Up and coming actor Andy Gatenby stops by to chat about his career so far and his latest projects…
Andy Gatenby won’t be the first person to transition from being a sportsman to becoming an actor. The former undefeated boxer and one-time reality TV star of Special Forces: Ultimate Hell Week, made the leap into acting a few years ago and has worked steadily ever since.
Andy stopped by to chat about his move into acting and his burgeoning career so far.
Tell us about your transition from undefeated boxer to becoming an actor. Was acting a long standing ambition?
I never thought about acting growing up. I had a curveball thrown at me when I was boxing as I got referred for an eye exam and had to retire just as I was about to fight for the English Title. After my boxing career ended, I knew I needed to find something to substitute the buzz it gave me, and acting became the perfect match. I threw myself into it head first and have made significant progress ever since. I’m always striving to be the best version of myself, and boxing gave me all the attributes needed to become a successful actor.
Can you tell us about your part in Flying Tiger? How did you find yourself in a Hong Kong production?
My role in Flying Tiger was typical (right Place, right time). I knew someone from the boxing circle who had been cast in it and he recommended me to the casting director. I sent off an audition and was offered the part. I couldn’t believe it at the time as my first role was on a multi-million-pound production. I remember the armourer on set said to me; “No matter what films you go on to star in during your career, nothing will be viewed by more people than this.” It was a good baptism of fire. I loved every minute of it.
You’ve been something of a favourite for Shogun Films. How did you get involved in Nemesis? You must have impressed to have returned in Renegades…
I worked my socks off and had been in touch with Shogun Films founder and producer Jonathan Sothcott for a few years. We became good friends, and he liked my work ethic. I was constantly on him for a role in one of his films as I’ve always loved the films he’s made. And when Nemesis was put together he gave me the chance I’d been waiting for. I promised him there and then that I would smash the role and was like a kid in a candy shop. Everyone was very complimentary about my performance in Nemesis, which set me up for a great role in Renegades. I’ll always be grateful for the first step up the ladder he gave me.
How did you find shooting opposite such a legendary cast in Renegades? Were you able to get some useful advice from any of those legends?
Yes, absolutely. Every day is a school day for me, and I strive to be better every day. I love the saying, ‘If you’re the most intelligent person in the room. Then you’re in the wrong room.’ It was great to soak up all their experience and implement it into my performance. It was fantastic to share the screen with such seasoned actors. It made me want to smash my role even more, as I know I deserved to be up there with the best. Hand on my heart, I could be in with the best actors in the world and not look out of place. I’m super confident in this. Renegades was a blast, and spending some quality time with Billy Murray will always be a pleasure.
You’ve jumped between action films, horror films and gangster films, and even video games. Do you have a preference? Having been an undefeated boxer, do you think you’re most suited to doing action roles?
To be honest, I just love acting and want to be in all different types of genres. But it’s a great advantage for me to have the pro boxing experience and all of the screen combat, firearm courses, and stunt courses I’ve completed. I’m in great shape, and I’m fit. I can fight better than most people, bringing a level of realism that an ordinary person can’t give. No matter how much of a good actor someone is, if they get put in a physical role, people at home quickly see if it looks authentic or not, that’s where I excel.
Mr Hyde: The Untold Story sounds like an interesting new take on the classic story. Can you tell us a little about the film and your role?
Mr Hyde looks like it’s going to be a great film, It’s a modern-day take on the notorious tale of Jekyll and Hyde from DB13 Productions. It’s a new look for me in this one, as my character is Detective Johnstone. I’m swapping my handgun for a lanyard and suit, haha. I’m looking forward to getting stuck into it.
Are there any other classic stories you’d love to star in an adaptation of?
Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves, was my all-time favourite film growing up as a kid. It would be awesome to be cast in that as an outlaw or someone entertaining to play. That would be good fun.
Are there any actors who inspire you? Any you’d really love to work with?
I’ve got a list as long as my arm; many actors inspire me. I would love to work with Stephen Graham, Scott Adkins, Dwayne Johnson, Jodie Comer, Halle Berry, Nicolas Cage, Frank Grillo, Dolph Lundgren, and Ray Winstone, to name a few. I’d be here all day if I kept going on, haha.
Three favourite films, and why?
1, Goodbye Charlie Bright. It was a class film that starred so many young actors that went on to huge films. I remember pretending I was in the film, strutting about when I was younger.
2, Con Air, What a film. I must have seen it 50 times. It was so well cast. One of my all-time favourites
3, Step Brothers, I laugh out loud every time it’s on. There are only a few films I can watch if I’ve already seen them, but I could watch Step Brothers repeatedly. It kills me every time.
Do you have any film ambitions beyond acting? Producing or directing for example.
I’m not currently interested in producing or directing, but I’m keen and proactive about making my own opportunities. I’m actively looking to create work and collaborate with different filmmakers and directors/ producers. I do this to showcase my abilities and create roles that allow me to do this.
What projects do you have coming up on the horizon?
I start filming on Mr Hyde within the next couple of weeks, and I’m working on a television pilot with a couple of friends that will start filming soon. I’m also currently pencilled in a television series, but I can’t discuss that due to an NDA. I’m always moving forward and excited to see how far I can go in the industry.
Thanks to Andy for stopping by. Find out more at his official site.
Tom Jolliffe
