ABOUT THE BOY. Meet the guy behind the gossip as Australian actor Thomas Cocquerel talks to DA MAN about his relationship with acting

Jacket by G-Star RAW, trousers by American Apparel

Try googling “Thomas Cocquerel.” Go on, we’ll wait.

Have you done it? Good.

Now forget everything you just read.

You probably noticed that the Australian actor’s name has been showing up here and there on various news outlets. Most of the topics, though, revolve around his love life, as he’s been linked to a couple of beautiful young actresses.

But, as DA MAN has now discovered, he has more to offer than mere gossips. Cocquerel, who is one hell of a serious actor, made his Hollywood debut in “Kidnapping Mr. Heineken” (2015) playing alongside Sam Worthington, Ryan Kwanten, Jim Sturgess and Anthony Hopkins. He will soon appear in more titles with other notable names such as in “Table 19” with Anna Kendrick and “Billionaire Boys Club” with Ansel Elgort, Taron Egerton, Emma Roberts, Suki Waterhouse and Kevin Spacey.

DA MAN: Can you tell us about “Billionaire Boys Club” and the character you’ll be playing?
Thomas Cocquerel: “Billionaire Boys Club” is a true story about a group of young privileged, wealthy boys in L.A. who set up a Ponzi scheme to get rich quick that lead to deadly consequences. I play Charlie, one of the few founders of the “BBC” company who sees it through to its malevolent demise.

DA MAN: How is filming the movie like, especially since the cast of “Billionaire Boys Club” are mostly young actors?
Thomas Cocquerel: It’s always a joy working with your peers on a film. As we are all roughly the same age with similar interests, we bonded quickly and I hope our friendship translates well in the film. We certainly had our fair share of mischief on and off the set. There are some great party scenes in the film that we all had way too much fun filming.

DA MAN: What do you value most about your fellow cast members?
Thomas Cocquerel: I love working with people that share a passion of film. It’s such a fun and exciting job that I feel blessed every day I’m on set. I value the people who enjoy the work and appreciate it just as much.

T-shirt by The Squad, trousers by Nike

DA MAN: What about your other movie, “Table 19”? Can you tell us about it and the character you will be playing?
Thomas Cocquerel: “Table 19” is a romantic comedy about the guests at a wedding that you hope won’t turn up, all still arriving and sitting at the same table. I play a mystery guy of sorts called Huck, who turns up and takes a fancy for Anna Kendrick’s character. It’s a really fun movie with an amazing cast.

DA MAN: Do you have any other projects coming up?
Thomas Cocquerel: I do. I can’t yet share what’s ahead this year, but I’m pumped it’s turning out to be a very exciting one.

DA MAN: What kind of movie and character would you like to play next?
Thomas Cocquerel: I’m really driven by stories and interesting character arcs. I’ll always hold the same dreams I had as a kid playing cops and cowboys, but now I’m focused on finding and fighting for roles that challenge and inspire me.

Denim shirt by H&M, denim trousers by Calvin Klein Jeans

DA MAN: You’ve played alongside Anna and Jim Sturgess, and you’ve mentioned in an interview that music inspires your acting. Did working with them motivate you to try your hand in musicals?
Thomas Cocquerel: It’s funny; music has always been very personal for me. I grew up loving the piano and guitar and playing privately for my own pleasure because I never thought I’d use either professionally. Recently, however, I have had to sing and play on camera and it’s been inspiring. I admire Anna and Jim for their musical talents and how they’ve both been able to incorporate it in their film careers.

DA MAN: You worked with Sam Worthington and Ryan Kwanten in “Kidnapping Mr. Heineken.” How was it like to have those fellow Aussie actors as your co-stars in your first major movie?
Thomas Cocquerel: They were a huge influence. I was so nervous before starting my first movie, but they put me at ease as soon as I met them. They really took me under their wing and taught me the ropes on a professional set. I still think of their advice every time I do a job.

DA MAN: What did you learn from working with the likes of Anthony Hopkins and Kevin Spacey?
Thomas Cocquerel: It was an honor to work with Anthony Hopkins and Kevin Spacey, because not only are they such amazing actors but they were also so generous off set. I found both of them to be incredibly open and giving to young actors. Their advice and mentorship has meant so much to me and I’ll never forget it.

Shirt by H&M, denim trousers by Joe’s Jeans, bag by Ralph Lauren, ring by Cartier, watch by Hugo Boss, belt by American Apparel, shoes by Florsheim

DA MAN: How did you get into acting in the first place, by the way?
Thomas Cocquerel: I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be an actor. I used to make movies when I was a kid in my free time. I thought directing was going to get me into the film business at first and then drama school really locked in my love for acting.

DA MAN: What quality do you most admire in a significant other?
Thomas Cocquerel: Honesty and a good sense of humor. I have a soft spot for anyone that can make me laugh.

DA MAN: Are you currently living in L.A.? How have you adapted to life in the City of Angels?
Thomas Cocquerel: I grew up in the States when I was a young. We spent a few years in both L.A. and Houston before moving to Sydney for high school. I feel like the U.S. is an extension of “home” for me. I’m in and out of L.A. so much at the moment for work that my only culture shock now is changing what side of the street I drive on every few weeks.

T-shirt by The Squad

T-shirt by The Squad, denim trousers by Calvin Klein Jeans

Shirt by The Squad

Sweatshirt by G-Star RAW, trousers by Nike

Photography Mitchell Nguyen McCormack
Styling Lauren Larocca
Grooming Elie Maalouf at Jedroot using Charlotte Tilbury
Styling Assistant Courtney Leday

Real Talk With Thomas Cocquerel of the Upcoming “Billionaire Boys Club” Movie

American Apparel,

Billionaire Boys Club,

Calvin Klein Jeans,

Cartier,

Florsheim,

g-star raw,

H&M,

hugo boss,

Joe's Jeans,

Nike,

ralph lauren,

The Squad,

Thomas Cocquerel