the uncommon rise of RYAn COOPER

cover_Blazer PORTS 1961; Coat ACNE

Ryan Cooper easily alternates fashion photoshoot sets and movies’ red carpets. He is the new face of international cinema. With his great screen presence and his statuesque body- he was also a carpenter-, this guy from New Guinea has convinced all and, starting with the advertising campaigns of Armani Exchange, DKNY, Hugo Boss and Trussardi Jeans, he has moved to the big screen and soon we can see him acting with Scarlett Johansson in Crazy Night.

Tell us about your roots and family. How did this influence your life?

I grew up without a lot of things, living in 3rd world countries with people who don't have a lot, but were very happy and generous. It makes you appreciate the things that you do have but do not need. I remember we used to often eat our breakfast that had bugs in it due to the humidity. My dad was a missionary and really instilled his beliefs in us. He was a super hard-working guy, and that's one thing that has definitely helped coming into this business. Treating people right and working hard, we work a lot of long days so you need stamina. I have done 20 hour days doing construction work in the past so that's prepared me for 12 hours onset.

How did you start your modeling career?

Modeling was a bit of luck. A friend asked me to do a shoot for an outdoors store in New Zealand when I was in construction. Then another friend wanted to set me up with an agency that when I met with them they said "you'll never work!" However, my current modeling manager saw my photos and from there on championed me to travel and work which allowed for a fun few years traveling and shooting around the world.

When did you decide to start cinema and how did it happen?

In New York, I met my now manager, who asked if I was interested in acting and has had my back ever since. Honestly, I had not thought of it since doing school productions as a kid. My dad encouraged me to "get a real job", so I did, in construction. And now that I was traveling/modeling, I had the opportunity to learn from some wonderful coaches in NY and LA, and now have been able to work which is wonderful.

What was your debut in fiction and cinema?

My first jobs were smaller parts in indie movies then a brief stint on the soap, “One Life to Live” before that long-lasting production breathed its last breath. I kind of feel a little responsible for that death (laughs)!

Iconic actor and director who inspires you?

I have such respect for many actors and directors. I love that the creators of shows and content are also often playing parts in those shows or creating it for themselves and then because it's great, it takes off. Brit Marling from “The OA,” Ilana Glazer, Lucia Aniello and Paul Downs all from “Broad City” (and also “Rough Night”). I also love talents like Daniel Day Lewis for the commitment to character but above talent I respect, people who are good to people. Mark Ruffalo and Shailene Woodley are inspiring not just for talent but their conviction and putting their profiles to really good use.

Your first important role in a movie...your memories about it?

Well I think every role is important to a story...even if you're a background extra the world is fuller and better because of it. I played a narcissistic sociopath in a very early movie and found that such a great learning lesson to really embody the character truthfully even if you wouldn't like them if they were a person in your life. Really each role teaches me something important about life or the people around me.

How is your typical day?

It depends whether I'm working on a project. While filming a typical day would consist of an early workout, being onset for 12 hours, an hour on the phone with my wife. Then before bed I try to read through the scenes for the next day, just to get a little head start. Then it's Groundhog Day all over again (laughs)! If I'm not filming then I often have meetings and auditions to prep for.

Places you recommend to chill and relax?

I love saunas. Authentic ones! Hot ones! Also, the beach...in Mexico!

When you travel what's in your suitcase?

I've been learning to take less. Mostly when I travel, I'm being dressed, whether it's stills or moving images so now I take a couple sets of workout gear, a pair of jeans, boots and a few shirts. Keep it light.

Your favorite song, book or place and a memory related to that?

I really enjoyed reading a “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley. When I read it, walking the streets of New York City, it just struck me as the perfect backdrop: seeing all the lights and advertisements in Times Square was like seeing his imagination becoming reality. And Lo Fang's version of “You're The One That I Want,” I find that such a sexy, cool song.

Next projects? A dream you would love to realize?

Well you can see me in the wide release of "Rough Night" alongside Scarlett Johansson, Kate McKinnon, Zoe Kravitz, Jillian Bell and Ilana Glazer, which super exciting, out June 16

^th

. Such a power house of talented women. What I'd really love in the future to play would be a Disney animated character, a Marvel Hero and do of course a Baz Luhrmann movie / maybe musical. I'm currently back and forth to Austin, Texas shooting a new project that I can’t discuss quite yet...but I am excited to let everyone know about it soon!

Photographer: Greg SwalesArt Direction/Producer: Giorgio AmmirabileFashion Stylist: Jenn ParkGrooming: Wendi Miyake

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