On a warm winter morning in Los Angeles we had the pleasure of conversation with The Neil Jackson. An actor, a songwriter, a filmmaker and an avid cold shower taker, a statuesque renaissance man of sorts. He strolled into the interview in what we later learned were his favorite jeans and threadbare sweater. Comfortable in his own skin, can’t say we didn’t notice.

THE NEIL JACKSON

What are your first thoughts on awakening in the morning?

I love being in bed. I love sleeping. If I could justify it to myself I would nap all morning. So my first thought upon awakening is usually “Get the fuck up!”, because if I didn’t, then my long list of things I want to do would just get longer and longer and longer while I slept the day away!

What do you do when you get up in the morning?

I love to exercise first thing. Partly because I like to tick it off my list, but also because it energizes me and sets the tempo for the day. I get focused on work very quickly and so can lose hours to whatever task I am working on. Exercising first thing means I can focus guilt-free, knowing my workout is already taken care of.

Do you sing in the shower?

I take cold showers so I don’t usually sing. I tend to breathe and focus to warm my core. Though I have been known to break out in song on occasion :)

Neil at home in Los Angeles, California.

What made you become an actor? Any past lives?

The short answer: I wanted to “play” for a living. I love the wondrous freedom that comes from being on set and exploring a scene with good actors. The longer answer: I was a deeply insecure person and I loved the fact that I could “disappear” into a role on stage. I loved the way that all my own personal worries or fears evaporated when I played a role. It was a crutch for me; a way to obtain validation I felt I was lacking in other areas of my life. But, ultimately, it became a way for me to explore my own emotions and come to understand myself better so that those insecurities stopped affecting me and my life so much. 

What project are you working on at the moment?

This past year was a very busy one for me, with “The King’s Man,” “Stargirl” and “Absentia” season three taking most of the year to film, so currently I am enjoying some time to write. I have two feature films in development at the moment that I have written and will be directing that we are raising the finances for and I am researching a new project that I aim to start writing very soon. I also just finished shooting an amazing indie feature called “New Year,” written and directed by the incredibly talented Nathan Sutton.

How was it playing Mr. Slate in Quantum of Solace? and how many times did you reshoot the fight scene with Daniel Craig?

To work on a Bond film was a dream come true 12-year-old me was doing back-flips. We rehearsed that fight sequence every day for two weeks and then shot it over the course of two days. Daniel and I beat the snot out of each other during that fight. He's an amazing physical actor.

What was it like working with director Tom Ford on Nocturnal Animals?

Surreal. He’s a lovely guy and I enjoyed working on the film. It was only one day of filming for me and we were shooting in this incredible beachfront Malibu mansion. Honestly, I was on set for maybe two hours. We shot my stuff in the morning and I was home for lunch.

Do you have any secret desire for a particular role?

Ten years ago that was an easy question for me. I wanted to be Batman or Bond. Now, as I get a little older and understand myself a lot better, I just want to play emotionally honest and authentic characters. Sort of like if Bond were to get in touch with his daddy issues and sought help for his PTSD.

Do you get bored easily?

Yes. I have so many things that I want to do with my time that I don’t like being idle or wasting it... unless I'm napping :)

Do you read books? If so what was the last one?

I just read an amazing novel based on a true story called The Tattooist of Auschwitz. Such an incredible and harrowing story.

What do you think of money? How do you feel about it?

I used to be very blase about money. I also used to be very broke. I now respect it a lot more and, consequently, am a lot smarter with how I use it.

What do you do to relax?

I love a massage.

What does your exercise regimen look like? Do you play any sport?

I have been working with an incredible strength and conditioning coach for the past year named Robert Jacobs (@robertcjacobs). He writes programs for me that I do 3-4 times per week in the gym. In addition to this, I work with a movement coach, Chris Miller (@thehealthandfitnessguy), who works with me on more primal movement and cardio work. In addition to that I practice jiu jitsu.

Do you have any vices?

I enjoy smoking weed. My brain is very active, so, in the evening, when I want to shut off all of those thoughts and relax, I enjoy getting a little high and watching TV or hanging out with my girlfriend and playing cards. 

Do you wear glasses?

I had my eyes lasered several years ago, but I do wear blue-light blocking glasses while I write and watch TV. I find I sleep so much better when I do.

Are you interested in clothes and style?

I love good clothes, though you will usually find me in a pair of old jeans and a threadbare sweater. Comfort is key.

Discuss your preferences in clothing, including underwear?

Saxx are the greatest discovery for me. Second to none the best underwear I have found. 

What beauty products do you use?

I use a facial moisturizer and, at night, an eye cream. I also recently moved away from using deodorants with aluminum in them. I found a great charcoal and magnesium one. As for cologne...I'm an Issey Miyake man.

What do you think are the most exciting people in the world today?

The passionate. Passion is everything. I don’t care about what you do or how important you are, if you are passionate, then I am enthralled.

Do you think it’s important for a man to be sexy?

That entirely depends upon your definition of sexy. I think it’s important that everybody look after their physical health. That doesn’t mean you need to be a fitness model. The mind is a such sexy thing. A “physically attractive” person will quickly become bland or uninteresting without a sexy mind. To me that means having a great sense of humor and being curious and inquisitive.

What qualities do you seek in your male friends?

Honesty and kindness.

Do you have any fear about getting older?

None.

What makes you very happy?

I was described by a friend once as being “generally merry.” I think that's pretty accurate. So many things make me happy because there is so much to be happy for.

How do you spend your evenings?

I love to cook. Just simple dishes. But seeing people I love tucking in to a good meal that I have prepared fills my heart with such joy. 

Do you sleep a lot?

Some would say yes. I would say not enough.

Cat or Dog?

Dog. Me and my girlfriend recently got a puppy from Taiwan. Rosco is a little slice of heaven wrapped in fur.

THE NEIL JACKSON

THE VIDEO

Photography STEVE SCHOFIELD, Actor NEIL JACKSON