IT'S ABOUT THE STORY | MARIA STEN

This month's cover editorial is with actress and writer, Maria Sten. Throughout her career she has used her passion for creativity to navigate her interests whether it was being Miss Denmark 2008 and then representing her country at Miss Universe, working as a model and a dancer until connecting with her passion for storytelling!

For fans of Big Sky, she wrote for this crime genre series that took place in Montana; those who enjoy immersive podcasts, she included her voice work in QCODE's Narcissa; and she's currently in Prime Video's Reacher whose second season is streaming now and we're excited to see that not only is the third season greenlit, but it is already in production, and of course her character, Frances Neagley will be back!

We wanted to find out more about how she got into the industry as a writer and actress, the stories she likes to tell, how she gets inspired, being on Reacher, its success, working on projects she's passionate about, and more.

We also enjoyed our cover shoot with her at il Pellicano and Bijoux Lounge in NoLita which has been on our list to transport us as we navigate the winter weeks ahead.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We have been a fan of yours across the Narcissa podcast, your work as a writer with Big Sky and obviously with Reacher! But before we delve into that, in our research we saw that you were Miss Denmark 2008 and competed at Miss Universe as well, you were a dancer, and a model. What made you want to do that and to ultimately, dig deeper into entertainment as a writer and a producer.

MARIA STEN: You know, that’s a good question. I think that one thing that is true to my life and has always been true is that I have just zero chill. So I just want to do stuff all the time. I want to work, I want to challenge myself all the time and I want to grow. I came to NY when I was 18 to be a dancer and obviously when you come to NY as an immigrant, I did not have papers and I was working very hard to try and build my career and to build sort of a profile for myself so that I was able to get papers, and I was going back to Denmark and then randomly, Miss Denmark opportunity came up and I thought, sure why not? I won and then they said, do you want to go to Vietnam for 1 month and do Miss Universe? I thought, how could I say no to that? I think it was sort of a strange roundabout way as I don’t think that I consider myself to be a pageant girl per se, but it was such an incredible experience and I got to meet these amazing women from all over the world and I do still know a lot of people in that community. So you never know when these once in a lifetime experiences – how they can come about! For me, that was just something that I couldn’t say no to.

Then I think that from then on evolving into a dancer and then music, acting which I had done when I was a teenager and as a child a little bit. I sort of realized that these were the things that I wanted to do for my life. The desire to write came as a necessity to do so as I didn’t really feel that I could really stretch with the opportunities that were offered to me. Black women in the industry, at least at the time, it was more limited what we were offered. It still is in terms of opportunities, but of course, it is better now. I just wanted to write to play in the same roles that my other colleagues were able to play in as well. Then people apparently thought that I should be a writer! So now, I do both!

AM: I love that and to your point about the pageant system. In addition to my role here, as a fashion stylist, I have styled Miss America 2019 as well as Miss Ecuador 2018 ahead of her competing in Miss Universe that year. It is such an interesting world and that network is really amazing because the interest that a lot of the people do are so different. It’s literally that they could be rocket scientists, fashion designers, or other interests. It’s cool to see people that are part of that world!

MS: It’s really interesting and I think of course in America, it overlaps a lot. I’m still in communication with Miss Puerto Rico that was from my year, Ingrid who is also an actress, Meagan Tandy who was Miss California USA who was the year before me, and Miss Iowa from 2007 Dani Reeves is a good friend of mine. Not necessarily because we competed in pageants, but that network and you just find people like you do in any other industry that you connect with and you stay friends with! It’s really incredible. Meeting photographers like Fadil Berisha who is an amazing photographer did my very first headshot in New York when I was 19.

AM: I styled a shoot for an artist that he did the album art for – so talented!

MS: Yes he is and that was because of Miss Universe. I’m definitely grateful for that opportunity and it was only just a springboard for me to stay in the United States, to build my career, and etc. etc.

AM: I was such a huge fan of Big Sky and love that you wrote for this series. What drew you to this show?

