Digital Cover: Nathaniel Curtis
Talent: Nathaniel Curtis
Photos: Michael Shelford
Stylist: Sarah-Rose Harrison
Groomer: Melissa Walsh
Producer: Chrissy Wang
EIC + Words: Anthony Vu Cao
Special Thanks: Pinnacle PR
Meet Nathaniel Curtis the dashing and charming actor from HBO’s series It’s A Sin and highly anticipated Netflix’s series The Witcher: Blood Origin. Get to know him and his insights on his projects, aspiration and inspirations.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m a half Indian, half English, London based actor who drinks too much coffee and hates dill.
How did you get started in acting? Who or what inspired you to pursue acting?
Growing up on the south coast of England in the 90’s and 00’s, I didn’t have much access to professional theatre apart from the occasional school trip to London. My main introduction to acting was with old films that we’d sit down and watch with my grandparents on Sunday afternoons with the crossword. Those are memories I still hold very dear to me. I was sometimes involved in the school musical and when I realised it was a career that I wanted to do, I worked as hard as I could for it and eventually went to drama school.
Who did you look up to growing up and why?
I think role models come from all walks of life. My grandparents introduced me to my love of literature and words and my mother for my love of cooking. I had a drama teacher at school who was a fiercely intelligent man and he really taught me how to explore acting as a form of artistic expression, not just something to stand there and making people laugh.
How do you prepare for your roles? Looking at your breakout role in "It's a Sin" and “The Witcher: Blood Origin”, both very different genre and era.
I always go to the script for character work as that’s where the magic is. It tells you how they view the world, what people say about them and I think that’s as important as the lines they speak. I’ve been fortunate that both roles were quite collaborative with the directors and with the people I’ve worked with. I’ve also had the pleasure of working with some wonderful castmates who make it so easy to work with and do my job.
You play Brían in “The Witcher: Blood Origin” what can you tell us about his character in the series?
I loved playing Brían, he was so sweet and loving. An ambitious merchant, he had to fight to get to where he is in the world but knows that he is constantly in danger. He’s determined and self-sufficient but also fun-loving, which does get him into a fair amount of trouble; thankfully, there’s a man who loves him and will help get him out of said trouble. Unfortunately, a fair amount of him didn’t make it to the final cut but I take away a lot from playing him.
What was your favorite part about filming in "It's a Sin" and “The Witcher: Blood Origin”?
For me, it was the people; I loved my castmates and the crew were a total joy to work with. My scene partners were not only stunning to act with but behind the camera, there was a lot of love too. I still keep in contact with so many of them. It was a gruelling shoot for so many people but every time I was on set you didn’t see it because everyone was so supportive of each other. I still talk to and see so many of the other cast members and they’re so special.
How closely do you relate to your character, if at all? in either "It's a Sin" and “The Witcher: Blood Origin”.
They’re both fighters in their own right. They’re battling the injustices of the world and of being seen as lesser citizens of society; one because of his sexuality and one because of his class. I was trusted with both of these characters a lot so I had some input into them, more so with Brían. I think that Ash starts young and so filled with hope and not quite ready for the size of the world. Looking back, I think that’s very much how I was in my early twenties. Brían is probably more similar to me at my age now, having grown up a bit more and has his own ambitions.
If you could spend the day with someone dead or alive who would that person be and why?
I find Cleopatra to be one of the most fascinating people in history; so smart, accomplished and powerful. I’d love to just sit down with her and just talk- I have so many questions.
We saw you won "The Great British Baking Show: Holidays" series, do you regularly cook at home and what is your favorite cuisine?
I do cook a lot actually. I love cooking. I always have; I find it therapeutic and exciting. One of my favourite things to do is to have some friends round for dinner, open a bottle of wine and just cook for them. Being half Indian, making food from India is always comforting. I used to be in charge of the Christmas Day roast so I love a challenge too. Bake-Off reintroduced me to baking, which is something I’d like to do more of.
How do you deal with your newfound fame?
It’s not really affected my day-to-day life that much, to be honest. When people do come up to me, they’re usually so friendly and kind. As an actor you spend so much time being rejected and doubting yourself so to hear that your work is appreciated and means something to people really does mean the world. I also get to go the most amazing events and meet people who I find awe-inspiring which is something that little old me still pinches himself over. I am surrounded by the most magnificent friends and loved ones who are so understanding and caring and I couldn’t do it without them at all.
If you are not pursuing acting, what would you want to do and why?
I was asked this recently and it’s not something I’ve ever given a particularly serious thought to. Acting has always been what I wanted to do. However, if that wasn’t an option, I think I’d like to be doing something within publishing. To be able to read that much and be paid for it? Dreamy. You also get to travel a fair bit and I think I’d like that too.
Are you involved in any philanthropic or charity causes?
It’s A Sin did so much for HIV/AIDS which was so surprising to me. It started conversations, it educated people and it sparked a rise in charitable help and donations. As a result of that, I’ve been able to be more involved in charities than I was before which is so important to me. I’ve also been able to speak, on occasion, to young actors who are about to step into the industry. It’s imperative that, after the last few years in particular, those who are trying to make their way in this industry are supported.
What can we look forward to next for you?
I’m currently winding down for Christmas, which is very needed. With projects on the horizon, I’m looking forward to having some down time and some rest before I head into 2023 with all I have. GR8T
