The Talented Mr. Reeves
Written by Vaughn Eric Stewart
Photography by: @kirktruman
Styling by Benedict Browne
Grooming by Paul Donovan using Vitruvian Man
Lewis Reeves is a very diverse actor who isn’t afraid to go on an emotional rollercoaster with the characters that he plays – he’s definitely an all-in type of actor. He’s also has two short films under his belt as a director, and is eyeing to direct a feature film. Cool America caught up with Lewis to find out his latest roles that he has coming out and a few goals he has in store for the future.
Hi Lewis, what was it that gave you the acting bug and how did you get into the industry?
I enjoy the feeling of performance. I think it started off as a kid trying to make my mam laugh with my brothers. Then it was through martial arts and Taekwondo which then lead into dance and eventually acting. I just really like the process of dissecting life and performing, I get a lot from it personally. I could have ended up doing anything in the performance realm, It just turned out to be acting.
Was there a particular actor/actress, movie or TV show that inspired you when you were younger?
Jean Claude van dam was my absolute hero! Me and my bros would imitate everything he did. It makes me laugh looking back because I think how the hell did, we get a hold of 18 rated films like Blood Sport when we were like 10?? haha. Then as I got older, I think performances like Paddy Considine in Shane Meadows Dead Man Shoes really inspired me. People that looked and sounded like me doing film, it all of a sudden felt closer and achievable as a career. I could watch that film all day long.
“I’m pretty good at spotting if someone is sad or out of place at a party.”
Coat by King & Tuckfield, Jumper by New & Lingwood, Trousers by Casatlantic
Any advice for any aspiring actors/actresses that you can share?
I would say harness what makes you, you. Use that follow that and follow your instincts because that’s your super power and what has got you here so far so that can’t be wrong. Don’t try to be something that you’re not. Focus on that and the work and everything else will come. Here, now present. Not over there and the next move. Stay here and now. Namaste haha.
Tell us about The Midwich Cuckoos and your character Curtis Saunders? What drew you to the role?
Well, you have this crazy alien life force trying to take over the world through children and the town where it’s happening, and people are just complying with it. Curtis certainly isn’t and I felt empathy for him. Here was a guy doing what he believed to be right for his family whilst everyone else thought he was wrong and should keep quiet. I thought that is a pretty fun thing to play. One man’s virtue is another man’s terror, so loads of fun to be had and I did. That and I really wanted to work with David Farr, I love a lot of his work, I think he’s awesome.
Was it difficult to get into your character’s head?
Difficult only in the sense that every character has their challenges. I went with my gut and hope I made the right choice for Curtis and the show. I felt with Curtis I had to go big or go home. This guy is putting it all on the line so I’m going to do the same.
You’re widely known for your work on the BAFTA nominated Unforgotten. For those overseas, tell us a bit about the show and Jake Collier.
I love the show and the team and really believe it’s one of the best crime shows of the last 10 years. I think it’s great because the drama stays with the suspects and not the police. The police are mundane office workers slowly piecing things together. We were told to watch a lot of 24 hours in police custody to encapsulate the monotony and the real feel that detectives have. They’re not often kicking down doors or on mad chases — they’re photocopying, reading through files and eating a Snicker bars. Those are the best police and most interesting, I think. They’re normal people but highly trained in spotting the odd in the ordinary. Unforgotten is about missing people’s cases and it feels real because the creative team; Chris Laing, Andrew Wilson, Nicola Walker and Sanjeev Bhaskar treat it that way. It’s a pleasure to be involved.
“I enjoy the feeling of performance.”
Jumper by Connolly
Are you currently working on any other acting projects? Tell us what you can about Rossi Molloy Gives Up Everything?
A few bits out – The Midwich cuckoos (Sky), The Sandman (Netflix) and I’m also popping in an episode of Brassic (Sky). Great fun that show! Rosie Molly is next out and it’s a really new take on addiction. It has heightened some elements but natural and real in others. One minute I think people will be laughing then the next you’re crying as it deals with some really tough stuff. I play Joey Molly who is Rosie Molly’s brother. He’s finding it really hard to support her. He finds it hard to come to terms with Rosie’s addictions, and he’s angry at her behavior and just wants her to be better. It’s complex and not black and white like most things in life and most families. I really hope people enjoy it as it’s got a great heart.
Besides acting, do you have any other ambitions in entertainment? You’ve produced and directed some short films, tell us about them.
Yeah so, I’ve done a few now. ‘Lola’ was a short film of mine that streamed on SHOWTIME which was a great achievement for us. Also ‘Harry The Hamster’ is currently at festivals all over the world. I’m gearing up to do a feature film, that’s the next goal – so, I’ve used these shorts to learn and bring my learning to my feature script. That’s the aim and goal, I’m just finding the right time to strike.
What gets you excited about a project?
If I know and admire someone’s work who is already attached then that’s very exciting. Also, if I can visualize myself in the role, and if I can see things vividly from the pages, that’s always an exciting moment because from the first read I just can’t wait to get on set and execute my vision. It’s always a guess so you never know. But I enjoy that.
Out of all the characters you’ve played, which role did you find the most challenging?
I May Destroy you was certainly the most draining as some of the scenes were pretty heavy.
Three directors you want to work with?
I’m going to manifest here and go BIG. David Fincher, Christopher Nolan and Alma Har’el. Come on Universe!
“Why is everything always just bigger and more epic (in Hollywood films)?”
Suit by Richard James, Shirt by Slowear
Aside from acting, what makes Lewis tick?
Sport, football mainly. It’s my active meditation. No thought just chase the ball. I love it. That and my family as family is all that we truly have.
What makes your perfect day away from work?
A good swim and ice cream.
What’s your favorite film?
Oh man come on! 1?! Good Will Hunting or Billy Elliot.
What’s something you like to do alone?
A run. I love running alone. It’s a reset for me.
We are a celeb/fashion magazine. Who are you favorite designers?
I loved Paul Smith growing up. It’s just a very cool brand and I love its Britishness.
Suit by Richard James, Shirt by Slowear
Five things on your bucket list?
New Zealand, skydive, stargaze in Chile, watch my daughters grow up and do a Hollywood film.
Our magazine is call Cool America. What do you find cool about America?
The films! Why is everything always just bigger and more epic? There’s a style and feel that you just can’t replicate anywhere else other than in American films. I love that and would love to be a part of that someday.
What’s cool about you?
Hmm if I have to think really hard at it, that probably means I’m not that cool…. I’m pretty good at spotting if someone is sad or out of place at a party. I like to go over to them and make them feel welcome or make them laugh. Doesn’t always go to plan but I think that’s pretty cool, wanting to make other people feel good. So, I’m going to go with that.
Coat by Connolly, T-shirt by Sunspel