THE FRUITS OF LABOR. Actor, model and the Juiceman. Andrew Cooper’s career is literally unlike any other. Here he shares his story while showcasing the latest collection from Dunhill London
Nowadays, English-born Andrew Cooper is best known as one of the stars of “The Royals”—arguably the most English TV series currently airing. Long story short, it tells the story of a fictional British royal family and the power struggles happening within it. But before that, he was already a successful model, appearing in ad campaigns for, among others, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani Jeans and, most famously, Diet Coke. But it seems that there’s also a businessman’s brain inside the artist’s head, as Cooper also operates a couple of pet-related ventures and is the creator of the Juiceman brand. If anything, the Juiceman certainly has an incredible tale to tell.
DA MAN: Hi, Andrew. Great to have you with us. So, this December, the third season of “The Royals” will start airing. What can fans of the series expect this time around?
Andrew Cooper: Yes, Lord Beckwith will be coming back to stir things up a bit and ruffle Jasper’s [Jasper Frost, played by Tom Austen] feathers. The show has some big story lines and some good new characters. I feel like the show also delivers some grit this season, so make sure you tune in.
DA MAN: Can you tell us anything about the role of your character—Lord Twysden Beckwith—in this season’s story?
Andrew Cooper: He is the best friend of the deceased Prince Robert, who was the rightful heir to the throne and first love of princess Eleanor. He carries on showing up and playing with the princess’ heart, but in the third season, things change. This season, he is back for other reasons that I cannot elaborate on, and it’s going to kick off with a huge bang.
DA MAN: With two seasons behind you, what would you say is the secret to the show’s staying power?
Andrew Cooper: I think the key is in having great characters and then the struggle for power and the weight of the throne that creates drama … along with a story of a real family that’s relatable. There are a few good love triangles that always keep things interesting such as Jasper, Eleanor and Beck. It’s fantasy, but the family struggles are relatable. Having a great creator and skipper like Mark Schwahn and a great cast are also key to the success.
DA MAN: On a more personal note, what do you like the most about being part of “The Royals”?
Andrew Cooper: The cast and crew are awesome. My character is not a lead, but whenever I’m on set, it feels like a family reunion and it’s a fun place to be every summer.
DA MAN: We saw several photos of you training on Instagram, with the latest one containing the words “ninja” and “five weeks to go.” are these hints to a possible upcoming TV or movie that you are currently working on?
Andrew Cooper: Yes, I am currently filming an exciting new project with director Camille Delamarre called “The Way” in Paris. This is something very different for me and something that I would have swam to France to do. It’s high-octane action and I get to play the lead ninja, Sam, and rob some banks and kick ass. It’s part of a new project with Canal+ and will be released in 2017. That’s all I can say, but the cast is amazing and I can’t wait for everyone to see it.
DA MAN: By the way, what was it that first attracted you to acting?
Andrew Cooper: When I turned 28 and had my first child, I reevaluated my next steps and was looking for other businesses and hobbies to do alongside modelling. I have always loved movies and studying drama was something I wanted to try. I had always been close to landing big movie roles previously, but never got over the line. About five years ago, I decided to do some classes and training and really loved the depth and psychology that you can delve into. It’s a tough career and one that many people don’t get to succeed in. You have to build trust with casting directors and studios, and that takes time. My agent once said that a career in acting is a long and beautiful journey if you have the drive and patience for it.
DA MAN: On a related note, how did you get your start in modeling?
Andrew Cooper: I was scouted at 15 by Models One.
DA MAN: Of all the editorials, advertisements and campaigns you’ve done so far, which ones would you say have been the most memorable for you?
Andrew Cooper: Ads for Giorgio Armani with [photographers] Mert and Marcus; i-D cover with my good friend Edward Enninful; Diet Coke commercial and the Dunhill ICON fragrance by Annie Leibovitz are probably the top ones. To be honest, though, I have had some good fortune in the business and traveled to so many amazing places, so it’s hard to pick the best memories.
DA MAN: A lot of actors who also model, or models who delve into acting, talk about how modeling skills tend to lend itself well to acting and vice versa. What’s your take on this?
Andrew Cooper: I actually disagree, as modeling often makes you very self-aware of your clothes and actions—which in acting is the worst thing. For sure, there are benefits to being comfortable with the camera and learning your angles and commercials give you experience, but for me it was a hard process to rid myself of the bad habits. If you look back at the amount of models who actually make the transition, it’s a very small percentage compared to the numbers that try. I also think that being obviously good-looking can limit your roles, which is frustrating. [Laughs]
DA MAN: And then there’s the Juiceman—the brand and the book. Can you tell us the story behind this venture?
Andrew Cooper: Sure. This started back in 2013 when I had bought a fruit farm up north and I was obsessed with the whole concept of fasting and detox. I also have a few petrelated businesses with my wife: The Mutz Nutz, a pet boutique in Notting Hill, and Wildwash, a natural pet shampoo brand. They were all born with a passion for the space and seeing a niche in the market. With juicing, there was nobody doing it in the U.K., so I just decided to buy a huge cold press juicer from California and The Juiceman was born. We have sold over 20,000 cleanses and now just launched a new range that sells in over 400 stores. It’s been a tough journey, but it’s been worth it. As for the book, I was doing some popup demos and I met Rachel, my book agent. We discussed it over a juice, and next minute there I was writing the book! It’s been amazing to see it now selling all over the world. We launch it in Germany, France, Spain and the U.S. in January.
DA MAN: How would you recommend the average person adopt juicing as part of a healthy lifestyle?
Andrew Cooper: For me, it’s about using fresh produce and creating a great tasting juice that’s packed with vitamins, minerals and raw enzymes. There is no other way to consume 1kg of goodness in such a short time. I’m also a huge fan of smoothies and tend to have one after every training session and substitute breakfast for a big green smoothie when I have had a big extravagant dinner.
DA MAN: What do you usually say to people who are wary about trying out new healthy living fads?
Andrew Cooper: First of all, you have to find a rhythm to make it doable in your daily routine. After that, I say try it for two weeks, and once you see and feel the results, then the job is done. I feel great and hardly ever get sick, and a massive part of that is the juices and super smoothies I drink daily.
DA MAN: Between acting, modeling and juicing—plus all the things we haven’t covered yet—you have quite a lot on your plate. How do you balance everything?
Andrew Cooper: One thing you do need to be is organized—which is something I have had a fast-track degree in over the past few years. Also, I do one thing at a time as it gets overwhelming. And the weekends are typically email free and spent with my friends and family for my own sanity. I can’t complain, though, as I love everything I do. And luckily, I’m now at a place where they all exist and are progressing well. When you do something you love and are passionate about, then you will always find it easier to persist with, as no business is straightforward.
DA MAN: Looking forward, which path will you probably devote more time to?
Andrew Cooper: All of them. [Smiles]
DA MAN: Speaking of time, do you still have time for your non-work related passions?
Andrew Cooper: I love to box and I now do kung fu as well. I hike with the family and dogs. I am also the health and fitness ambassador for the Macmillan Cancer charity, so I’m planning some big challenges for 2017 and ways to inspire people to adopt healthy habits whether it is excursive or diet, and ideally both.
DA MAN: Ultimately, what is it that motivates you each day?
Andrew Cooper: The dream to deliver my dreams and also the determination not to fail. I want my kids and family to be proud. The real challenge, though, is to be successful in an honest way and also by doing good along the way.
To see more photos from this photo shoot, get your copy of DA MAN Dec’16/Jan’17 here, and check out the outtakes below:
Photography & styling Ronald Liem
Grooming Shukeel Murtaza
Model Andrew Cooper/Select Model Management