MAD FOR MANN. Tech-freak on screen and sleek gentleman off screen, Gabriel Mann talks to DA MAN about the behind the scenes of “Revenge,” modeling and growing up as an only child
Outfit by Salvatore Ferragamo
Over a number of models-cum-actors who try to maintain the best of both worlds, Gabriel Mann is one of the most successful and arguably the most stylish. With a major chunk of his current buzz goes to his perfect portrayal of billionaire hacker Nolan Ross in the hottest television series “Revenge,” Mann has actually planted a seed in acting since 1995. The actor has built a rather quirky portfolio ever since, from playing Josie’s sweetheart in musical comedy “Josie and The Pussycats,” acting as C.I.A deputy director’s assistant in two of “The Bourne” trilogy, to voicing Bruce Banner in “The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes” television show. He had some performances in the horror-thriller genre as well, including being an attorney who faces career challenges in “The Coverup” and a poisoned man embroiled in a huge financial debt in “80 Minutes.”
Coat by Burberry Prorsum
Back on the “Revenge,” the 41-year-old imbues the character with controversial leadership and a pensive mood which inevitably draw the viewers’ attention. The female fans think that he’s “hot,” and the loyal followers of the series are curious to see what Nolan Ross will wear in the next episode, aside from the plot the writers have in the pipeline for him.
Mann’s tall figure and unique facial features qualify him to be photogenic. In fact, he has had a stint as a professional runway model during the early days of his career. Red carpet is where he prefers to be taken pictures at nowadays, though. In terms of fashion inspiration, the American actor regularly sits in the front row in various fashion shows – most recently in the spring/ summer 2014 shows of DKNY, Osklen and Sass & Bide at New York Fashion Week, as well as Philosophy show in Milan Fashion Week.
Coat, pants and belt by Louis Vuitton
DA: Congratulations on the new season of “Revenge”! As a genius software inventor and computer hacker in the series, are you personally a tech-freak?
GM: I am a tech-freak now, only because in this day and age there’s social media and everything runs by electronics. It just leaves you behind the curb if you are not.
Sweater and pants by Burberry, boots by Salvatore Ferragamo
DA: In what way does your role as Nolan Ross influence you?
GM: The role has given me permission to step it up in the menswear department. I have freedom in the performance to really take it to another level. I credit the creators and our network for going on that journey with me.
DA: How would you say about the relationship among the cast of “Revenge”?
GM: We are very, very tight. I truly consider them my family away from my family at this point. It makes it a joy to go to work and catch up with everyone. If we miss each other too much from working on set, we get together over the weekends.
Bag by Salvatore Ferragamo, bracelet by Saint Laurent Paris
DA: Who is the person that you admire the most among them?
GM: There is no one person that I admire the most! I admire each person individually for the qualities and characteristics that they bring to this job and to my life on a day to day basis.
DA: What do you like to do when you are not acting and modeling?
GM: I am a huge music fan – I spend a lot of time listening to music, tracking down artists. I was a DJ at one point. We now have the capacity of putting together our own music, and I love it! I’m also an avid reader and a food appreciator (but not so much a cook!). I am also an avid traveler and have been lucky to have been exposed to the world and experienced different cultures that have influenced me into being the person who I am today.
Outfit by Saint Laurent Paris, boots by Mezlan
DA: Where do you get most of your inspirations from?
GM: My inspiration changes on a day to day basis, it could be sitting outside and watching the world, it could be something cultural I read, a painting I see or an artistic performance I watch. People are very talented and I am eternally curious.
Coat and pants by Tommy Hilfiger
DA: What would you consider as your best physical attribute?
GM: To be able to disappear in the characters I play. This chameleon quality has allowed me to disappear into roles. It’s fun that people have connected the dots between my characters, especially since “Revenge” aired.
Photography Mitchell Nguyen McCormack
Styling Juliet Vo
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