The multi-talented British actor Emrhys Cooper pursued performing from a young age. He graduated from the prestigious Laine Theater Arts College in London, at 19 years old, and was snapped up immediately making his debut in London’s West End, in the Queen Musical “We Will Rock You.” This production proved his love affair with the stage. Soon a role followed in the national tour of “Fame: The Musical.” Cooper’s ability to shine, coupled with his passion for Shakespeare, earned him rave reviews for his role of Orlando in “As You like It” with the Red Earth Theater Company.
His natural finesse, talent and charm extended beyond the theater and he was offered his feature film debut in the critically acclaimed “Bright Young Things,” directed by the award winning Stephen Fry. Cooper’s film experience grew from strength to strength with roles in “Mamma Mia’” with Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan. He also played the role of Henry in the thriller “Natasha.”
Cooper’s early UK TV work included the well-known UK soap opera “Coronation Street,” as well as series such as “I’d Do Anything” (BBC1), and “999 Lifesavers”(BBC).
Currently Cooper is making his mark on this side of the Atlantic and recently guest starred in the highly rated CBS prime time show “CSI: NY.”
Cooper recently added the role of producer to his many talents. His film career is unstoppable as he stars in three upcoming feature films—the romantic comedy “Walk a Mile in My Pradas,” co-Starring Tom Arnold, “I Want to Get Married,” and “Silver Case”(Satyicon Pictures) which all are due for release later this year.
Cooper recently starred in the critically acclaimed production of “Entertaining Mr. Sloane,” and his performance garnered rave reviews and The Stage Scene LA award for Best Performance by a Lead Actor.
With good looks, an abundance of charm and a wide ranging talent that exudes on stage and film, this rising star continues to go daily from strength to strength.
Film Slate Magazine: Would you like to tell me a little bit about your recent role in ‘Desperate Housewives?’ Also, how did you get this role?
Emrhys Cooper: I can't give too much away about the storyline, but my character's name is Richard, an English suave and sophisticated but arrogant businessman and fun to play. I auditioned for the show three times over the last couple of years; this year I did a play 'Entertaining Mr. Sloane' and I think the creator of the show, Mark Cherry, came to watch the play. Which gained a lot of public praise and the critics liked it also.
The people from ‘Desperate Housewives’ saw it I think and when this particular role came up, they actually called me up directly to audition for it. They called my agent and I went into the audition, I thought when I saw the role and the type of role that it was, I thought that there was good chance that I had it. I went in with confidence that I was going to get it and that helped I think...
FSM: The play ‘Entertaining Mr. Sloane’ was such a success?
EC: A lot of people got to see it in LA and it got great reviews and was up for some awards.
The great news is as a result of that it will be returning to LA next year for another run, with Ian Buchanan, a phenomenal Scottish actor, (“Days of our Lives,” “The Bold and the Beautiful”), Olivia D'Abo (“The Wonder Years”), Robin Gammell (“Nip/Tuck”). With such a great cast, look out for it.
FSM: You have recently been nominated for some awards. How do you feel about all these nominations?
EC: I won one award – Stage Scene LA for Best lead Actor in a Play.
I am nominated currently for the Broadway World Awards as Best Lead Actor in a Play and also Person to Watch. I am also nominated for the Eddon awards for Best Lead Actor.
It was absolutely amazing to be nominated, especially for something that you love so much. To be recognized for all the hard work that you have done, is a really nice feeling.
FSM: Your recent film project, 'Walk a mile in My Pradas' - How was it playing that particular character?
EC: A fun comedy and is out now on DVD. I was a bit scared as it was quite a challenging role for me to play, over the top crazy character and very over-dramatic.
FSM: Would you like to sum up your character in a couple of words?
EC: Highly sensitive, dramatic, quite sweet...a different role for me and I played an American which is difficult and harder for me to do. A lot of people have been seeking me out on Facebook assuming that I am like this character which I have found hilarious.
I have another two movies coming up. ‘I Want to Get Married’ and one at the beginning of next year called 'The Lucifer Effect,' a horror movie.
FSM: You were in ‘Mamma Mia.’ What was it like working with Pierce Brosnan and Meryl Streep?
