Interviews

Published on April 16th, 2021 | by Dr. Jerry Doby

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Introducing Actor Aleks  Paunovic

Aleks  Paunovic currently portrays Breachman Boscovic in TNT’s Snowpiercer opposite Jennifer Connelly and Daveed Diggs(Season 2 Premiered January 25th). He also stars as Julius in Syfy’s hit series Van Helsing (streaming now on Netflix) with the fifth and final season returning today April 16th.  In addition to his work in front of the camera, Aleks is also a musician, whose band SPECULA BLACK just released their greatest hits on Spotify.  Aleks was “discovered,” performing on stage by a casting director who put him in HBO’s HEADS.  His acting career took off, and since he’s maintained his love of music on the side. 

From the outside looking in, who is Aleks Paunovic?

Aleks Paunovic is a strong man who is fine with being vulnerable and open, but also doesn’t suffer fools.  He’s a good and loyal friend and forgives easily.  Motivated to always do more in life and work and also a cheerleader for others around him.

Was there a defining moment that brought you to the entertainment industry? 

I was talking about this the other day, I thought it was when I was playing in my band in high school, but it was actually when I was much younger…I was about 10 years old, and a legendary hockey player named SERGE SAVARD joined my hometown team.  I was such a huge fan of his, so I went to where they walk from the dressing room to the ice just to see him closer, and as he was about to go back in the dressing room we locked eyes. He smiled and winked. IT LIT ME UP!!  I couldn’t believe my hero saw me, and winked. Ss the years went on, and I was playing in my band and started acting , I had moments like I had with Serge Savard.  Just saying hi to people made their day. I know that feeling;  if someone loves my work and is excited to see me, it lights me up just the same, but not from the perspective of myself. It’s the feeling I remember when I was a boy and how glorious it made me feel.

What is it about acting that you most enjoy?

I love telling stories. I love affecting people, and making them feel an emotion. It’s all team work though…  It’s the composer, it’s the editor, it’s the director, it’s the lighting department. It takes a village to make the audience feel that. Sometimes it doesn’t all connect, but what a glorious feeling it is when it does connect.

Currently, you play Breachman Boscovic in TNT’s Snowpiercer, one of my favorite shows, what brought you to that series?

I love that it’s one of your fav shows! Its mine too! honestly what brought me to the show was the team! I loved the movie, but it was the cast and creators that really excited me.

Who is the biggest joker on the set?

It’s not that much of a jokester set, but in season one I had the privilege of working with my showrunner in Van Helsing Jon Walker, who is also a fantastic actor.  He played Big John in season 1 of Snowpiercer.  One day on set I moved his name on his trailer to a garbage can and put his chair next to it. He then got me back by replacing my name on my trailer with a quite unpleasant name I can’t say here. Everyone on set was calling me that name for the whole day. lol. was a good get back.

 The fifth and final season of Van Helsing premieres April 16th.  What you can the fans expect for the final ride?

It’s such a massive exciting ride in season 5. You get to see the characters have a resolution.  I can’t wait for people to see this season!

Will it be hard to let go of your character, Julius, or are you ready to for a new chapter?

Great question… I don’t want to let Julius go just yet, and that’s a great feeling.  I loved how they wrote Julius and honored him. it will be a sad goodbye but I am so grateful to have had the opportunity.

Music plays a factor in helping you get into character.  When did you start doing this, and can you share some of the songs that inspire “Julius?”

Music is a big part of my life. Vampire Julius’s soundtrack was lots of Metallica, Slayer, soundtrack of The Crow. Human Julius, is some Bob Marley, Foo Fighters, and Iron Maiden.

What are the key factors that get your interest in a potential role?

The biggest is how can I make it unique from what’s on the page. What can I bring to the character that will challenge me?  It’s fantastic when there is amazing writing and it’s right there on the page but also lends to you being creative.  And then the director who is communitive and loves to explore the role with me. If I can find a little bit of each in a role then the excitement of playing it gets me going.

Are you able to watch shows or films as a pure consumer or do you find yourself analyzing every aspect?

I like to think  that I can watch a show or film and get emersed in the storytelling, but there’s always something that pulls me out because I work in the industry. I love the moments where I get lost in a story and not see anything that will pull me out of the experience.

What role do you dream of playing and who would you want to direct you?

I’ve never played a role like a conflicted detective… Like a Pitt in Seven, or first season of True Detective. And  I want Scorsese Directing me. Eeeek! That would be epic.

How have you managed your mental health during the pandemic?

I’ve had my struggles in moments during all of this for sure. The best thing is to talk about it with friends, a therapist, people that you trust and get it off your chest, and a different perspective is always good. Meditating and working out have also been a savior.  It’s a tough time. Anyone still struggling, reach out, don’t live in the negativity that your brain can sometimes pull you in.

What is the most important thing we should know about you?

That I love what I do. I love sharing my gift but more importantly, I love being part of a team, sharing experiences in the most positive and loving way–in work and in life.

Where can we find you online?

twitter and insta @alekspaun

facebook Aleks paunovic fans


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About the Author

Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.


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