10 Things about Adrian Holmes
Originally from England with parents from Barbados. What initially got you interested in acting and how did you get your start?
I watched a lot of television growing up and sat so close to the TV that my Mom would always say, “You’re too close to the TV Adrian, if you get any closer, you’ll be in it!” I think she was definitely on to something. Lol! I was a bit of a shy kid growing up, actually, and the theatre became like my saving grace. It gave me a voice and permission to be seen. I was 11 when I did my first play, The Wizard of Oz. I played the Lion, and it was so liberating. From then, I was bitten by the bug and stayed in the theatre, eventually making my way into film and television.
Which actors’ body of work has impressed you and made a positive impact on your career thus far?
Wow! There are so many. Well, it goes without saying, Denzel Washington, of course, is the G.O.A.T!!! Robert Downey Jr. has really made an impression as well. Loved him as Tony Stark. He’s like butter with dialogue, so effortless and truthful. Jason Bateman is very similar. They’re both such a pleasure to watch and have such a gift for both comedy and drama. Very inspiring. Mahershela Ali, Chadwick Boseman, and Idris Elba are also favorites of mine, and actors I can relate to. Like these men, I love to both inspire and be inspired.
You’ve done a good amount of both film and television. What do you like about both platforms and which types of roles do you tend to gravitate to more often?
Television today is a different animal than it was back in the day. With all the different streaming platforms, the quality of television is now like feature films, thus attracting a lot of film stars to TV. Movies are great because you get more time to shoot and really perfect a scene, which I love. On the other hand, TV provides stability giving you a possible job for the next few years. I tend to gravitate to law enforcement roles most often, which I’m perfectly fine with. I love characters that are challenging and allow me to show versatility.
Let’s talk about your latest project, V Wars on Netflix. How were you first introduced to the series and what was it about the script that made you want to jump on board?
I was helping a friend with his audition and ended up going in myself about 2 weeks later. I loved how it wasn’t your traditional vampire story, but more of a story about the spread of an infectious disease. It deals with environmental and political issues, racism, science, medicine, and other issues that we are already facing currently, making it quite relative and grounded. Not a supernatural show at all.
On the show you play the role of Michael Fayne. What can you tell us about Michael’s personality and what you enjoy most about bringing his character to life?
I find Michael to be like myself in a lot of ways. He’s a glass half full kind of guy, positive, and very spontaneous and enjoys the moment. He values relationships with friends and family, but he’s also an Aviation specialist (helicopter pilot). He’s a regular guy who winds up in the wrong place at the wrong time. Infected by a virus and faced with a serious decision. To be cured of this terrible disease or accept it and his new platform as the leader of Blood Nation. I enjoy playing multi-layered characters that have an inner conflict and struggle. It gives you something to push against and play with as an actor. I like that challenge.
What pivotal role does Michael have in the first season?
Well, he’s Patient Zero, the first Vampire, and is responsible for the spreading of this deadly infectious disease. He’s best friends with Luther Swann, a research scientist, who ends up being pulled apart due to this social divide. Swann is now driven to find a cure, a vaccine, to not only save his best friend, but also humanity.
This show seems like we’ll be on the edge of our seats. What can viewers expect to see from the cast?
You’re going to be introduced to some very captivating characters who all have an interesting story of their own. Everyone is so well cast in our show, by the way. You’re going to see some very grounded performances with a lot of intense and shocking moments.
If you weren’t working on your career as an actor, what type of career would have in place of it?
I would probably be still working in the medical field as a nurse. Yup!! It feels like another lifetime ago, which it was, but that is what I was doing at one point. It helped me appreciate the little things and not take things for granted like so many of us do. Our independence is a blessing. It helped me to stay present and in the moment and to understand human behavior. So, ironically, that experience really helped me as an actor in which I’m truly grateful for.
When it comes to fashion, which designers and styles appeal most to your personality?
I love John Varvatos, Tom Ford, Ted Baker, David Yurman, Prada, Jimmy Choo, All Saints… I really love G-Star jeans. Persol sunglasses are great frames for me. I love fashion cause it’s another medium of expression.
We look forward to seeing more of you on V Wars. What other projects do you have coming up?
I have the second season of a mini-series called “Sacred Lies” in 2020 on Facebook Watch with Juliet Lewis, “You Light Up my Christmas” Dec. 1st on Lifetime with Kim Fields. I have a YouTube web comedy series out now called “Hospital Show,” and I’m going to shoot a psychological thriller called “Chained” in December that I’ll be one of the producers on as well. I love to keep busy. 🙂
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Photos: Charles Zuckermann