Luke Dejahang is an esteemed actor who has played leading roles in numerous film and TV shows. His features include acting alongside Dai Bradley in The Refuge and in Sky drama, Ancient Egypt.
We chat to Luke to find out what he’s been up to recently…
How has this year been for you so far?
Well, it has been a pretty full-on year. In all honesty, I feel that I am at my best when I’m busy. I enjoy work, craft and the sense of accomplishment in completing a task, whatever that may be. I have two films, Brushing Out The Curls and Confines making their way to the film festivals and three feature films at various stages in development that I will be leading in due course. I’ve just signed with a new agent, the brilliant Lou Davidson (Simon & How Associates) so exciting times ahead. In addition I am also the CEO at Crown Pavilions (manufacturers of luxury garden rooms and wooden gazebos) which I run alongside my acting profession (supported, I might add, by an incredible team and family without whom there would be no acting, that’s for sure!).
So you started as an actor, then went into business – very successfully, we might add! -and now back to acting. Can you tell us about that?
Sure thing, in my teens and 20s I worked extensively on tv and film and on various high profile shows ranging from The Bill, Holby City, Only Fools And Horses, a regular role on London’s Burning… to name but a few. By my mid 20s I had met my wife, had two new-borns and to be honest… it was all a bit of a whirlwind! It was then that I decided to take a break from acting as I felt I needed to provide some stability for my family – the life of an actor, as exciting as it can be, is unpredictable at best. So I decided to train as a carpenter as I figured so long as people need to live somewhere there will be work for carpenters and other trades. I chose carpentry as I always loved woodwork from a young age. I set up Crown Pavilions with my business partner and we have never looked back.
However, in late 2020 I suddenly had this urge to return to the film industry. Put simply, I missed it. I love film and that never left me. I knew at that moment, it was time for me to come back. It’s difficult to explain what it is that compels one to not only enter but more poignantly re-enter into an industry which can be and often is brutal! I think if you are a creative at heart and need to express yourself artistically and connect with people (in whatever form or medium that may be) you will do just that. In spite of the hardships and inevitable judgement if the desire to create is there, as is with me once again, you will just find a way and make it happen!
How would you describe your work?
Well, I have two hats and it just depends which one I have on for that day. I am the CEO of a luxury garden buildings company and am surrounded by brilliant colleagues who I cherish. They are Crown Pavilions and I also play my part to the best of my ability. A typical day involves motivating my team, facilitating in the design and launching of new products, keeping a close eye on the figures and at times troubleshooting and overcoming challenges.
My other hat of course is acting in and producing films and screen work which I love and am passionate about. Telling stories that move, inspire, entertain and educate is an area that I will be applying myself to with focus and dedication for as long as I can, providing I continue enjoying it as much as I am now.
What do you want people to take away from it?
Enjoyment, entertainment, thought provoking, or simply a smile. So long as the work I do is being enjoyed in some way, educating, or adding value in some small way, I cannot ask for more than that.
What inspires you and who are your influences?
I would say whenever I see kindness or compassion I am inspired. It makes me want to be a better person. I always say, as humans we are full of flaws, not least myself, but when I see someone trying to improve and connect with people on a human level, with kindness and regardless of their background (whatever that may be) in a non-judgemental way, that’s what really inspires me.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
It’s all a passing show. Relax and enjoy the ride.
What’s next for you? What are you most excited about?
I’m currently filming in Greece playing a body-guard on an Apple TV+ series. It’s a small part that may be developed further but I’m having a great time working with the team there. I also have three feature films which I will be leading or co-leading all in development. I also continue to work with my team at Crown Pavilions, developing our brand further offering our highly valued international client base with the world’s finest luxury garden rooms and wooden gazebos.
You can find out a little more on what I’m up to and have been doing by visiting my IMBD page.
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