Alexander Dreymon charmed Manila when he came for a short stay to promote the movie Blood Ransom, where he acts opposite Anne Curtis. A serious actor who believes in continuously learning about everything to hone his  craft, Dreymon nevertheless showed a congeniality that was endearing. He expressed surprise at hearing Christmas songs played so early, interest at the sights he saw around the city like Intramuros, and submission to the inevitable invitation to eat balut and dinuguan.

I knew him from Christopher and His Kind, which stars Matt Smith of Doctor Who fame, where he played a gay rentboy, and the hit television series American Horror Story: The Coven, where he played the son of legendaryBroadway star Patti LuPone’s character.Dreymon is not a familiar name in thecountry just yet, but this is definitely goingto change soon, as he will star in what istouted to be TV’s next Game of Thrones. Hewill be playing the lead role in the upcomingseries The Last Kingdom, which is based onBernard Cornwell’s books The Saxon Storiesand produced by the geniuses behind TV hit Downton Abbey. With such a commitmentto his craft, it’s easy to see that he is one towatch out for.

Philippine Tatler: How was it like filming with director Francis dela Torre?

Alexander Dreymon: Francis and I have become real close friends. He is very open, allowing me to do my thing, but tells me when he needs something specific. 

PT: What about Anne [Curtis]? How was it like working with her?

AD: She was always in the moment. That’s an advantage for an actor. And when things went wrong, as they do in production, Anne was always calm and friendly. 

PT: What is it like to compete in a movie town like LA?

AD: It’s very difficult, but it’s part of the game. You have to start at the beginning. I prefer it this way. I think, if I got in straight away, I wouldn’t know how it is to fight for it. I also need to grow as a person and as an actor. And having done other jobs next to the acting job always taught me something that was worth learning.

PT: Has there been a role that you really wanted but did not get?

AD: That kind of thing happens a lot. And that’s when it hurts the most because you may already have invested much of yourself in it. But these experiences make you into who you are, make you stronger.

The effort you give to an audition should exactly be the same when you are already getting paid millions for your roles. It’s like running in a marathon. The day of the race is just a tiny tip of the whole process. For the whole year, you have been preparing for the race. You’ve actually already finished the marathon the day that you started it.

But I am very fortunate in that I have a very strong and loving family and a great circle of friends that support me. They help a lot in low moments. 

PT: What are the highlights of your visit to the Philippines?

AD: We went outside of the city, to Taal. It was so beautiful, and it wasn’t far, it just took a while for us to get there because of the traffic, but the countryside was really gorgeous and I would love to spend more time out there. Oh, and I loved my tour of Intramuros. 

PT: What did you love most about the country?

AD: The kindness of the people, for sure. I would love to meet more people because in Europe and in the States the people in the cities are always a lot more stressed. Here, the people in the city are already so warm, welcoming, and overwhelmingly nice, but I can only imagine what it’s like in the countryside.

Know more about Alexander Dreymon’s early steps in his career in Hollywood and his upcoming television series in the December 2014 issue of Philippine Tatler. Download it on your digital device via Magzter and Zinio.