Interview with Emrhys Cooper

Welcome to Emrhys Cooper, one of the protagonists of the romantic miniseries "Hollywood Heartthrob." But you were also in the cast of "Sinatra! Eternity." How was it for you to experience, albeit indirectly, the love story between Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner — often described as “the meeting of chaos”?

I’ve always been fascinated by the golden age of Hollywood — the elegance, the mystery, the beautiful imperfection of that world. Montgomery Clift, who I portrayed in Sinatra! Eternity, has long been one of my acting heroes. He was vulnerable yet powerful, beautiful yet broken — an artist who redefined what masculinity could look like on screen.

When I was offered the chance to play him, I was both thrilled and terrified. He’s such a deeply respected figure, and I felt a huge responsibility to do him justice. I completely immersed myself in his world — I watched all his films and interviews, read everything written about him, and tried to understand the essence of what made him so magnetic.

What fascinated me most was his relationship with Frank Sinatra. I discovered that Sinatra credited Clift for coaching him during From Here to Eternity. Monty told him to channel his heartbreak and chaos with Ava Gardner into the performance — and that raw emotion is what made it so real. I loved exploring that idea — how art and pain often walk hand in hand, and how our most turbulent moments can give birth to our most honest work.

In your career, you’ve also stepped behind the camera to direct films like “The Shuroo Process.” Is there a particular director, contemporary or classic, who has influenced you most?

I’ve always been drawn to directors who balance artistry with humanity. Stanley Kubrick made a huge impact on me growing up — his precision, his visual poetry, his fearless approach to storytelling. Every frame he created felt like a painting with purpose.

Then there’s Steven Spielberg, who continually amazes me with his ability to create something both epic and deeply human. No matter how big the budget or the effects, he never loses the emotional core — that sense of wonder and connection. That’s something I aspire to as a filmmaker: to tell stories that not only entertain but also touch something real within people.

I’ve also spent years studying the classics — Hitchcock, Billy Wilder, Mike Nichols — all masters of truth. Whether they were telling stories of suspense, satire, or heartbreak, they all sought emotional honesty. That pursuit of truth in storytelling is what drives me, both as an actor and as a director.

Returning to “Hollywood Heartthrob,” tell us about your character Damian — what role does he play in the series?

Damian is an absolute riot to play! He’s the flamboyant, over-the-top ex-boyfriend — the kind of man who exits every room as if it’s a stage. He’s a former soap opera star, a bit of a diva, and very used to getting his own way. Let’s just say he’s not entirely prepared for a world where he doesn’t.

Working with my dear friend Julia Verdin, who directed the series, was such a joy. We had so much fun leaning into Damian’s chaos. As a former soap actor myself, I had a lot of real-life material to draw from — those big emotions, those exaggerated moments of glamour and heartbreak.

What I loved most was tapping into that energy again, but with a wink. In my real life, I’ve done a lot of work to quiet my own inner diva, so bringing him out of retirement for a laugh was pure fun. Damian might be loud and dramatic, but underneath all the sparkle and bravado, there’s a genuine longing to be seen and loved — and that’s what makes him, in his own way, a little heartbreaking too.

Horror cinema has changed dramatically over the years. How do you see its evolution, especially with streaming platforms?

I’ve witnessed the horror market expand in fascinating ways. Companies like Blumhouse and A24, along with the streaming giants, have really democratized the genre — giving filmmakers more creative freedom to experiment with tone, storytelling, and style. Horror used to be a bit of an underdog genre, but now it regularly dominates the box office, which is thrilling to see as both a fan and a performer.

What’s so interesting about horror is that it has always reflected society’s collective anxieties — whether it’s the fear of technology, isolation, or the unknown. In the found-footage era of The Blair Witch Project and Paranormal Activity, audiences were terrified by how real it all felt. Today, filmmakers are experimenting with AI and cutting-edge technology to push the genre into new realms of psychological terror.

Personally, I’ve grown to appreciate horror that relies more on atmosphere and psychology than pure gore — the kind of storytelling that gets under your skin and lingers in your mind. I’ve been lucky to work on several horror projects over the years, including films such as Nosferatu, Dreamcatcher, Altered Perception, Blood Rush and the TV The Lair: OnlyFangs, and most recently The Nice Ones, which I filmed this past summer. Working with Peter Stylianou was an incredible experience — he’s got such a unique vision. I can’t wait for audiences to see it in 2026. It’s an exciting time to be part of a genre that continues to reinvent itself while staying true to its primal roots: fear, survival, and the human condition.

You’ll also star in the upcoming crime film Monkey Grip. What can you share about your role?

I’m set to start shooting Monkey Grip early next year, playing Danny Black — a British gangster who gets tangled up in some very dark and morally complex situations. It’s a gritty, layered role and quite different from anything I’ve done before. Danny walks a fine line between charm and danger, and exploring that duality really drew me to the project.

I’m also getting to ride a Harley Davidson on screen, which is definitely a bucket-list moment — so wish me luck! What excites me most about this film is that it’s not just about crime; it’s about identity, loyalty, and how far people will go when they’re pushed to the edge. Roles like this challenge me to stretch as an actor and discover new shades within myself.

Do you have an anecdote from your experiences on set or within the industry?

Absolutely. I’m a big believer in manifestation and the power of intention. Early in my career, I created a vision board with Desperate Housewives on it — it was one of my favorite shows at the time. A few years later, I found myself on set filming an episode. That moment really cemented for me how visualization and hard work can align in incredible ways.

Since then, I’ve continued to make vision boards every few years — not just for the roles I want, but for the kind of person and artist I aspire to become. The entertainment industry can be unpredictable, but staying grounded in gratitude and purpose keeps me centered. I need to make a new one soon — it’s a ritual that reminds me to keep dreaming boldly.

What’s next for you as a director and actor? Any projects you can share?

I’m currently developing a TV series based on my short film Trophy Boy, called Trophy Boys. It explores themes of fame, identity, and self-worth in the age of social media — a subject I’m deeply passionate about. We’re aiming to move into production sometime next year, and I can’t wait to bring that world to life on a larger scale.

I’m also continuing to build projects through my production company, Idyllwild Pictures. We’ve got an exciting slate of films and series in development — all stories that aim to entertain but also provoke conversation and self-reflection.

Even after 21 years in this industry, I still feel that same spark I had when I first started — maybe even more so. Every project teaches me something new, and I’m endlessly grateful for the opportunity to grow as both an actor and a storyteller. My hope is to keep creating work that not only entertains but also uplifts and inspires others to follow their own creative calling. Here’s to many more years of learning, creating, and telling stories that matter.