Chillin’ with Nick Rhys

By Chilled Magazine

In landing the role of Joe Petrali in Harley and the Davidsons, Discovery Channel’s first major move into drama, Nick Rhys is creating quite a buzz.

Rhys attended Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London, following in the footsteps of actors like Dame Judi Dench, Sir Laurence Olivier, Gael García Bernal, and Andrew Garfield. Upon graduating, he learned his craft performing on the stage and quickly transitioned to television. He first came to prominence on the BBC long -running series River City, portraying the PTSD – affected soldier Leo Brodie.

As he progressed further in his career, he found himself performing not only in London, but on stages and film sets across the globe. He made his international debut in October 1st, which won three African International Film Festival awards, as well as appearing on stage in the global tour of The Static in the same year.

After these roles, Nick rose to fame playing the multifaceted character Lockie Campbell in the immensely popular series Hollyoaks. This brought him many new fans who were drawn to his charismatic, sexy portrayal of a character who kept everyone on their toes, a role unlike any other character on the series. He landed his first award nominations on the show, getting the nod for both Best Newcomer, and Sexiest Male.

Outside of acting, Nick’s passions lie with music, spinning tracks as a DJ at selected parties when he can, and of course, playing and watching as much football (soccer) as his schedule will allow. Nick also dedicates his free time to support the charity Autism Speaks in Los Angeles.

Chilled got to chat with Nick about his upcoming projects, his obsession with football, and his idea of a perfect bar.

Chillin' with Nick Rhys
Photo by Collin Ross

Tell us a bit about the projects you are working on or have coming up.

Well the big thing for me this year was getting to work on the Discovery miniseries, Harley and the Davidsons. I played the racer Joe Petrali. It was one of my favorite roles so far, and getting to be around those bikes was pretty incredible. It took all my self-control not to buy one straight after wrapping, much to my family and girlfriend’s relief! It was a nice change in what I’d been doing for the last year and a half before, which was the long-running U.K. show Hollyoaks, which was also great fun. As for what’s next? I’m trying to find something that, first of all, I will enjoy, and second, that challenges me.

With your busy schedule, what do you like to do with your down time?

Well, I don’t know if I classify this as down time, or work, but I do get to the gym pretty much every day, and having that hour to disconnect from having so many things buzzing around my head is invaluable. However, it’s definitely classed as anything but downtime when it’s too early in the morning! Other than that, I love hitting my local cinema, eating out, and anything to do with football (soccer). Whether it’s playing it, or watching it, I’m obsessed.

When you go out to eat, where do you like to dine?

It depends on my mood I guess. If I’m tired, the weather isn’t great, I’d maybe go for a Thai, or pizza or Indian. If it’s hot maybe a BBQ place. I think there’s something in most styles I love. Turkish, Greek, sushi, or Mexican, they all work for me. I’m getting peckish just thinking about them now!

Chillin' with Nick Rhys
Photo by Collin Ross

What types of dishes do you usually order?

If I’m being good, I’ll try and stick to salads, greens, healthy meats, and nothing too indulgent, but if it’s a weekend and I’ve earned it, I’m getting the pizza with the extra toppings, or the fish and chips for sure!

Do you cook?

I do which, if you asked me, say, two years ago would have been a definite no. I think back then, my skills were lacking. Toast was pretty much my specialty. Now, getting more and more into fitness, and how nutrition works, I’ve become fairly respectable in the kitchen. I’d like to think so anyway!

What types of drinks do you order when out?

I love beer like the next guy, but if I know it’s going to be a long night, I’d maybe go for vodka or whiskey. But then again, with a meal, a nice wine goes down well.

Chillin' with Nick Rhys
Photo by Collin Ross

Do you prepare drinks at home?

I do. Not all that much, sometimes a single malt evening.

Do you own a home bar?

Not quite a home bar but a shelf with a fair few spirits and ingredients, with the shaker if the mood takes me. I can do a decent Margarita!

What is it stocked with?

Well, being Scottish, I appreciate my whiskey so I have a few nice bottles. I have gin, tequila, champagne, then the other ingredients for cocktails like Angostura bitters, flavored syrups, and various measures, muddlers, and glasses too. So pretty well stocked! I’d say it’s more of a dream to have the globe that opens up with drinks inside it … or maybe a home beer keg fridge!

What is your favorite drink/cocktail?

My favorite cocktail has to be a Whiskey Sour made with a lovely rye bourbon. I’d recommend Copper Fox Rye. Delicious.

Have you ever been a bartender?

I worked in a pub through drama school. I could pull a great pint of Guinness, but didn’t learn so much about the cocktails.

Visit NickRhys.com and follow him on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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