EC: It was a dream come true... I have been a huge, huge James Bond fan and geek my whole life. I grew up watching Bond so I was a bit of a fan when I first met Pierce. Actually the loveliest guy, also it was such an amazing cast to be involved in with such a huge musical, which already had such a big following, so was an amazing experience. Of course Meryl Streep was one of the greatest actresses of all time and I got to work with her.
FSM: How was the experience working with Meryl Streep?
EC: It was phenomenal. She was the sweetest thing. When you think of these big stars you don't necessarily think that they are real people. I got to meet her and know her a little bit and you realize that she is just wonderful human being as well as an actress.
FSM: What was it like working with 007 (Brosnan)?
EC: He is so cool, the suavest guy ever. He is like Bond when he orders a drink at the bar or you are talking to him off set.
FSM: And Colin Firth?
EC: Colin was so friendly and down to earth. A genuinely nice guy as well; he is so much fun, he makes everyone laugh. What you see in the movies is being lovely is him in real life. For me it kind of transcends onto screen what he is really like as a person.
FSM: You are a multitasking performer that wears many hats--acting, dancing, producing etc. You have one film in production--would you like to tell me a little about that?
EC: I have a movie called ‘Isolation.’ It's a great character driven thriller. A bit of a throwback to those old horror movies. I play an interesting character called Sean which is very twisted. It will be hopefully going into production in January in the USA. I have a couple of other things up my sleeve for the next year, a musical movie in the summer called 'Le Grand Mete' in which and I will be playing a Prince Charming character.
FSM: As a dancer you were also in the ‘X Factor’ and my burning question is did you meet Simon Cowell?
EC: I didn't meet Simon Cowell but I saw him. I have been a professional dancer since the age of 19. I have worked as a dancer as well as an actor and a singer. I was in the show ‘Fame.’
FSM: What was your character in ‘We Will Rock You?’
EC: I played Cliff Richard. Aside from that I did back up dancing also for Madonna, Kylie, Sugarbabes, etc.
FSM: What are your aspirations for the future? Where do you see yourself from now on?
EC: Well I still like dancing, acting, singing and would like to continue and do all three if possible. I would like to get bigger roles in bigger movies and maybe do a TV series as a lead actor, or as a series regular. I would like to entertain and continue being happy, keep on being true to myself and make a difference.
FSM: What advice do you have for the young and upcoming actors?
EC: You have to take it very seriously from a young age and it doesn't come easily. There will be a lot of rejection but you have to keep on at it, be true to yourself work your craft and take it as seriously as you can -read books, train and constantly be trying to work on your abilities and do the best you can.
FSM: Would you like to go into directing and maybe write your own movie in the future?
EC: I would like to direct. I am actually a hopeless speller and a little bit dyslexic so writing is kind of challenging for me. I do like writing; just it is not very easy for me to do. One day, I would like to direct; I have been in front of the camera and watched the way that the industry works from different circles.
I have been involved in television, movies, theater and one day once I have accumulated all the experience I am getting I would like to use it to direct as well. At the moment because I am producing as well, I know how to connect people and I like being creative and finding the scripts, the actors the locations, etc. To be a good director I would like a few more years of experience--maybe in my later 30s for 40s. At the moment I am really pursuing being in front of the camera.
FSM: How do you find the difference between acting in England and acting in America?
EC: Here in the USA the TV is higher budgeted. If you are doing an American show, it is generally going to go worldwide. I have had a lot more experience out here than I have had in the UK. The TV here is pretty amazing, even though TV back in England is good too, but to get into a show here, it will normally go worldwide.
FSM: Do you think then that you will mainly concentrate your efforts in the USA or mostly in the UK?
EC: Well my idea was to come out here and make a really successful career for myself and then go back to the UK. I don't ever want to lose being British. I am very proud to be British and I love the UK film industry. There are some great English movies and I am in awe of the UK talent in the theater world. My aim is to work here and in the UK and worldwide too.
FSM: How do you find the transition between theater and film?
EC: I have been asked this a lot. The truest form of acting is to be on stage, in front of a live audience, but I do love the process of making a movie. If you make a great movie it is around forever, and for a long period of time and it can move more people. As an actor the most challenging is on stage. I love being on stage, it can be the most scary thing ever but the most rewarding and the performance you give is down to you rather than the director and is controlled somewhat.
Links
Walk a Mile in My Pradas Trailer:
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1869082/
