Hot Property: Emmanuel Castis
The name Emmanuel Castis has become synonymous with exceptional versatility, brooding good looks and an unsurpassed hunger to succeed. Best known for his work on the stage and small screen Emmanuel was also crowned the winner of Season 4 of Strictly Come Dancing and is also making his mark as an accomplished musician. I had the opportunity to chat to him about everything from his hidden talents and stalkers to his blossoming singing career.
Many a South African will fondly remember you as Steve Stethakis on Isidingo. How have you grown as an actor since first appearing on our screens?
There has to be something said for experience. That part came along at the end of 1999. Apart from experience on my side, I think knowing the technical side of the television medium so well has freed me up to be able to really concentrate on the subtleties of screen performance. That's what makes you a good screen actor, the subtlety. I think I have grown a lot in that respect. But I will say there is always room to learn more and to improve
You have portrayed a number of very diverse characters in your career thus far. Which of these characters can you personally relate to the most?
I relate to all my characters personally. One has to. I don't think anyone can portray a character well enough without marrying something of their own personal experience to the character. Apart from some of the obvious things like the fact that a couple of my characters are of Greek decent, I identify with all of them in some way. Whether it's what they have gone through romantically or career wise, there's always something there I can relate to.
You are obviously a very good looking guy and have been romantically link to some beautiful women. Have you ever feared that you are judged more on your celebrity status than on the person you are on the inside?
Haha. It's not a fear it's a reality! People judge you all the time even if you're not in the public eye, so when you are in the public eye, they scrutinise you even more. I've actually had a situation, on more than one occasion, where people have just gone outright on our first meeting and said, "You must be a total A-hole" to which I responded, "You're absolutely right go away! (I used another term not for sensitive ears.)" They were in total shock! I just thought it wasn't fair that I was being judged without the person getting to know me, so I didn't think they were worth getting to know either. People will always make their own minds up about you. The important thing is to know it has nothing to do with oneself, but with their own insecurities. As long as one stays true to oneself, then people will realise who you are.
Have you ever had any awkward run-ins with any female fans that you would like to share with us?
Awkward is an understatement. I've had someone sms and call me from two different numbers at 2am. When I responded with "Why are you messaging me at 2am and who are you", I would get a message from the other number saying, "Emmanuel, why are you messaging me so late at night?". I threatened her with the police, and she said she was a police reservist, so what was I going to do? I've also been slapped silly on the arm in an elevator, but it was out of excitement for seeing me...haha.
Stage performer, screen actor, musician - any other talents we don't know about?
I can move my ears without touching them. They say that's a sign of still being primitive.
At what point in your life did you decide "This is it. This is what I want to do with my life" ?
I saw two phenomenal actors on stage when I was in Matric, at the Grahamstown Matric festival. Andrew Buckland and Lionel Newton. I was totally blown away, with what these men were doing on stage. I mean I'd been acting since I was six, but this is what made me really realise my life's journey. I swore to my mates that I would be back the next year to perform at the festival. And I did.
If you had to die today, what legacy would you like to leave behind?
That I changed people's lives with the stories I've told through my acting and music. Even by being the person that I am.
If you could travel back in time and give advice to your 15 year old self, what would it be?
I would tell myself to own it! Not to make excuses for myself. I've spent a lot of my time working on my confidence as a man and in my career, and I wish I had tackled that earlier in my life.
You are currently on the small screen as Paula's love interest Yannis on 7de Laan. Any other projects you are currently working on?
I've been working on music for the last few months. I've co-written four new songs. I've also been gigging with my cover band Dalliance. On the acting side, I got to shoot for three days on the American TV series Black Sails.
Do you have any career advice for young aspiring actors that might be reading this?
No matter what anybody tells you, there is only one you in this world, that can do what only you can do and can bring what only you can to any performance. But, that won't come, if you don't work on your craft and your business. Nobody is going to hand it to you! If you're in it just for the fame and recognition, go become friends with the Kardashians or Paris Hilton. If you're in it for the love of telling stories and touching people's lives with them, then persevere and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
