole tells us. "Something I really cherish and am so proud of."
Never give up, people. And enjoy the feature.
Life
What upcoming project(s) are you most excited about?
I am super excited about 'The Outlaws' coming to BBC One in October and Amazon Prime in the new year.
It's a great series written and directed by Stephen Merchant that really addresses where I believe we are socially. It's so funny but also carries some very dark and relatable themes too.
Everyone has worked super hard to create this show and I really hope it's received well. Shooting through a pandemic is an experience like no other the but cast and crew really pulled together to make this show as amazing as it possibly could be.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment?
My proudest moment is the one that birthed me into this industry.
I met a director called Clint Dyer who asked me to audition for a play he was directing at the Theatre Stratford East called 'Kingston 14'. I was unsigned and working as a security guard at the time but was always looking for opportunities in the acting world.
After an audition and recall, Clint not only gave me the role but he got in touch with an agency and told them about me. I then went to meet them and they offered me representation.
I believe if it wasn't for that I would not be where I am today.
If you could change one thing about your career, what would it be?
There is absolutely nothing I would change. The fact that I can even call this my career is amazing to me, something I really cherish and am so proud of.
All the negative moments make you appreciate the positive ones even more.
What do you hope to achieve that you haven’t yet?
I really want to work in the US. One of my dream roles is to play a Marvel/DC character – I’m a big fan of their films and series.
Outside of your family, who is / was your biggest inspiration?
I'm inspired by progress. Every job I work on I want to learn more and improve as an actor and as a man.
I want to build a legacy that surpasses my lifetime and that inspires me also.
Tell us something nobody knows about you…
When I was about five I used to eat Vaseline out of the tub! I used to think that 'Petroleum Jelly' was actually jelly.
Style
What’s your favourite item of clothing – and what does it mean to you?
I don't have a favourite item of clothing but I like anything comfortable and flexible.
Favourite accessory – watch / jewellery / etc – and why is it special to you?
To be completely honest I do not really have a favourite accessory because I tend to lose or break things that matter to me (by accident).
What items do you take on holiday and why?
I tend to overpack so there usually isn't an item I leave behind!
But I have to bring a speaker because I love listening to music while relaxing on the beach and loads of trainers so I have options to go with my outfits.
Is there an item you threw away – or lost – that you really miss?
There was a Nike tracksuit I adored but I outgrew it so I had to give it to my little brother.
What makes it worse is that it suits him better than it did me!
What’s next on your shopping list?
A winter coat. I like the look of Moncler, CP Company has very cool bomber jackets too.
For me the most important thing is that I'm warm!
What would you buy if money was no object?
An island.
Watch The Outlaws every Monday 9pm on BBC One
