We Speak Actors
Robert Besta appears opposite Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx in new Netflix film ‘Back In Action’
‘Back In Action’, dropping tomorrow on Netflix, is a fast-moving action comedy starring Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx as a middle-aged couple with children who are pulled back into being spies after their secret identities are exposed. Among the star-studded cast (the film also features Glenn Close and Andrew Scott), German actor Robert Besta plays an Eastern European oligarch who possesses some highly sensitive data that the couple want to get their hands on…
Robert, who was born in Poland and grew up in Germany, is an actor and musician known for the films ‘Treasure’, starring Lena Dunham and Stephen Fry; ‘And Tomorrow the Entire World’, directed by Julia von Heinz; and ‘Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin’, directed by Todd Komarnicki.
Robert is also renowned for playing villains in the German TV shows ‘Die Fallers’ and ‘Tatort’, and he brings this skill for evil to his new Netflix role.
“I was happy to slip into the role of the dodgy businessman!” he said. He added that the Hollywood stars in the film were remarkably relaxed:
“It was an incredible and wonderful experience to be in front of the camera in such a big production. Working with Cameron and Jamie was super-relaxed and enjoyable.”
“Both greeted me warmly before the shoot and I chatted to Cameron about everything, so we had already got to know each other beforehand and were able to ease into the scenes. In addition, Jamie always kept everyone in a good mood between the takes and entertained everyone with little jokes and dance interludes!”

Robert speaks German, Polish, English and French and used all his languages in the film, with an Eastern European accent layered on top. Filming took place in London, UK and Atlanta, Georgia, and Robert did a lot of preparation for his role: “I prepared as I would for any other shoot: understanding the world in which the role is set, creating a role biography that I can connect with as much as possible, finding out what the goal of every scene is. It takes a lot of preparation to be able to let go of everything on set and be completely with your partner and in the moment.”
He said it was fascinating to see how everything in the film was planned down to the smallest detail, and yet the actors were still given the opportunity to improvise. He explained:
“For example, we invented a completely new scene on set with my film daughter, that wasn’t even in the script.”
“Seth, the director, instructed her to act out a scene with me: he called out lines, she acted them out and everyone was really enthusiastic about it.”
Robert’s acting career began in theatre – after studying at the Ernst Busch Academy of Dramatic Arts in Berlin, he became a regular actor at the Badisches Staatstheater in Karlsruhe. He said: “I didn’t know Karlsruhe until then and had no intention of staying – well, I still live there. In fact, it’s the longest time I’ve ever been in one place in my life.”
After appearing on the red carpet for the premiere of ‘Back In Action’, Robert’s year continues in a similarly high-octane vein, as he prepares to tour with his indie band MICOR as well as work on more exciting TV and film projects.
‘Back In Action’ premieres on Netflix on Friday 17 January.
Featured photo credit: Netflix/John Wilson
We Speak Actors
‘All’s Fair’’ actress Adlih Alvarado on her significant role in the TV series and her success in filmmaking
‘All’s Fair’, starring Naomi Watts, Niecy Nash, and Kim Kardashian, continues to generate buzz for its powerhouse cast and compelling storytelling. Among the notable performances in the series is actress Adlih Alvarado, whose appearance marks an important milestone in her acting career. Alongside her on-screen work, Adlih is also making waves behind the camera as a filmmaker, bringing a multifaceted creative perspective to her projects. We caught up with her to discuss her experience on ‘All’s Fair’, working opposite industry icons, and her growing success in filmmaking.
Adlih, how did it feel seeing yourself in the recently released episode of ‘All’s Fair’, appearing opposite Sarah Paulson and Naomi Watts?
It felt really surreal — almost like I was watching someone else with my skin acting for me! I replayed the episode so many times because I just couldn’t wrap my head around it. All the anticipation leading up to the episode made it even more exciting. I’ve learned so much from them. I’m obsessed with David Lynch, so finally meeting Naomi — and acting with her — felt like being in the clouds with the stars aligned. And Sarah… I’ve followed her work for years. Every American Horror Story season is burned into my brain. I aspire to be as versatile as she is. They were both incredibly kind and supportive. After we wrapped, Sarah double high-fived me and told me I did a good job — and honestly, no one can ever take that moment away from me.
Can you tell us more about your scene and what the experience was like behind the scenes?
Behind the scenes, it was a lot of fun. Whenever I wasn’t on camera, they offered to take me back to my holding room, but I wanted to stay in the chaos and watch everyone work. It was raining both days, and they even gave me cute rain boots. On the second day, I felt much more relaxed, especially since I didn’t have lines and was simply present in the scene. While everyone was setting up, I finally met Glenn Close, and everyone asked about my name, which felt like a small but special moment. I really wanted to observe, learn, and absorb how big productions operate. Being on a set like that was incredibly valuable.
You’re also a filmmaker — can you share more about your projects in that field?
Yes, I’m also a filmmaker. I studied acting at NYFA, but I really learned filmmaking through creating my own projects and collaborating with friends on theirs. That hands-on experience shaped how I see stories and how they’re built.
“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has taught me along the way — from wardrobe and set design to building sets.”
I’m also a special effects makeup artist, which gives me another strong connection to the behind-the-camera world. Being on both sides of production helps me feel comfortable with the crew and understand the overall flow of a shoot.

How does your work as a filmmaker influence or support your acting?
It’s a bit of a 50/50 clash. When I’m acting in my own projects, I’m already thinking about the editing room and how the story will come together. My process can look chaotic to others, but I know exactly what I want.
“When I’m acting on someone else’s project, it gives me more freedom. I can explore different choices and layers without worrying about the technical side.”
It feels like stepping into the upside-down version of the same world — but it fuels my creativity.
What’s next for you in filmmaking?
Right now, I’m focused on finishing my film ‘Blu Milk’ and getting it ready for the market — it’s definitely my biggest project so far. I also have a feature film written called ‘Where the Fish Sleep’, which I’d love to start shopping around. My short film ‘Espresso’ is finished and will be hitting festivals in early 2026. It’s my first romantic film and takes place during a chemistry read for an upcoming superhero movie. I wrote, directed, produced, edited, and acted in it — I wore all the hats on that one!
Featured photo credit: Talia Bonanno
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