MOA: Did you learn a lot from your parents of how to work hard from a young age and did they steer you on the right path?
AB: My mother and father are both massive inspirations as both of them are the hardest working people. They work 7 days a week. As we all know, if you do what you love, you will be successful. It was the guidance of my parents and the hard work ethic they have passed on that set me to climb the ladder of success.
MOA: Also did your parents teach you the value of money or has that come from learning from life, learning, mistakes or problems?
From a very early age I’ve always been told to save for a rainy day. I can say there is a little bit of that and a few mistakes, but I have learnt to be happy with spend a little and save a lot.
MOA: We are amazed that you had your first business at the age of 16! A van hire centre and dealership in Forest Gate, how did that happen?
AB: From an early age I got into motor trade and I first started buying and selling vehicles: buying and refurbishing them and putting them in the local newspaper. I then moved on to buy a van dealership at the age of 16. I felt I knew everything and I didn’t feel young at all. I look back now and I feel young though.
MOA: Was there ever a time in your life that you felt like giving up and working for someone else? Or was that never an option?
AB: Yes, there have been times in my life I felt that way. Not many…but I can think of one in particular: the early 90’s recession, when I lost almost everything I had. However, through the nurture of my mother and father, the grit they installed in me… it was not an option to give up. Just brush myself down, get back up on the horse and ride it.
MOA: People now days like to hear about failures, struggles and see the mistakes as they want the full story or bigger picture of the person behind the office desk, do you wear your heart on your sleeve in business and own up to any disasters?
AB: I’ve had many disasters which at the time seemed like the world was crumbling. Most of these did, eventually, turn into opportunities. In the world of business, no matter how big or small, we all learn every day. Our disasters should always be treated as learning curves.
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How do you think Social Media and Technology have impacted the Entertainment Industry?
In one hand, I don’t think I know it well enough to take advantage of it, but I manage.
There is a negative side where some producers and casting directors are influenced by how big of a following someone has, so maybe someone is not as good of an actor and yet they get cast purely because of their influence.
On the positive side, you get to tell your story to more people all around the globe. You are able to connect with fans and share your news. I see people reacting to things I post, that otherwise they would never know. It’s nice to see the impact on people.
For those wanting a long career like you, what does it take to have longevity in the industry?
That’s a good question. I would say that having a big range is important. I mean there are actors who can play themselves and don’t have to stretch that far. That certainly works for some people...but I think those are in the minority.
For me, it was important to have range, to be able to play different types of characters, so that you can surprise people. Being able to keep it fresh. You have to study to be able to have range. The other thing to do is to be able to be on the other side of the camera, to be able to produce or direct or write. You can have a bit more control of what you do. As an actor you are at the mercy of others. As a writer you can help shape a script. It’s important to open your mind to the other sides.
Is there anyone you haven’t work with yet (director, actor/actress, singer) that you would like to work with?
There was one actor - he is not working too much anymore. He was my favourite actor. When I first started watching movies in a much deeper way, when I was 16,17 years old, and actors were influencing me significantly, the actor that was my idol was Jack Nicholson, I loved Jack.
From the first movie I saw him in, which was called Five Easy Pieces, and then Easy Rider. Then I saw him in “The Last Detail" and "Carnal Knowledge", "Chinatown" and "One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest"… so if there was one guy that I wish I could have worked as an actor, it would have been Nicholson
Hey, it may happen! You never know.
So what’s next for Don Most? What new projects can we look forward to seeing next?
On the acting side, I recently did a play - "The Sunshine Boys" by Neil Simon. I did it with an actor called Robert Wuhl, and that was great.
Coming up there are a few people talking to me about independent films that they want me to be in. One of them is called "Cult Cartel", and I would get to play a bad guy, which I am looking forward to. That will film in July