Interviewing actor Luke Dejahang

1-. How was your childhood?

First of all thank you for having me Carlos. It’s my pleasure to be here and to be interviewed. My childhood was, I would say, pretty average. I grew up in a neighbourhood in South East London where you needed to grow up fast and have your wits about you. I am grateful for the life lessons learnt from an early age. It served me well in my adult life both in acting and in business. 

 

2-. From what age did you decide to be an actor and filmmaker and how did you know you had the skills to go on TV? 

I wanted to act from an early age and found performance a wonderful way to be whatever I wanted to be. Acting allows you to do things and play parts that you wouldn’t dream of doing in real life. This is what fascinates me most about this art, craft and profession. Being so many different people, from all walks of life and different backgrounds, and then when it’s all over going back to being myself and looking forward to getting into the mind of someone else in the not so distant future. It’s a thrill every time as you never know what’s next! TV and film is where my passion lies, although I have done numerous theatre gigs, the nuance and subtlety of performance on screen is what I love most. The focus and truth you have to find on screen has always fascinated me. The intimate relationship and trust you must have with the camera is something that took me some time to learn. I love the craft and with each film role embracing the challenge. 

 

3-. Did your parents support you in the decision you made to be an actor? 

Yes my parents have always been supportive in their own way. They do not come from this world so they always did their best to support and provide for my brothers and myself the best they could. They worked very hard to provide and I learnt a huge amount from their work ethic and dedication. 

 

4-. What was your first appearance on the screens? 

I believe it was on a show called Grange Hill at the time, or The Bill , I can’t remember which!

 

5-. What was the role you liked the most? 

Up until recently it was playing a fireman in a TV show called London’s Burning, but I think it probably now is the last two films I led. One was called Bardo (directed by BAFTA winning Michael Baig Clifford) and the other is called Confines (directed by Emmy nominated director Richard Bazley). In both films I had to delve deep into the psychological mind set of these characters to bring authenticity and believability to each respective role.

 

6-. What do you think led you to Fame? 

Well in answer to that, although I have done some high profile work over the years and currently I’m working on an Apple TV series being filmed, I am more interested in simply working on good tv and film projects rather than giving any focus to that very transient and ever changing thing called fame. I love working as an actor and that is the main driver for me. I feel very fortunate and humbled that, although I took a rather long break from the industry, since my return 24 months ago, I have been extremely fortunate to have been offered a number of wonderful parts and also to be welcomed back by my peers and fellow creatives so openly. I’m truly grateful for that. 

7-. What types of characters would you like to interpret?

 I love playing characters that are flawed or broken in some way. My look and physicality is such that I will get cast in army, SAS, gangster and tough guy roles which is fine. It’s my look and casting. But what I love most is playing these characters who on one side may have a tough persona and exterior but there is a lot more going on inside. I like playing real human beings with depth and nuance that reveal the imperfections and flaws that all human beings have in common to varying degrees. I personally find it more interesting to watch or play characters that we, as the audience or as an actor, see grappling with these shortcomings or if the character carries out heinous acts whatever that may entail, digging deeper to see what motivates them to act in the way that they do. What precipitated and triggered this behaviour and what we can learn from this.  

8-. What actresses and actors do you feel comfortable working with? 

I love working with everyone. Anyone who is passionate about the craft, is kind, supportive and respectful to their fellow workers and creatives for me is a joy to work with. I try to bring that same energy to any set I work on. The job is hard enough so it is incumbent on all of us to support each other when we are fortunate enough to be doing what we love doing! It makes for both a happier environment and allows people to fulfil their creative potential and ultimately better work is produced. 

 

9-. In what other genres of art would you like to participate? (Works of theater, music, among others) 

For me TV and Film is where my compass is pointing now. I don’t see myself doing anything else for now. I love film.

 

10-. Do you have any anecdotes that have marked you in your life and as a person? 

I think life as you get older humbles you. Having children in my view is life’s biggest game changer. Having something in the world that is far more important than you are completely changes your perspective, or at least it certainly did for me. 

 

11-. What has been your greatest achievement?

I would like to think having children that are kind, respectful and who continuously strive to better themselves, commit and embrace hard work is definitely my biggest achievement.

 

12-. What projects will you make next and which ones do you have in mind?

 I have several feature films in development and will make some announcements soon. I am also finishing on an Apple TV series and go straight onto a feature film playing an Ex SAS chap next. There’s lots happening. 

13-. Would you like to make a movie in Spain?

 I love Spain. I love the country, the weather, the food and the people. Absolutely.

14-. Do you like Spanish cinema?

Spanish cinema is of a very high level in my view. Anything I have seen, the truth in the performance and storytelling is always of a very high standard. This also goes for Spanish speaking actors as a whole in my opinion, in Spain but also further afield in South America. Some serious talent out there.