Billy Magnussen
Photography by Sesse Lind
Interview by Jaimie Kourt
It seems like you have been going back and forth between “The Coasts” quite a bit for work lately. Where do you call home?
New York you’re damn right City and EARTH, and we only have one of them. Let’s take care of it together.
As an actor, I imagine you have to be away from home for long periods of time?
Very Very Very true. You start asking yourself where and what is home?
What was the most exotic location you have ever worked?
Exotic? I would have to say the Canary Islands of Spain for Black Mirror, and Kyrgyzstan because I was on the first ever American Kok-boru team in the World Nomad Games.
What was the hardest location?
Canada in the winter outside for a week. It just really can take a toll on the body. But I do love me some long underwear!
Name five things that are a must for you to take on location.
Openness, Willingness for adventure, wit, long underwear and disconnection from electronics to be present.
What was the first job or who was the first person that engendered your big break into a successful acting career?
I have to say a teacher, Bob Francesconi, and then my first agent Charles Bodner. Support and personal investment from them has made a huge difference in my life.
Your new Netflix show, Maniac deals with aspects of the personality. Where is your character psychologically at the beginning?
Never show weakness.
Your film Game Night was great. The filmmakers and cast created such a brilliant and surprising experience for the audience.
Thank you for saying that. I am very proud of it.
Sharon Horgan, Sharon Horgan, Sharon Horgan. You will be working with her a second time in a new untitled Amazon series she has developed. Is she is as entertaining as we think she must be? To re-put that in a more diplomatic light (just in case), what is she like to work with; as a fellow actor and as the creator of content you will be performing?
Sharon Horgan Sharon Horgan Sharon Horgan!!!!! It is an honor, pleasure and a treat to be in her presence. That woman has elegance and grace while also being hysterical. To re-put that in a more diplomatic light– She is a monster!!!
What do you love most about acting? Least?
Most — The journeys, experiences and the people you meet, and the stories you create and share along the way. Least — Missing your friends and families. It can be very lonely funny enough.
Quick Round of Favorites:
Favorite place you’ve ever stepped foot.
Back on the ground after skydiving. Also, the Amazon Rain forest in Peru just a few hours deep up river from Iquitos
Favorite place to have dinner.
Home
Favorite show you have watched in the last 6 months?
The Bold Type
Favorite place to shop for clothes.
Honestly, it has to be a mélange of factors. Place, feeling, emotional state and necessity
Favorite pair of shoes you own.
Cowboy riding boots and/or slip on shoes.
Favorite secret talent you possess.
Listening to others and empathy
Credits:
Photographer: Sesse Lind
Creative director : Deborah Ferguson
Art Director: Charlotte Lethbridge
Stylist : Cat Pope @ the only agency
Grooming : Jessica Oritz
Location compliments of Dune Studios Brooklyn