Digital Cover: Pepe Barroso
Talent: Pepe Barroso
Photos: Sera Zelva
Stylist: Tam Vekic
MUA: Kike Crespo
Hair Stylist: Manu Repila Galache
Producer: Chrissy Wang
Words + EIC: Anthony Vu Cao
Photo Assist: Paulo Herrera
Stylist Assist: Victoria Prada
Special Thanks: Platform PR,
Only You Hotel
Fashion Credits:
White Suit / Emporio Armani
Sparkly Outfit / DUARTE
Sweater / Fendi
Pant / Emporio Armani
Necklace / Lehona
Hi Pepe – How are you? Please tell us about yourself.
Hi! Hope you are doing well.
I was born in Madrid, Spain, where I grew up and lived until I was 18 years old and moved to Los Angeles for college. I got my degree there and then moved back to my home city. I also spent some time in the UK at a younger age.
I have always had a very active social life, always loved traveling which I have done any chance I had, and I value spending time with my family the most. Sports have also played an immense role in my life, playing professional football took a lot of time off me for many years. When I turned 18, I decided to go for a scholarship and study college in the US. After two years, I quit the college team and started trying other new things, such as acting.
Can you tell us what draws you to acting and how did you get into this career path?
I have always loved going to the movies, I spent a lot of time watching them. From that interest and curiosity, I decided to get involved somehow. It is always given me a sense of freedom that I was attracted to. It also amazes me how directly it is related and reflected in our day to day lives. From the most minuscule moments to the peaks. There is no limit in learning.
Your movie “Gran Turismo” premieres in August and is your first US production. How did it feel to book the role?
I never really expected anything, so it was a great surprise. I did not have much time to take it in as we were travelling shortly after but I was very excited to start filming.
Can you share any interesting experience/ fun story while shooting “Gran Turismo”?
It was just constant fun and laughs. We got on really well with each other and were going out for dinner and all every night - karting, PS FIFA and GT tournaments, watching sports, discovering Budapest - we always had something going on. I was very lucky to share the time we had with the other cast members. In fact, Shang Heon visited me from Korea not long ago!
Your character is one of the drivers, how did you prepare for this role? What is the first thing you did to research and approach this role?
First thing I did was to make sure I was a good SIM driver in GT!
Besides acting, what are some of the passions that you like to venture into when not on set?
Spending time with my family and friends, playing lots of sports and working in a vegan cosmetic company I have, called VEGANIS. I feel the need to spend time in nature a lot. Reading is also something that I do often and that I enjoy.
“I like developing small businesses and really try to implant a healthy, cruelty free, sustainable ethic and try to help the environment through the projects I get involved in.”
You are an actor, model, and entrepreneur. Can you tell us about your vegan cosmetic company?
I like developing small businesses and really try to implant a healthy, cruelty free, sustainable ethic and try to help the environment through the projects I get involved in. I feel indebted with where I live and don’t want to take it for granted, it’s my (small) way of giving back. I think it's something needed nowadays and will continue to be, so it should be more implemented in new businesses.
Who do you consider to be your acting role model whose career you would like to emulate and why?
I like many things of many different actors. Someone I’ve been following closely this past year is Cillian Murphy, not just in the obvious professional level but I also admire how private he is with his personal life.
What is a fun fact about you that people are not aware of?
I am trying to learn golf and really suck at it (at the moment). I’m very competitive as you can see, and patience is not a virtue I can count on.
What has been the most challenging part of filming away from home?
Missing on important dates of family members or close friends. Not being close to home sometimes when needed. That has always been the most challenging part for me.
You are currently shooting your next project in Italy. What do you like most about shooting on location?
It has great things: Living in a different city/country for some time, learning cultures, meeting people, seeing yourself in a place you never imagined… It is a very rich experience and work wise allows me to be more concentrated.
What’s your next move?
I hoped for some vacation in the Mediterranean, but I am filming ‘Those about to die’, with Roland Emmerich until November, and it seems I’m not going to be able to relax too much! GR8T
Sweater FENDI / Pant Emporio Armani / Necklace Lehona