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, a talented actress with roots in Poland and the United States, has carved a noteworthy space for herself in the film and television industry. Born in 1976, she discovered her passion for performance at an early age, leading her to hone her craft both in her native Poland and later in the bustling cultural landscape of America. Her unique perspective and rich background have informed her diverse roles, making her a compelling presence on screen.
Dominczyk's early career saw her stepping into the limelight with roles that showcased her impressive range. Her breakout performance came with the film Rock Star in 2001, where she played Tania Asher, captivating audiences with her vibrant portrayal. This role was a pivotal moment that opened doors for her in Hollywood, allowing her to explore a variety of characters across genres.
In 2002, she further solidified her status as a rising star with her role as Mercedès Iguanada in The Count of Monte Cristo. Her ability to embody complex emotions and convey depth made her a standout in the ensemble cast. She continued to impress critics and viewers alike with performances in films like Kinsey (2004) and Running with Scissors (2006), where her versatile acting style shone through.
Dominczyk's contributions to television are equally noteworthy. She appeared in the WB series The Bedford Diaries, which showcased her talent for bringing nuanced characters to life. Her role as Karolina Novotney in HBO's acclaimed series Succession further demonstrated her ability to navigate complex narratives and deliver powerful performances. This role, among others, contributed to her recognition as a formidable actress in contemporary television.
Throughout her career, Dagmara has embraced a variety of roles that reflect her versatility. From the emotional depth of her character in The Immigrant (2013) to her portrayal of Elizabeth Taylor in Big Stone Gap (2013), she has consistently chosen projects that challenge her and allow her to explore different facets of human experience. Her work in The Assistant (2020) and We Own This City (2022) further exemplifies her commitment to powerful storytelling.
In addition to her acting career, Dominczyk has ventured into writing, publishing her novel The Lullaby of Polish Girls in 2013. This transition from acting to writing highlights her creative versatility and desire to share her unique perspectives through different mediums. Her literary work has been well-received, adding another dimension to her artistic portfolio.
Dagmara Dominczyk's influence extends beyond her individual performances. She has inspired many aspiring actors with her dedication to her craft and her ability to navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry. Her work has also contributed to the representation of Polish-American artists in Hollywood, enriching the narrative landscape with authentic voices.
As her career continues to evolve, Dagmara's legacy is one of resilience, creativity, and passion. She remains an important figure in both film and television, with a body of work that continues to resonate with audiences. Her journey reflects not only her talent but also her commitment to exploring the human experience through the art of storytelling.
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