Meet Eric Geynes | Actor, PerfCap & Voice artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eric Geynes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eric, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Work-life balance is something I’ve genuinely had to figure out along the way, especially coming from a professional swimming background where my days were basically spells of being underwater for hours on end. Back then, it was all or nothing—training six hours a day leaves little room for, well, anything else. I carried a bit of that “all in” mentality into acting at first, trying to juggle every opportunity, pushing myself to the brink. Spoiler: it’s not sustainable, unless you’re some sort of superhero.

I soon learnt that acting isn’t just about the moments on set or stage—it’s about who you are when the cameras aren’t rolling or the curtain’s down. Looking after your mental health, and knowing when to switch off, is crucial. For me, that means protecting my downtime and not feeling guilty about it. Sometimes I’ll go for a swim (old habits die hard), meditate, or just escape the madness and read a book where no one’s out to judge my latest audition tape.

There was a time filming the series Fearless, directed by Sebastien Drouin, where the intensity on set was off the charts—long, emotional takes, pressure to nail everything in one go. I remember those moments when you have to be fully present but also take care to step back and breathe between scenes. Mental health isn’t talked about enough in our industry, but it’s so important. It’s about finding that balance of being “on” for your craft and knowing when to step away to look after yourself.

I feel this applies not just to actors but to anyone self-employed or in creative industries. We often blur the lines between work and life because the passion runs so deep, but giving ourselves permission to rest is key to longevity. Without that, creativity and performance suffer. So I try to be mindful of that balance every day—it keeps me grounded, focused, and ultimately a better actor.

In fact, here’s a bit of exclusive news—it’s the first time I’m sharing this: I’m just about to publish a book called The Constant Actor: Daily Practices to Own Your Identity. It’s all about helping actors feel like artists every single day, not only when they’re in front of the camera or on stage. Because let’s face it, it’s easy to forget sometimes that being an actor is an identity, not just a job or a series of gigs.

If there’s one thing I’ve learnt about staying sane and sharp, it’s that balance isn’t a switch you flip—it’s a daily dance. And sometimes, when things get a bit too much, a good laugh (and perhaps a cuppa) goes a very long way.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work as an actor and writer is very much interconnected—each informs and enriches the other. Acting allows me to bring a diverse array of characters to life, from the stern Lord Jenkinson in Apple TV’s Carême to roles in Emily in Paris and the intense thriller film noir The Third Degree, directed by Ryan Little, which will be released in the US early 2026. I’ve also had the privilege of working with acclaimed directors like Jacques Audiard and Albert Dupontel, spanning theatre, film, and television. Whether it’s The Blue Man Group show in NYC, Berkoff’s Metamorphosis, Sarah Kane’s Blasted, or my work in theatre, I see each project as an opportunity to push creative boundaries.

Alongside acting, I’ve been focusing on writing and coaching (I am a certified coach in the Chubbuck technique founded by Hollywood coach Ivana Chubbuck), which have become crucial components of my artistic journey. As previously mentioned, I’m preparing to publish a book called The Constant Actor: Daily Practices to Own Your Identity. It’s designed to help actors feel like true artists every day—beyond the set, in their minds and routines. I believe nurturing that artist’s mindset is essential for sustaining a long career.

My career path has definitely had its share of challenges—rejections, setbacks, unexpected twists. But perseverance and authenticity have kept me moving forward. What’s become clearer over time is that stories with deep questions and resonant themes are more and more important to me. This has shifted my screenwriting focus increasingly towards stories about the environment and social justice—areas I believe are vital in today’s world.

And I remain committed to creating work that connects with audiences on a meaningful level. It’s not just about landing roles; it’s about contributing to narratives that challenge, inspire, and provoke thought. My aim is to bring that same dedication and authenticity to every project I undertake, whether in front of the camera or behind the scenes.

Finally, earlier this year I shot a new series in Budapest called Ponies, premiering on NBC Peacock on January 15th, 2026 (save the date!). Set in Moscow, 1977, it follows two women who become CIA operatives after their husbands die under mysterious circumstances, pulling them into a dangerous Cold War conspiracy. It’s a gripping, fast-paced series full of twists, and a great example of the kind of compelling stories I’m passionate about telling.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If a friend were visiting for a week, I’d want to show them the side of Los Angeles that really captures its diversity and energy—which, after living and working in London, is something I deeply appreciate. LA’s incredible mix of cultures and neighbourhoods makes it a fascinating place to explore, especially when you’re craving variety in food, vibes, and experiences.

We’d definitely kick things off in Thai Town. I’m a bit obsessed with the food there—authentic dishes like the ones at Sanamluang, with their Sanamluang noodles and green curry that really pack a punch. It’s my go-to for good eats and laid-back vibes. For a bit of fresh air and nature, I love taking friends hiking in Griffith Park or Echo Park. The views alone make it worth the walk, and it’s a peaceful break from the city hustle.

Evenings? Well, that’s where LA really shines. One of my regular spots is Bar Covell—perfect for catching up with friends or even squeezing in a professional meeting, which is very LA in spirit. I mean, who doesn’t like mixing business with a cocktail or two? For live music, the Hollywood Bowl is an absolute gem. Catching a concert there under the stars is something everyone should experience at least once.

On weekends, I’d take them to explore artsy neighbourhoods like Silver Lake and Echo Park. They’re packed with quirky galleries, independent coffee shops, and cool little hangouts where you get a real sense of LA’s creative heart.

What I love most about LA is this blend of cultures—not just in food and places but in the endless opportunities to connect, create, and be inspired. It’s a city of contrasts and possibilities, and that’s what makes it such a vibrant, exciting place to call home.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m incredibly grateful to quite a few people who’ve supported me along the way, but if I had to single out one, it would be my first swimming coach, Paule Cannac. She was tough as nails, brutally honest, and always kept me grounded—lessons that have stayed with me long after I hung up my goggles. That sense of discipline and humility has particularly helped me navigate the unpredictable world of acting.

As I’ve progressed, I’ve been lucky to work on some great projects like Apple TV’s Carême, Netflix’s Emily in Paris, and the Oscar winning film Emilia Perez directed by Jacques Audiard. Each experience taught me something new, and having mentors and friends in the industry who share their wisdom has been absolutely invaluable. Still, I often think of Bryan Cranston—not as a mentor in the traditional sense, but as someone whose career I admire immensely. His advice that, as actors, it’s not just about landing roles but about consistently giving your best in every audition has really stuck with me. I like to think of him as a kind of guiding voice, reminding me that focusing on the process rather than just the end goal is where real growth happens.

At the end of the day, having that support system—whether it’s mentors, colleagues, or even inspiring figures like Bryan—is what keeps the fire burning and helps me stay grounded amid the hustle.

Website: https://imdb.me/ericgeynes

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Image Credits
Anna Stefani, Roy Lewis, Victor Boyko, Joanna Correia