Louis Partridge is on the Road of Loving his Craft
Written by Vaughn Stewart
Photography – Joseph Sinclair
Styling – Fabio Immediato
Grooming – Brady Lea
For Louis Partridge acting is a love thing. No matter what challenges he faces, no disappointments will discourage him from following his heart, and for that, he has grown as an actor and learned to appreciate the journey he is undertaking. Cool America caught up with him and got a bit in his head.
Hi, Louis. Let’s begin by asking how you got involved in acting?
It all started during a 3rd grade school play of Robin Hood in which I played Maid Marion. One of the mums in the audience suggested I audition for an agency and so I did without really thinking about it. I started doing short films and acting as an extra and gradually (after many, many disappointments) I got some substantial parts
How old were you got your first professional role?
I was 11 years old and I took time off school to do a short film. I remember the intense feeling of being on set and creating something together. I went back to school the next day which just felt so dull compared to what I had done and the people I had met.
How many characters have you played professionally?
I’ve played probably around 8 professional roles, some significantly larger than others, but it’s funny that I was as nervous for my first short film as I was stepping onto set to play Tewksbury in Enola Holmes opposite Millie Bobby Brown. I guess it is something that will never change, keeping me right on my toes.
“There were so many times I nearly stopped acting.”
What was the most challenging part about your role in Enola Holmes?
Trying to look natural while wearing such a long wig for the first half of the film was definitely one of my biggest challenges. I don’t know how people do it, there’s always rogue strands in your face and mouth. The best part of the day was when I could take the wig off and itch my head.
Do you put a lot of thought into your acting in Enola Holmes or do you let it flow out of you naturally?
It’s definitely a mixture of both for me. If you prepare your part and do your homework on the time period including what was going on outside of just the character’s world it gives you the confidence and knowledge to let it flow naturally, especially when you find little bits of the character that you can relate to. For me I found that Tewksbury and I share a similar sense of humor as well as having a similar openness and trusting quality that I found in parts of the character.
“You’ll fail a lot more times than you’ll succeed.”
What are you currently working on?
I’ve just finished playing Peter Pan in a project called ‘Lost Girls’ which is an inversion of the old story of Peter Pan and one that is centered around the women within the narrative and their dealing with their own lives after having been to Neverland.
What actor do you watch everything he is in?
Timothee Chalamet and Matthew McConaughey.
What actress do you watch everything she is in?
Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan.
Who is your dream director to work with?
There’s just so many, at the moment I’m thinking Luca Guadagnino and the Great Scorsese
Any tips for those aspiring actors out there?
Just keep acting. There were so many times I nearly stopped and I’m so glad that I didn’t. Also, and this is a note to my former self, if you’re acting with older, more experienced, legendary actors such as Helena Bonham Carter, bloody go over and say hello instead of sitting there and missing the opportunity. I will forever kick myself for that.
“I remember the intense feeling of being on set.”
How are you dealing with COVID-19? How has it affected your life?
I’ve been getting used to it for a while and am now pretty well adjusted to it all. It’s great to see that work is gradually starting again although it does feel very different on set. I do think though that I’ve slowed down quite a lot and haven’t been stressed in a while which is very new to me. On the other hand, it means that there’s no Enola Holmes première which I looked forward to for so long!
There’s a lot going on in this world. As a young adult do you feel you have a responsibility to make this world a better place than past generations?
I suppose I do in many ways, especially with so many different perspectives now being heard through social media. Individually I feel a duty, and am privileged to be able to raise awareness through my own platform.
If you had a message to share, what would it be?
What I’ve taken from acting is that you’ll fail a lot more times than you’ll succeed and if you really enjoy it you’ll stick with it until something comes that makes the failing worth it
Is there anything that you would professionally like to do besides acting?
Skateboarding, but I’ve broken one too many bones skating before, so I’ve taken that as a sign not to pursue it.
Our magazine is called Cool America. What do you think is cool about America?
In n’ out burgers