Les with Rachael Taylor in Cedar Boys
more positive versions of Middle Eastern men. So far I’ve played a drug dealer, illegal gun seller and another drug dealer!
Do you worry about being typecast as an actor in ethnic or Middle Eastern roles? It is a concern. Australia is still behind when it comes to casting multicultural actors in roles that are not specifically “ethnic”. I booked a three-year job on Home and Away a few years ago playing a police officer. He was Italian. I said no to it for a few reasons. But as you can see, it’s not specifically Middle Eastern roles I get given. But generally there is an ethnic component to the character. I look forward to the day when we see more diverse faces on television, not just because the show needs a token ethnic character, but
What were the challenges of playing your first lead role in a feature film? I was in almost every scene of the film. To be honest, the challenges didn’t feel like challenges. I suppose NIDA had already been the most gruelling experience of my life. Three years of intense study and very long hours had prepared me well – so this actually felt like play – even the emotional scenes!