IN CONVERSATION WITH ALEX FINE
interview by JANA LETONJA
Alex Fine has never followed the conventional route to Hollywood. Before stepping in front of the camera, he moved through worlds as varied as American football, professional bull riding and fitness, experiences that now lend a distinctive physicality and authenticity to his performances. After breaking out in Taylor Sheridan’s 1883 and entering the brutal landscape of Netflix’s American Primeval, he returns to Guy Ritchie’s MobLand for season two, stepping into an even more formidable position as the story’s central antagonist alongside Tom Hardy, Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan. Beyond acting, his world encompasses fashion and his work with the Compton Cowboys, reflecting a career, and a life, defined by instinct, risk and an unwillingness to be easily categorized.
Your path to acting has been anything but conventional. When did you first realize that acting could become a serious part of your life?
The first audition I ever received and saw my name on the sides, I took it seriously. All I ever wanted was an opportunity and once I got that, I would never give that up. I still get so excited whenever an audition comes through. My mindset is that the job is mine until it isn’t.
You return to MobLand in a much bigger capacity for season two. What excited you most when you learned where your character was heading?
I’m a fan of the show, so I was just excited to read the scripts. And I love the whole cast and crew, so getting more responsibility and time with these people is something I’ll never take for granted. Jez butterworth is such a sick writer and Guy Ritchie is someone who I massively admire. I’m just happy I get to say the words they wrote for me.
This season positions you as the main antagonist. What interests you about playing someone audiences may be instinctively inclined to fear or dislike?
Villains are always more fun to play in my opinion. I’m not sure if this show has any protagonist, it’s kind of just choose your favorite bad guy.
Guy Ritchie creates very distinctive worlds, particularly around crime, masculinity and power. What is it like stepping into his creative universe as an actor?
He makes TV and film fun to watch, but even more to be a part of. I loved every day going to work. Being the only American on the show was very fun as well because it feels surreal getting to work and have fun with UK legends coming from where I’m from.
Without giving anything away, how would you describe the energy of season two compared with the first?
Arrive violently.
From 1883 and American Primeval to MobLand, your roles have often existed in physically demanding and sometimes brutal worlds. What attracts you to that kind of storytelling?
The people who write and direct it attract me to these jobs. Taylor Sheridan, Christina Vorros, Peter Berg, Anthony Byrne, and Guy Ritchie, along with insanely talented writers like Taylor, Jez, and Mark L. Smith. Anything they do, I want to be a part of. Whether it’s a rom-com, spy thriller, or whatever. It’s easy to trust them and their visions.
Having been an athlete, professional bull rider and fitness coach, do you think your relationship with physical risk has influenced the actor you’ve become?
To be fair, I never thought I was being risky. I broke a lot of bones and had a lot of surgeries from sport, but every time, I thought “What are the odds that will happen again”. I still don’t know if I’m made of glass or rubber. That career hasn’t influenced acting, but maybe it will once I do something sports related.
Your previous careers also gave you a life outside Hollywood before entering the industry. Has that helped you approach success or rejection differently?
I don’t think so. If anything, how I was brought up affected success and rejection more than anything. Surrounding yourself with good people and being kind to those around you will always level out any ego from success. Rejection is a part of life, every audition I get, I feel as if I have a shot or the job is mine. It’s a delusional confidence and I have a mindset that fuck it, if I’m not right for it then the next one that comes through I will be. I try not to ruminate on success or failures. I try and stay present. My wife and kids also play big part of that. No matter what, I’m always dad.
1883 was your breakout acting project. Looking back, what did working within Taylor Sheridan’s world teach you at such an early stage of your career?
First off, it taught me that this is what I love, and taught me how everything works. I would come in on off days just to watch LaMonica and Sam Elliot or Tim and Faith. It showed me how hard-working Taylor is, and how professionals work. He gave me an opportunity into this business at a very high level and I’ll always be grateful. Also, he’s a great guy, family man, and one of the hardest workers I’ve ever seen.
You’ve also entered the fashion world and walked during Paris Fashion Week. What does fashion give you creatively that acting doesn’t?
It’s just something cool. I like fashion, but most of the time I just wear basketball shorts, no shirt and cowboy boots every day. I really have no fashion sense. Growing up, I never knew what brand or designer meant until I modelled. I mostly like mixing my style with high fashion. Most the time, I can’t even pronounce the brands I’m wearing. I walk fashion shows because I like it better than sitting, and it’s fun experiencing things that are so far out of the realm you imagined as a child.
Your personal style can feel worlds away from some of the rugged characters you portray. How important is fashion as a form of self-expression for you?
I actually think most characters I portray have a similar sense of style. Unless it’s a premiere or photo shoot. I’m rocking Carhartt, Dickies, basketball shorts and cowboy boots. We call it street country.
Your involvement with the Compton Cowboys brings together horses, mentorship and community. Why is their mission particularly meaningful to you?
I lived in LA for 8 years and these guys are family. They have impacted so many lives of kids and people in the community. Not sure I’ve ever seen anything like it. It’s a sanctuary and place for children to be safe and learn. They are always community first, which is rare to see. I love them and hope you all do to.
At this point in your life, are you more motivated by proving something, challenging yourself, or simply following whatever feels exciting next?
I’m motivated by work and family. I want to do special things with acting so that my kids will watch it one day and be proud. And I love acting, so I’m motivated by the next opportunity and the one after that.
TEAM CREDITS:
talent ALEX FINE
photography PAUL WHITFIELD
styling AIMEE CROYSDILL at With Falcon
make up and hair CHARLIE CULLEN at Forward Artists
styling assistant JULIA-ROSE STANBROOK
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director & interview JANA LETONJA
