Photo: Simon's social media accounts and by Thomas Dohn.
Simon Sears is a Danish actor who was born on 25 January 1984 in Roskilde. Sears became famous to a general audience due to the hit of Netflix's release of the fantasy series «Shadow and Bone», in which he played the role of Heartrender Ivan. Read about Simon's life journey, other projects, hobbies and preferences in our interview.
When did you realize that you want to be an actor? Why did you decide to connect your life with acting?
— I must have been around 20-21. I used to be a professional dancer, never really knew what to do with my life. Been performing since I was 7. Tried everything, shipping, applied to study archeology, salesman, nothing could really keep me seated. So I thought, I love stories, I’m often moved by them and the movies. Let’s give it a chance, even though many told me it was stupid and only for really talented people, I applied for the national theater school in Denmark, and got in and here we are.
Your filmography includes more than a dozen projects. Could you tell us please which of them impressed you the most? What is your favorite one?
— Boring answer I know, I like them all. They have all given me something special. But my first big series «Ride Upon the Storm» believe its on Netflix too some places around the world. But here I got to work with one of my heroes, Lars Mikkelsen who plays my father in the show. For those who don’t know him, he is the brother of Mads Mikkelsen and just as good. He taught me a lot, he still tells me, he taught me everything I know. I also had the pleasure of working with Vicky Krieps, and its the same story with those two, they inspired me a lot and are two extremely generous people on and off stage.
TV show «Shadow and Bone» has won the hearts of millions fans around the world. You play the role of Heartrender Ivan. Tell us, how does it feel to play a man with superpowers?
— It’s always fun to act like you have super powers, when I was a kid I tried to convince my parents to buy me stuff, by using the Jedi Mind trick on them. Never worked. But look at me now…
If you can choose а character, whom you wanted to be in this show? Would you stay Heartrender, or would you like to become a Squaller? Maybe Inferni? Or even the Fjerda warrior?
— I love Ivan, and the heart renders, and I will stay faithful to them.
In the series, you most often played with Julian Kostov. Tell us please about your interaction on the set? Are there any backstage stories that you can share with us?
— Julian and I hit it off fast, he is an amazing person and probably one of the bravest people I’ve met. Throws himself directly at everything where I would overthink it, learned a lot from him too. Well I have many backstage stories, but I can’t tell them. It’s Julian you know, prankster extraordinaire.
You have recently participated in the series «Baby Fever». Tell us more about your role: Were there any difficulties in playing that role?
— It was a very different role and difficult like all roles are. We had so much fun shooting all scenes, and I’m crossing my fingers that I get to do more of it. But compared to Ivan that tends to keep everything in, this guy is much more in his feelings and even though he is very very clever, he is also incredibly naive.
If you could play any existing character, which one would you like to choose and why?
— It’s funny , I keep writing the joker or the Batman, but keep deleting my answer over and over. Maybe because that’s what many people are saying. But I actually think i’ll say - I don’t know, I just want to keep pushing me and the characters I’m doing, and insist on protecting them no matter what they do in the storyline.
What do you like to do in your free time? Are there other spheres that interest you as much as movies?
— Big fan of football (soccer) and F.C Copenhagen is my team. So I watch them a lot. Being with my kids and wife. And cooking/baking, my goodness I do that a lot. We have a lot of books here at home, but at least half are cookbooks. Wanna make me happy? Buy me a cook book with interesting recipes.
Do you have some certain rules in your life that you always try to follow?
— Yes, honesty. In all I do. In me, to others, in my characters. Speak the truth, be modest, enjoy life and don’t worry too much about others opinions. I fail some times, but I believe in it and in some form of karma, so I always try to be the best version I can be.
What can you wish to your fans?
— Not sure I understand the question, but having fans is still such a weird feeling, but I wish they stick around, I am so grateful for all they are doing on instagram, with fan art and video editing and photos. Just amazing. I’m very grateful. I wish they stay safe and happy. That’s my wish.
Your favorite movie?
— I have so so many, impossible to chose. But here is todays list, might be different tomorrow.
«Forrest Gump». He reminds me of my big brother who unfortunately got brain damage when he was 3.
«What’s eating Gilbert Grape» - the first movie that made me feel a lot, and made me interested in acting because I finally met someone going through the same emotions and problems I did (Depps character).
«There Will be Blood» - just magic.
«No country for old Men».
«Brokeback Mountain» - Heath and Jake are amazing.
«Perks of being a wallflower» - it rips me into a thousand pieces.
Your favorite book?
— «The Idiot» by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, I think its an amazing story. But again, tomorrow might be different.
Your favorite TV series?
— «Friends» - I didn’t realize what it meant to me until I saw the special.
And «Fresh Prince of Bel Air», was on every day when I came home from school. Will Smith, and the rest got me through some tough times.
Your favorite singer/band?
— Freddie Mercury he is the GOAT, prove me wrong - Queen. Sarah Vaughan - a master.
Your favorite song?
— The girl from the north country (Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash).
Your favorite quote?
— Don’t have one, but out of curiosity I google some, and must say these two did something.
Always remember, that you are absolutely unique, just like everyone else - Margaret Mead.
Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn - B. Franklin.
Your favorite time season?
— Summer.
Marvel or DC?
— Really though one, if I have to chose - Marvel.
Which house would you like to be in the Harry Potter universe?
— Gryffindor.
Do you have any pets?
— No I used to have dogs when I lived with my parents, and I really want a dog, my sons want one too, so some day, when we have the time for one.
