IN CONVERSATION WITH RUDY PANKOW
interview by JANA LETONJA
Numéro Netherlands is proud to present actor RUDY PANKOW as one of our 11th issue ‘Odyssey’ cover stars. PANKOW has a lead role in OUTER BANKS, one of the most-watched series on Netflix. His previous roles include films UNCHARTED (Sony) and 5LBS OF PRESSURE (Lionsgate). This year, PANKOW is also starring in ROMEO & JULIET at the American Repertory Theatre.
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You’ve done a wide variety of projects – from blockbusters, to independent films, to theatre. What impact has the role of JJ Maybank in OUTER BANKS had on your career?
Oh man, I can’t even explain how much of an impact JJ has had on my life so far. I owe so much to that character. I am very lucky to do what I love and share my craft with the world. Having the opportunity to perform ROMEO & JULIET, doing independent films like ACCIDENTAL TEXAN, studio films like UNCHARTED and the training in between, they’re all helping me become the actor I want to become. Simply put, I am grateful.
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The series has had global success over the years and part one of season four just released. JJ has some pivotal moments this season. What do you love most about this character and what’s in store for part two?
I really admire JJ’s willingness to take risks and to fight for the people he loves. He has gone through ups and downs, and has grown a lot over the years. This season he gets to feel the weight of his actions, he continues to open up in his relationship with Kiara, we see a different side of him with his family, he struggles with change, and he questions his purpose in life. He’s always been a hustler and someone who takes matters into his own hands – we’ll see that even more in part two.
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trousers LOUIS GABRIEL NOUCHI
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So many viewers resonate with JJ as a character. Why do you think he has had such an impact?
It means a lot that people connect with him. I also think they’ve grown up with him in a way. They’ve seen him make mistakes, dream big, build friendships, fall in love, fail, succeed. And I think people have really empathized with JJ’s attempts to do better, especially in regards to Kiara. JJ has a tough exterior, but inside he has a big heart and he’ll sacrifice everything for his friends.
What do you enjoy the most about OUTER BANKS? Can you share some experiences from filming?
It’s amazing to travel the world with our cast and crew. Barbados was a magical place, I think that has been my favourite. We loved going to Oistin’s Fish Market. Morocco was an incredibly welcoming experience as well. I’m so lucky to have the privilege to work in these beautiful places.
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You previously starred in films alongside some big names in the industry, like TOM HOLLAND, LUKE EVANS, and THOMAS HADEN CHURCH. How do you approach each new role and project?
I think it’s important to dive deep and give yourself fully to a role, without losing too much of yourself. Always ask questions about the character to see them as a fully formed, complex person. What do they want? Why are they doing this? What questions are they asking themselves? And of course working closely with the writers, directors, filmmakers and cinematographers to understand where the character is coming from. I feel like at the end of the day I’m just a student. I learn something from everyone I come across, whether they’re the star of the movie, a production assistant, a director of photography, or whoever. I tend to ask a lot of questions.
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Before becoming an actor, you considered going to a culinary school. That’s quite a change – how did your interest in acting develop?
Growing up, I always knew I loved being a part of telling stories, whether it was performing for someone else or just in my own imagination. I had received a scholarship to go to culinary school, but a few months before graduating, I asked myself if I was going to be happy being a chef for the rest of my life. The simple answer was no. Then I started thinking about what would make me happy. And that’s when I decided to become an actor, with very little experience, training, or a plan.
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You started your career by performing in theatre, playing in THE NUTCRACKER, MARY POPPINS and OLIVER TWIST, among others. Just recently, you did a run of ROMEO & JULIET at Harvard. What have you learned from the theatre, and how has the theatre prepared you for the screen?
It’s very cliché to say, but theatre is the rawest form of the craft and coping with the nerves, pressure, and the emotions of each scene helps me tune my instrument and reminds me what human consciousness is. It’s taught me to be more present in the moment with your scene partner, rather than focusing on what a scene or story is trying to convey through a camera.
Growing up in Alaska, what were your biggest dreams, and how have they changed compared to your dreams and goals today?
I would say my dreams and goals walk a fine line with one another. My dreams are more personal ideas for myself, but my goals since being a boy have changed from being a professional soccer player to being a chef, to then deciding to pursue a career in acting, telling stories, and being as creative as possible.
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Outside of performing and acting, what are your strongest passions in life?
Dedicating my time to those closest to me is a passion of mine. Finding an experience that feels like an adventure. I also love traveling, so I have stories from my own life to tell later on.
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trousers LOUIS GABRIEL NOUCHI
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TEAM CREDITS:
talent RUDY PANKOW
photography JACK WATERLOT
styling WILLYUM BECK
styling assistant EMMA NASBAUM
makeup NANA HIRAMATSU
hair JENNI WIMMERSTEDT
video ALI IMAM
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director & interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN
