We Speak Actors

Spotlight on Actor and Voice-Over Artist Mohsen Ghaffari

Published

5 months ago

October 8, 2024

Mohsen Ghaffari has earned recognition in both theatre and voice-over work, most notably for his role in Phaedra at the National Theatre, directed by Simon Stone. In this production, he worked alongside a remarkable cast that included Janet McTeer, Assaad Bouab, Paul Chahidi, Mackenzie Davis, and John MacMillan. During the pandemic, Mohsen captivated audiences as Bottom and Egeus in the Australian Shakespeare Company’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Kew Gardens. A British-Iranian actor fluent in English, Farsi, and Dari, Mohsen skillfully performs across all three languages.

Mohsen, can you share how your acting career began?

I started out in Iran, performing in theatre productions. But when I moved to London in 2010, everything changed. I didn’t speak any English at the time, but I was determined to break into the UK theatre scene. I sent over 120 emails to various theatre companies and individuals, asking for an opportunity. Unsurprisingly, no one responded! Looking back, I don’t blame them—I had no idea what I’d written in those emails. My English was so poor that even I couldn’t understand what I was asking for! (laughs) But then, out of the blue, I heard back from the Almeida Theatre. They invited me to join their Young Friends of the Almeida programme. I was ecstatic.

“I attended countless workshops there, and for a while, the Almeida became my second home. I learned so much and I’m deeply grateful for that experience.”

Who were your early inspirations in acting?

Growing up in Iran, I was fascinated by Hollywood films. Actors like Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and Robert De Niro were huge inspirations for me. But I was also motivated by those who discouraged me from pursuing acting—especially my parents. I remember a family friend, an actor and director himself, telling my father not to encourage me to become an actor. He said the industry was unstable and full of uncertainty. I remember thinking, If it’s not worth pursuing, why does he continue to work in it? (laughs) And here I am today, doing exactly what I love. I wouldn’t change it for the world.

What has been your most memorable project to date?

That’s a difficult question. I’ve truly enjoyed every project I’ve worked on, each offering its own unique experience. However, if I had to choose, I’d say last year’s production of Phaedra at the National Theatre stands out. “

“Working with Simon Stone and such a talented cast was an unforgettable experience.”

“Simon’s approach to theatre-making was transformative for me as an actor, and it’s an experience I will always hold dear.

Do you have any behind-the-scenes stories you can share?

During the pandemic, I performed in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Kew Gardens with the Australian Shakespeare Company. It was an outdoor performance, and we had a small tent backstage for costume changes. One evening, while I was getting changed, a woman entered the tent and asked to speak with me. I had to laugh and say, “Let me finish dressing first!” (laughs) When I stepped out, she was in tears. She told me she hadn’t laughed in almost two years due to the pandemic and everything it brought with it. But my performance that evening made her laugh so much that it helped lift the emotional weight she’d been carrying. It was an incredibly touching moment that reminded me of the true power of theatre and why I do this work.

You’ve also worked in television. How does that compare to your stage work?

The main difference is in the scale of the performance. In theatre, everything—your voice, your movements—has to be bigger to reach the audience. But with TV and film, the camera does a lot of the work for you, so you can be more subtle. However, at the end of the day, whether it’s on stage or on screen, it’s all about storytelling. The medium may differ, but the essence of the work stays the same for me.

Featured photo credit: Jake Bush

We Speak Actors

‘Elkhorn’ star Travis Lee Eller talks Westerns, character-building, and the art of the perfect hat

Published

1 week ago

February 12, 2025

Anna Sutton

Travis Lee Eller isn’t just an actor—he’s a storyteller deeply immersed in the world of Westerns, both on-screen and off. Whether portraying rugged frontiersmen or crafting authentic, weathered cowboy hats through his business, Ugly Outlaw Hats, Eller understands that every detail—especially the right hat—helps define a character. Currently, you can catch him in ‘The Rebel’, a Star Wars fan film directed by Casey Oberhansli, now streaming on YouTube. Later this year, he’ll appear in two Western short films, ‘Darlin’’ and ‘Stubborn’, both directed by Robert Gamperl and set to make the film festival rounds before landing on streaming platforms. And, of course, fans of ‘Elkhorn’ can look forward to season two, premiering in late 2025 produced by Morningstar Entertainment on the INSP Network. We caught up with Eller to talk about his career, the legacy of Westerns in Hollywood, and why the perfect hat is more than just an accessory—it’s the finishing touch that brings a character to life.

You’re known for acting in Western film and TV projects. Which ones are you most proud of?

I don’t think I play favorites when it comes to my projects. What I remember most are the experiences on set, the incredible people I’ve worked with, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Each project pushes me to grow as an actor. That said, I’m especially proud of my latest script, ‘No Man Was Civilized’. It’s a story I’ve spent years developing, and I’m excited to see where it goes.

What are you working on at the moment?

Right now, I’m filming season two of Elkhorn for the INSP Network. The series takes place in the 1880s and follows a young Teddy Roosevelt as he ventures west to prove himself as a cowboy. I play Joe Ferris, the town shopkeeper, and the story is rooted in true events. The new season is set to premiere in late 2025. Beyond acting, I recently finished writing a Western feature film called ‘No Man Was Civilized’, which weaves together four short stories into a single, cohesive narrative. Writing has been a long but rewarding process, and I can’t wait to see it take shape.

Your business, Ugly Outlaw Hats, is also connected to Western projects. In what way?

My hats are known for their worn, distressed look—it’s a craft I’ve spent years perfecting. Over time, actors, directors, and costume designers have reached out for custom pieces to fit specific characters. I even wear my own designs in my work. In fact, the hat I’m wearing in ‘Elkhorn’ season two is one of mine. I’ve always believed that in a Western, the hat is the final touch that defines a character. It tells a story before a single word is spoken.

How do you balance your business and acting career?

During my downtime, I’m usually making hats.The two never really interfere with each other—if anything, hat-making is therapeutic for me. I often find myself running lines in my head while working in my studio. If it weren’t for acting, I probably wouldn’t have started my business in the first place. Over time, I’ve found a rhythm that allows me to balance both without feeling overwhelmed.

What advice would you give to actors who want to appear in Westerns?

Every actor has their own approach to storytelling, character development, and capturing the right tone. There’s no single “right way” to do it. But for me, my love of Westerns comes from a deep passion for that era of American history. I grew up in a household where Westerns were always on TV, so it became part of my DNA. If I had to give one practical piece of advice? Don’t wear your hat backward. I see it happen in movies and TV shows all the time, and it always makes me cringe a little.

What upcoming projects do you have?

Right now, you can watch me in ‘The Rebel’, a Star Wars fan film directed by Casey Oberhansli, available on YouTube. Later this year, I’ll be in Darlin’ and Stubborn, two Western short films directed by Robert Gamperl, both of which will hit the festival circuit before streaming. And, of course, Elkhorn season two arrives in late 2025, produced by Morningstar Entertainment.

Beyond that, my agent, Beverly Brock, is always pitching me for new opportunities. I’m excited for whatever comes next and grateful for every step of the journey.

Featured photo credit: Morgan Weistling