Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle
Nationality
United Kingdom
Parents
David Cohen, Betty Jackson
Siblings
Pascale Jackson-Cohen
Nicknames
Oliver Mansour Jackson-Cohen , Oliver Jackson Cohen
Nominations
AACTA Award for Best Lead Actor in a Television Drama
Movies
The Healer, Despite the Falling Snow, The Raven, What's Your Number?, Faster, Going the Distance
TV Shows
The Secret River, Dracula, Emerald City
Star Sign
Scorpio
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Quote
1
I've been offered quite a few network shows, over the past couple of years, and always turned them down because I never wanted the commitment. The way that it works in America, you do a pilot and then you wait, and I just thought that wasn't really what I was interested in doing, in that moment. And then, I was filming another show (Mr Selfridge (2013)) in the U.K. that went out on PBS in America, and they called me and said, "They're making Dracula (1992)." My immediate reaction was, "No!" And then, they said, "Jonathan Rhys Meyers has been cast as Dracula," and I thought, "Oh, fuck, that's genius! That's genius casting!" So I said, "Okay." They said, "NBC is making it. They're only doing 10 episodes for the first season." I think it's very rare, as an actor, that you get to a script, or an idea of a script, and you go, "Oh, I just have to do that!" It fell into place very quickly.
2
There's so much fakeness in the fashion world, but Mum and Dad have always given us a good work ethic and were quite worried at first about whether I could make a living from acting. They've been together for 29 years and share the same values. I really do want to have that kind of marriage myself.
3
I went to the premier of Stardust (2007) which starred Michelle Pfeiffer. I nearly died when I saw her on the red carpet - she's so beautiful.
4
I had this maroon 'Lion King' tracksuit that my mum couldn't take off me. I wore it until the sleeves ended at my elbows and the trousers ended at my knees.
5
Acting gives me an adrenalin rush I don't get from anything else.
6
I remember being told very early on, 'Just say what they want to hear in the audition, and we'll figure it out later on.' So there have been a few tricky moments. I once said I could ride, when the truth is I'm terrified of horses, but I got the job!
7
It's never fun having to bulk up for a job on an action film, then lose weight for another role. I don't actually mind working out, but it's the diet: I'm half-French, so I love my food, and boiled chicken breast for breakfast is not my idea of a good meal.
8
I love Dior and Commes des Garcons, but I can't really afford them.
9
When I started acting, everyone told me to get a backup in case it didn't work out; if there was something else I could have done, I would have done it. Acting should never be your chosen path if you can help it.
10
For a long time, I so badly wanted to work with Jeremy Piven, and I ended up on Mr Selfridge (2013) with him. He was such a character - so brilliant to work with.
11
It's like a cross between Passion of the Christ and Spooks. I play a Knight Templar called Colm who's a pretty sick guy - it was nice to have a role so different to Philip.
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Fact
1
Attended French school at the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle in London.
2
Engaged to 'Dracula (TV series)' co-star Jessica De Gouw. [2013]
3
His father was born in Israel and raised in France. His mother is English.
4
Studied with Michael Luggio at the Malisa Theatre Academy.
5
Washed vases at a florist before landing first major role in Lark Rise to Candleford.
$3 Million
