Interview with Steve Toussaint: A Versatile Actor’s Journey

1. Reflecting on your diverse career, from roles in “Prince of Persia” to “House of the Dragon,” how do you approach preparing for roles that span such a wide range of genres and historical periods?

Preparing for roles that span a wide range of genres and historical periods involves a deep dive into the character’s background, motivations, and the context of the story. Each role requires thorough research to understand the historical period or fantastical world the character inhabits. It’s about finding the truth in each character and making them relatable and real.

2. Your role as Lord Corlys Velaryon in “House of the Dragon” has introduced you to a new audience. Can you share any insights into how you developed this character, especially considering the rich lore of the “Game of Thrones” universe?

Developing Lord Corlys Velaryon involved immersing myself in the rich lore of the “Game of Thrones” universe. Understanding his background, his ambitions, and his place in the complex political landscape was crucial. I drew upon the detailed history provided in the source material and worked closely with the show’s creators to bring authenticity to the character.

3. Having worked in both film and television, including projects like “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time” and “Line of Duty,” do you have a preference for one medium over the other? How do they differ in terms of the acting experience?

Both film and television have their unique challenges and rewards. Film often allows for a more intensive, focused exploration of a character over a shorter period, while television provides the opportunity to develop a character over a longer arc. Each medium requires a different approach to pacing and performance.

4. Your early life in Birmingham and the journey to becoming an actor is quite inspiring. Can you share a pivotal moment that convinced you to pursue acting as a career?

A pivotal moment in my journey to becoming an actor was when I performed in a school play and received positive feedback. The experience of transforming into a character and the audience’s reaction ignited a passion for acting that led me to pursue it as a career.

5. You’ve taken on roles in both contemporary settings and fantastical worlds. Is there a particular type of role or genre you find more challenging or rewarding to work in?

Both contemporary and fantastical roles offer unique challenges and rewards. Contemporary roles often require a deep connection to real-life experiences, while fantastical roles allow for more imaginative exploration. Each type of role helps to expand my range as an actor and keeps the work exciting and diverse.

6. Throughout your career, you’ve worked with a variety of directors and actors. Is there a piece of advice or a lesson learned from a colleague that has significantly influenced your approach to acting?

One of the best pieces of advice I received was to always be present in the moment and to listen actively to my fellow actors. This advice has significantly influenced my approach to acting, ensuring that each performance is genuine and reactive to the dynamics on set.

7. In “House of the Dragon,” you play a character with a strong sense of honor and duty. How do you relate personally to Lord Corlys Velaryon’s values, and how did this influence your portrayal?

I relate to Lord Corlys Velaryon’s values of honor and duty as they resonate with my own personal beliefs. This connection allowed me to bring a level of authenticity to the character, making his decisions and actions feel more genuine and grounded.

8. You’ve had a rich theatre career alongside your screen roles. How does your experience on stage influence your performances in film and television?

My theatre experience has greatly influenced my performances in film and television by honing my skills in voice projection, body language, and live interaction with the audience. The discipline and intensity required for stage performances have helped me bring a deeper level of preparation and commitment to my screen roles.

9. Are there any dream roles or projects you aspire to be a part of? What can fans look forward to from you in the future?

I aspire to be part of projects that challenge me as an actor and tell compelling, meaningful stories. Fans can look forward to seeing me continue to explore diverse roles across different genres, always aiming to bring depth and authenticity to each performance.