Jacob Elordi
ActingBrisbane, Queensland, AustraliaIf you want a lad who can play a brooding, tall-as-a-house psycho one minute and a soft, poetic romantic the next, Jacob Elordi is absolutely flying right now. The Australian bloke could have easily just stuck to being a generic teen heartthrob, but he’s gone out of his way to pick some of the weirdest, grittiest, and most challenging scripts in Hollywood to prove he’s a proper actor.Most people first spotted him looking massive and terrifying in Euphoria, playing Nate Jacobs, a high school quarterback who is an absolute monster of a human being. He was so good at being unhinged that it opened all the big doors for him. Instead of doing safe blockbuster sequels, he went full indie, playing an incredibly slick, charismatic Elvis Presley in Priscilla, and then shocking everyone in Saltburn, playing a posh, wealthy student who gets a bit too close with Barry Keoghan.Lately, his career has gone into absolute overdrive. He’s been all over the news starring alongside Margot Robbie in Emerald Fennell’s massive, highly controversial adaptation of Wuthering Heights, playing a very modern, intense Heathcliff. He followed that right up by getting a load of Oscar buzz for putting on ten hours of prosthetics to play the Creature in Guillermo del Toro's epic Frankenstein.He isn't slowing down for a breath either. He’s starring in Ridley Scott's massive upcoming post-apocalyptic survival thriller The Dog Stars alongside Josh Brolin, and he’s just been officially invited to join the Academy as an Oscar voter. He’s a proper, hard-working talent who doesn't care about just looking pretty for the cameras—he wants to make proper, memorable cinema. Seeing his name on the poster means you’re guaranteed something fascinating.Insomniacs Trivia
• The Homeless Audition Nightmare: Before he bagged his life-changing role in Euphoria, Jacob was completely brassic and down to his last few dollars in Los Angeles. He was literally sleeping in the back of his car and on mates' couches because he couldn't afford rent. When he did his final screen test for the show, he had a single suitcase with all his worldly belongings in the parking lot, fully expecting to head back to Australia defeated if he didn't get the gig.• The Pirates Background Secret: Long before he was an Oscar-nominated name or leading massive Hollywood epics, Jacob got his very first taste of a big movie set by being a completely uncredited extra. When he was just seventeen, he managed to land a tiny background job as a tall soldier in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales while they were filming in Queensland, spending all day in a heavy wool uniform just to watch Johnny Depp work.• The Ledger Method Inspo: Jacob has always been completely open about his acting heroes, and his biggest inspiration is fellow Aussie legend Heath Ledger. When he was preparing to play the incredibly dark and toxic Nate Jacobs in Euphoria, he kept a massive scrapbook full of Ledger’s old interview quotes and photos of The Joker in his trailer, using it as a daily reminder to push his performance into the darkest, most uncomfortable places possible.Insomniacs Take
Jacob Elordi is just a class act who has turned into a proper heavyweight of modern cinema. In an industry full of safe, hyper-polished young actors who are absolutely terrified of looking bad or ruining their image, he actively runs towards roles that are messy, bizarre, and deeply uncomfortable. He’s got that old-school, mysterious movie-star energy that you just can't manufacture in a lab. Whether he's playing a gothic literary figure or a giant monster, he brings a proper, grounded honesty to the screen. He’s a massive credit to modern films, and he's a guaranteed safe bet for a cracking watch.
Ari Cohen
ActingWinnipeg, Manitoba, CanadaAri Cohen (born October 15, 1967) is a Canadian stage and television actor. He is from Winnipeg and attended the University of Manitoba, where he was an alumnus of the Black Hole Theatre Company.
Dagmara Dominczyk
ActingKielce, Swietokrzyskie, PolandDagmara Dominczyk is an accomplished actress whose journey from Poland to the heart of Hollywood is as captivating as the characters she portrays. Born in 1976, she developed an interest in acting at a young age, immersing herself in the art of performance both in her homeland and the vibrant cultural scene of America. Her diverse background and experiences shape her approach to acting, allowing her to infuse her roles with authenticity and depth.
Her early career was marked by pivotal performances that showcased her impressive range. A significant breakthrough came with the 2001 film Rock Star, where she brought Tania Asher to life, captivating audiences and critics alike. This role opened the doors to Hollywood, enabling her to delve into a variety of genres and characters.
In 2002, she continued to build her reputation with a standout performance in The Count of Monte Cristo, portraying Mercedès Iguanada. Her ability to convey complex emotions made her a memorable presence in the film, and she quickly established herself as a talented actress with a bright future. Subsequent performances in Kinsey (2004) and Running with Scissors (2006) further demonstrated her versatility and skill, earning her accolades from both fans and critics.
Dominczyk's work in television is equally impressive, showcasing her ability to bring layered characters to life. Her role in the WB series The Bedford Diaries highlighted her talent for nuanced performances. However, it was her portrayal of Karolina Novotney in HBO's acclaimed series Succession that truly solidified her status as a formidable actress. This role allowed her to navigate intricate narratives and deliver powerful performances, gaining her recognition in contemporary television.
Throughout her career, Dagmara has embraced diverse roles that reflect her artistic versatility. From the emotional nuances of her character in The Immigrant (2013) to her captivating portrayal of Elizabeth Taylor in Big Stone Gap (2013), she consistently chooses projects that challenge her. Her commitment to storytelling is further exemplified by her roles in The Assistant (2020) and We Own This City (2022), both of which showcase her dedication to powerful narratives.
In addition to her acting endeavors, Dominczyk has ventured into writing, publishing her novel The Lullaby of Polish Girls in 2013. This literary work not only reflects her personal experiences growing up in a Polish immigrant family but also highlights her creative versatility. The novel has been well-received, adding a significant dimension to her artistic portfolio.
Dagmara's influence in the industry extends beyond her performances; she serves as an inspiration to many aspiring actors with her dedication and resilience. Her contributions have enriched the representation of Polish-American artists in Hollywood, offering authentic voices that resonate with audiences.
As her career continues to flourish, Dagmara Dominczyk leaves behind a legacy marked by creativity and passion. She remains a significant figure in both film and television, with a body of work that continues to engage and resonate with viewers. Her journey is a testament to her talent and commitment to exploring the intricacies of the human experience through her craft.
Insomniacs Trivia
- Dagmara's sisters, Marika and Veronika Domińczyk, are also actresses, making the family a notable presence in the entertainment industry.
- She has a strong connection to her Polish heritage, which she often reflects on in her creative works.
- Dominczyk's performance in Succession received praise for its depth and complexity, further elevating her profile in television.
- Her novel, The Lullaby of Polish Girls, draws inspiration from her own experiences growing up in a Polish immigrant family.
- Dagmara has collaborated with her husband, Patrick Wilson, in various projects, showcasing their shared passion for the arts.
Insomniacs Take
Dagmara Dominczyk's ability to seamlessly transition between film and television roles speaks volumes about her versatility as an actress. With a rich array of performances that span genres and mediums, she has proven herself to be a force in the industry. Her recent work in acclaimed series like Succession and her literary pursuits highlight her multifaceted talent. As she continues to take on challenging roles, audiences eagerly anticipate her future projects, knowing they will be met with her unique blend of depth and authenticity.
Tim Post
ActingCanada
Lynne Griffin
ActingToronto, Ontario, Canada