I had the extreme pleasure of doing a phone interview with Actor/Model, Andrei Claude. Andrei called in from London where he is currently based and pursuing his acting career. Although some may know him for his previous exploits as a fitness model and gracing the covers of over 50+ romance novels, he is so much more.
Andrei is a man bound and determined to see his vision as a successful actor to reach fruition. Eloquently spoken, he had a fluid, yet commanding presence why we conducted our interview. He was so easy to talk to, that I really had a wonderful time. We discussed his previous work, but I tried to focus on what he really wants to do in the future. His recent move to London is just the first step towards reaching his dreams, and he said “I’m cannot just sit on the couch waiting for the phone to ring, I need to work hard to accomplish my goals”, although he said it in an utterly sexy Italian accent. Sorry Andrei, but you are even sexy over the phone.
Which brings me to my next subject: profiling. In this case job profiling; meaning that just because Andrei Claude works hard to look good, be healthy and stay fit, he shouldn’t be denied the opportunities to branch out into other fields of work. Men that are muscular, possess good symmetry and proportion should not necessarily be stereotyped as senseless, in fact, in order to maintain the regimen it requires to obtain and keep looking as good as Andrei takes discipline and intelligence; of which Andrei has truck loads. I know that we all wish we looked like the models we adore and worship, but they have many obstacles to overcome. Andrei said that he was even denied work as a fashion model due to his defined physique. Although Andrei stands 6 foot and only 182 pounds of lean muscle, he was often not given jobs because of his looks.
What? You say, yes, fashion designers would see pictures of Andrei with his shirt off and tell his agent he would never fit the clothes. Believe it or not, Andrei can wear an average size 40 jacket from the rack, even though his pictures deceived him.
Right now I want to introduce you to someone new, Andrei Claude, my friend. He is a wonderful man, hard working and dedicated to his craft. He has never been married, loves to cook and appreciates a well equipped kitchen. Although he might still be a struggling actor, he had no trouble reining in my appreciation for the truly remarkable man he’s already become in a short 30 years. His dedication and desire to achieve great things, only makes me admire him more. What successes he’s achieved thus far haven’t tainted him, he remains grounded and thankful for all the blessings that have come his way.
I wish Andrei great success in the pursuit of his dreams, but mostly I wish him happiness in all of life’s journeys. He definitely has the drive and desire to do anything he puts his mind to.
Well, yes most times it’s not easy to deal with this kind of work and a relationship. It takes a mature approach and somewhat open minded too.
2. How often do you have to work out to keep that gorgeous body in shape?
I’ve been on a 4 day per week workout regime ever since I started working out, and it’s proven to work well for me. Obviously it also takes a sensible diet to stay in shape.
3. How did you break into the business?
The very first job I got was as a fitness model in California. I was approached by a sports & fitness agency in San Diego who expressed a great interest in representing me.
4. What is your favorite part of being a cover model?
I like the idea of being on a book cover because it seems to last longer, as opposed to a magazine which gets thrown out by the end of the month.
5. Have you read any of the books that you appear on the cover of?
a. If so, what did you think of the books?
I’m embarrassed to say it, but no I haven’t ever read any of the books I’m on. I do have a few stacked up at home though.
6. What photo shoot did you have the best time doing? Why?
awesome interview really enjoyed reading this seems like a great guy!:D
Great interview. Do you have a list of book covers he’s done? I’d like to drool over them! 🙂
What a fun interview!!! How cool =)
Kell Really? OMG.. Lucky girl, if I could get my art brush on him I would be in heaven!! 😛 *sigh*
What a great interview. It’s interesting to see the other side of what a cover model goes through. We look at the cover of a book and may think it’s easy work but as Andrei has shown there is more too it. It is a job even though it may not seem like it. Good luck in the future Andrei. 😀
OMG!!! EXCELLENT interview! This has got to be my favorite. We hear so much of the author and characters but the cover model… not so much!
Great questions and even better answers!=)
Aloha!=)
I LOVED it!!!
Awesome questions! I would want him to be on my book cover. Yum. I’ll defiantly have to watch out for him in the future!