MR. IVAN SHAW
What are your first thoughts on awakening in the morning?
Lately, where am I?
Do you sing in the shower?
Not unless I have to.
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee. Then tea.
While studying Math and Economics at UCLA, what or who inspired you to become an actor?
I knew I didn’t want to be stuck in an office. I knew I wanted to do something abnormal. I found myself on set one day in Hawaii, and I was fascinated by the machinery of TV making. So, I started exploring.
Having directed short films and music video, how did it feel being in front of the camera?
The directing came after I started acting already. I wanted to try it all. I wanted to know all the moving parts of this crazy thing we do.
Your performance as Marco in The Cleaning Lady, Would you say that he is one of your most complex characters?
Marco, He’s definitely a complicated guy. I mean, he loves his family, but suffers from impulses that compromise his overall objectives.
How much are you like the character of or how different?
Marco and I are pretty different. He’s much more of a ticking time bomb.
Many actors are fascinated by characters with a dark side. Does it happen to you too?
Sure, I guess. For me it’s more about searching for their wound, and working from there. If darkness or dark behavior comes out of it, so be it. But dark for the sake of dark is self-indulgent and boring.
Do you have any secret desire to work with a certain director? And why?
Yes, heaps. But if I had to name one, I think Taika Waititi is up there towards the top. I just find him fascinating.
Professionally, what are you better at now than before?
Not caring.
MR. IVAN SHAW
Are you of method or guts?
Some messy combination of both.
An actor or actress you admire?
Mark Rylance.
How do you feel about the shift from motion picture to the series paradigm happening at the moment?
Binge watching can be incredibly satisfying. I do miss having a wide range of movies though.
Have you ever felt typecast?
Yes.
What social issue are you most passionate about?
Stopping AAPI Hate.
What the last book you read and what do you think about it?
The Inner Game of Tennis. It’s great. Not about tennis, really.
What scares you?
Small suffocating spaces.
And what makes you angry?
Racism.
How important is the sense of humor in your day to day?
Depends who’s trying to be funny.
What’s something you could eat for a week straight?
Mango.
Do you have any vices?
Wine.
Ocean or Mountain?
Ocean.
Motorcycle or car?
Motorcycle.
Dogs or cats?
Dogs.
Friday or Sunday?
Friday.
Who do you think are the most exciting people in the world today?
People who aren’t on Instagram.
Name a woman you find sexy?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Do you think it’s important for a man to be sexy?
No.
What qualities do you seek in your male friends?
Compassion. Curiosity. Humility.
What’s next for Ivan Shaw?
A new show by Jason Katims on AppleTV+ called “Fugue.” Based on the novel Dear Edward.
What would your perfect night be like?
Sunset surf with friends, my dog, delicious bonfire cook, camping, good wine.
What makes a perfect man?
No such thing.
In this Story:
1-2. Ivan Shaw wears gray t-shirt BUCK MASON 3-4. Ivan wears t-shirt TOM FORD, jeans SAINT LAURENT 5-6. Ivan Shaw wears t-shirt TOM FORD
DIGITAL COVER
Photography COLIN STARK, Talent IVAN SHAW, Special Thanks to PINNACLE PR