Interview with Bobby Brazier: The Rising Star to Watch
shirt ARMANI, t-shirt & shorts WILLY CHAVARRIA, socks FALKE, shoes GRENSON
Bobby Brazier enters in the studio with a quiet kind of charm, the kind that doesn't shout for attention but somehow draws you in. He beams, exuding an easy-going aura that sets the tone for the day. There is a lightness to him, matched with a professionalism that is well ahead of his years.
Known best for his portrayal of Freddie Slater on BBC soap EastEnders, Bobby has quickly built a fanbase, bringing a warm, rich charm to the character. He has that special talent for making you feel like you're good mates with him, even though you only met yesterday. There is more to Bobby than what we see on screen.
He's walked the catwalk for fashion giants and picked up awards, the NTAs Rising Star being one of them. Off-screen and off-catwalk, as well, there is a thoughtful side to him, a quiet curiosity about the world and himself. He's all smiles, a deep-thinking type who knows how to enjoy life without the stress.
Whether he's performing, sitting for a modelling shoot, or reflecting on the big issues of life, Bobby radiates some kind of authenticity that is simply inescapable.
Left: jumper & shorts OUR LEGACY, socks FALKE, shoes GRENSON, rings on left hand SERGE DENIMES, rings on right hand THE GREAT FROG • Right: full look DOLCE & GABBANA
Being part of EastEnders on BBC has really allowed you to showcase your talent. Freddie Slater is such an amazing character, and you just deliver him so well. What’s it like playing a role that feels so right for you, and what has been the best bit for you?
Bobby Brazier: Thank you. Yes, the nice thing about being able to play a role over a longer period of time is the opportunity to create the character. On a show where the roles are so grounded in reality and close to home, it feels natural to bring parts of myself or people close to me to the role. I think the best part of it for me is every so often we get the opportunity to simultaneously tell and experience a story, whether romantic or tragic, it’s nice to experience life experiences through the lens of Freddie Slater.
You’ve always spoken about your dad, Freddy Brazier, with such love and respect. What is something he’s taught you, either in words of advice or the way he lives, that you carry with you?
BB: My dad is a very resilient man and keeps turning up, in good times and bad.
Top Right: blazer DAVID KOMA • Bottom Right: jacket DOLCE & GABBANA • Bottom Left: shorts JW ANDERSON, vest SUNSPEL
Having been in the spotlight from such a young age, have you ever had to deal with any kind of negativity? And how do you stay humble when that happens?
BB: I used to struggle. There’s things that matter and there are things that don’t.
Love’s always a big topic. Are you in love right now, or just having fun and keeping it open?
BB: Having the most fun I’ve ever had trying to re-develop a forgotten love for Divinity.
Left: suit DAVID KOMA, vest SUNSPEL, trainers CONVERSE • Right: shorts JW ANDERSON, socks FALKE, shoes GRENSON
Left: full look FENDI • Right: top & trousers ACNE STUDIOS, shoes GRENSON, sunglasses GENTLE MONSTER
You’ve had some great moments in modelling. How do you feel about the industry, and is it something you’d like to explore more in the future?
BB: Modelling has given me some fun memories. Although it’s not something I’m desperate to be a part of or ‘qualify’ for anymore. However, it is a nice change of scenery every so often, and I particularly enjoy runways.
Winning NTAs Rising Star was such a big moment. Did that change the way you see yourself as an actor, or did it just add more pressure moving forward?
BB: That was fun too. I think all it did was inspire me to be better and deserve it.
Interview / Lucas Pontidas, Managing Editor, PIBE
This PIBE exclusive has been produced by:
Photography / Iakovos Kalaitzakis
Styling / Andrew Burling
Grooming / Sky Cripps-Jackson using The Ordinary Skincare
Talent / Bobby Brazier
Photographic Assistant / Simon Alexa