Alex Hassell, the 45-year-old actor known for his roles in Rivals and His Dark Materials, opens up about his fears, embarrassing moments, and personal philosophies in a candid interview. Born in Essex and trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama, Hassell co-founded an experimental theatre group before gaining recognition at the RSC, where he starred in Henry IV Parts 1 and 2, Henry V, and Death of a Salesman. He currently reprises his role as Rupert Campbell-Black in season 2 of Rivals on Disney+. Married to actor Emma King, he lives in London.
Greatest Fear and Earliest Memory
Hassell's greatest fear is loneliness. His earliest memory is kissing a girl through the window of a wendy house.
Traits and Embarrassing Moments
He deplores obsequiousness in himself and careless cruelty in others. His most embarrassing moment occurred on the set of Cold Mountain: a wasp flew into his ear in front of Jude Law, who couldn't see the insect and only witnessed Hassell's freak-out.
Treasured Possession and Three Words
His most treasured possession is his father's chair, which he now uses at his desk. He notes that his father, a vicar, influenced his approach to acting. Hassell describes himself as driven, sensitive, and playful.
Superpower and Guilty Pleasure
His desired superpower is to play guitar, reflecting actors' common wish to be band frontmen. His guiltiest pleasure is staying in pyjamas until after the postman arrives.
Dislikes and Appearance
Hassell dislikes cleaning and is critical of his very skinny ankles. If he could bring something extinct back to life, it would be Marlon Brando.
Unappealing Habits and Celebrity Crush
His most unappealing habit is literalness. His celebrity crush is Ethan Hawke, whom he has considered writing to for mentorship.
Childhood Aspirations and Love
He wanted to be like his older brother Joe. Love feels like being accepted for who you are while being encouraged to grow.
Disappointments and Emotional Moments
His biggest disappointment is not playing Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire, a role he may be too old for now. He last cried in therapy on Monday.
Change of Mind and Insomnia
He changed his mind about something significant in therapy on Monday. To-do lists keep him awake at night.
Sex, Money, Fame, and Legacy
When asked about having more sex, money, or fame, Hassell states he is content in all three areas. He wants to be remembered as someone with integrity.
Life Lessons and Afterlife
The most important lesson life has taught him is to keep trying to listen to himself. He believes nothing happens when we die.
