How old were you when you started acting?
I was thirteen, and this lovely adorable woman [points to mum] got me into it. Basically, it’s a long story, but to make a long story short, my cousin—who was dabbling in acting at the time—went to an audition and my mom was on the phone with her. So my mom said, ‘Ok, let’s see if we can get Gregg an audition’. And I couldn’t get one because I didn’t have an agent. I never wanted to be an actor, and having an agent was the last thing on my mind. So, I went through my cousin’s agent to get the audition. And then thankfully the director kind of saw something in me that I didn’t even know I had. I went back, over and over again, and eventually got the part. I am thankful for my mom because I loved it—I fell in love with being on sets and after that I became obsessed with being an actor. Plus I got to miss school, which was a lot of fun.
So being both a Film and TV actor, which type of work do you prefer, or maybe enjoy more?
I think I enjoy both. TV you’re maybe shooting an episode in seven to 10 days, and the turnaround is very quick because you may see that same episode maybe two months later. Whereas for film, you’re away for maybe three or four months, and it comes out a year and a half later. The hours depending on if you’re doing a sitcom, are very easy, which you know, if you have a family is amazing because you get to have a life as well as going to work. But then obviously if you work on a movie or 1 hour drama, you’re doing 13 hour days, so {laughs} it’s a lot of work. But at the end of the day, I don’t think I’ve ever been to set and thought that I was working. If someone said to me that for the rest of your life you’ll never have a day off, and you’ll be working forever, I’d take it in a heartbeat.
Having enjoyed your work so much, is there a specific character you would say is your favorite to play so far?
Not really. You know, you’re given a role and you try to adapt it to yourself, and you kind of create your own character; and then once you’ve done it you kind of let it go. I think for me, I’ve always been trying to focus on the next [role], but I couldn’t choose one. I’ve been blessed because a lot of the producers I’ve worked with have given me the freedom to create my own character rather than just say ‘this is concrete’ or ‘this is how it is.' So it’s nice collaborating with everyone.
Have you ever thought about the perfect role you’d like to play?
Yeah, there’s a few. James Bond, Spiderman—those two I’d love to play.
I could see that in you. Why those characters specifically?
Why? {laughs} Because I think it’s every guys dream to hold guns...Not saying that we should hold guns on a daily basis!—but to be a badass, and you know, just beat up the bad guys. And obviously, Bond always has a really good looking woman on his arm. You wouldn’t have to pull my leg to get me to play that one.
And after James Bond of course, who inspires you as an actor or actress?
Probably [Leonardo] DiCaprio. Just because I think from a young age he was always seen as this good looking kid, and that’s what everyone knew him for. And now people respect him because he’s an unbelievable actor, and I like how his career has progressed in that direction. And he also has his own production company, and is pretty much his own boss. He’s taken it to the next level and I really like that.
So, beyond acting what other interests do you have? Any hobbies, obsessions?
Football—well my football, English football. Soccer. Yeah, that’s weird to say. But yeah I love soccer; I also go see movies, hang out with my buddies. My family and I are really close too.
You just turned 21! What were your plans?
Yeah, I threw a birthday celebration with some of my closest friends, so it’s [was] a lot of fun. And it’s really nice because I’ve been [in the U.S.] for 3 ½ years, and I’m [thankful for] a lot of people there because they’ve helped my experience in America become so amazing. So I’m glad that they [came]. {Smirks} And then I’m going to do the 21, typical Las Vegas trip, which I’m very excited about. But yeah, my brother, and my best friend who is a footballer back in London are coming out too. So I’m really excited, but I can’t believe I’m turning 21, it’s scary.
Interviewed by Pauline Aguayo
Photographed by Vince Trupsin Groomed by Lusine Galadjian Styled by Madison Guest
Stock List
Look 1 (floral shorts): Shirt: Element Shorts: Zachary Prell Shoes: Clae Watch: Nooka
Look 2 (blue blazer): Shirt: Zachary Prell Jacket: Zachary Prell Shorts: Altru Shoes: Clae
Look 3 (bikini shirt): Shirt: Altru Shorts: Altru Shoes: Clae