MS: I am a huge Western nerd. I have been riding horses since I was 3 years old and I went to the US for the first time when I was 8 and spent a month with my family on a ranch in Arizona and I totally got bit by this Western bug because I grew up riding English and I had no idea that there was this thing that was called the Wild West and that there are these big wide open spaces with nature and cowboys with cool hats and six shooters! So I totally got obsessed with this world and watched all the westerns growing up and I had been wanting to write one for forever. I did write a pilot early on which was a spec of mine which was a period western. So when Big Sky came along, it was kind of an obvious choice for me. It was a Black female lead set in Montana and it’s a crime show and I thought – yes and of course, David E. Kelley (The Undoing, Love and Death, The Lincoln Lawyer) was attached! Generally, I don't do a lot of network television, but when it is David E. Kelley is doing it – that’s the parameters for it – that’s sort of a no-brainer for me.

AM: What do you look for in a project when it comes to you coming on as a writer?

MS: I definitely look for character and world and relationships. That’s definitely what I’m looking for and a lot of my projects are always born out of wanting to play in a world, but also what do I want to do as an actor? What could be interesting for me as an actor and also, what is the lack in the space? If I don’t see it in the space – female villains or Black people in the Western space – all of these things are things that I want to be playing in, but I don’t see – that is always a good incentive for me to start writing in some way, somehow. Definitely looking for things that are unique and have something to say. That is always important to me.

AM: What is your creative process like when you’re writing. It must be so interesting where obviously you’re thinking about the storyline and future seasons or how that character arc grows over a period of time. Where do you start with that?

MS: I definitely start with the pilot and I think about what is the pilot, who are the people that we care about, what is the central relationship, and what is the central theme of the show? Then, once I have a good grip on the pilot, what are we setting up with the world and the relationships with the characters – then I will branch out. I do that sort of organically. Once I’m flushing out the pilot, I’m thinking about when certain information will have to be revealed if you’re thinking about the season as a whole.

AM: Right.

MS: It’s an organic way and I don’t really have a way of going about it. I think that most things come to me in different ways. Sometimes I just know a scene, I know the beginning or the end, sometimes I just know the character and I just want to focus on that character and what interesting situation that I can put them in. Most of my own stories are like misfit families. Family dramas of some kind. So oftentimes, the central relationship will always be some kind of family relationship and how we can dive into these complicated relationships. Flawed characters are what I like to dive into. So that’s usually where it goes.

AM: I’m a huge fan of podcasts, generally true crime. But I really appreciate other genres in the scripted space. QCODE is one that I love with their immersive approach to storytelling and Narcissa was amazing and I loved hearing you in it. What drew you to that?

MS: Thank you!

AM: Oh it was so good!

MS: Yeah, I think that – what was happening at that time? Fun fact, I think at the time, I was home writing on something and I had just broken my wrist snowboarding so I was sort of just stuck at home and they said, “do you want to do this thing from your closet?” and I said yes absolutely because I really wanted to be able to do a project. That was one fun fact and also I think I really just wanted to dive into the character. That character is so interesting and not to give anything away, but playing something like that and the different dynamics that you have to sort of consider in playing a character like that, I thought it was interesting and to also look at AI and what’s to come in our society – I thought that that was interesting. For me, I thought that it was a fascinating dive into audio. I haven’t done a lot of voice work and I would love to. So I thought that it was a good way for me to get started.

AM: Over the holiday I watched the first season of Reacher and then watched the screeners of the 2nd season of Reacher. It's interesting that with as many shows that I watch and love there are always those that I haven’t gotten around to and I know I would love them! In prep for the interview, I wanted to see both seasons and it was so good and so fun to jump into. What was it about this show that you wanted to be involved in this series?

MS: Off the bat, it’s the action! I love the action, I love strong characters, kinetic characters, kinetic stories – Neagley, this word is so overused, but she’s a badass in a lot of ways and she also has this other kind of quirky quality about her. So to me, that was something really interesting to get to play with and to figure out how to make it interesting and grounded at the same time. For sure, to begin with. I knew it was going to be this splashy/action show and then when I got the job and I realized that there was this whole billion dollar book franchise that is behind it – I read all the books that Neagley was in and I got excited because there was so much to dive into and to explore that was about this mysterious woman that I got to play!

AM: Well beyond reading the books and the information that you were given, how else did you prepare to play her?

MS: Definitely kinetically. I was training just sort of on my own physique that we do as actors. Then I did kickboxing which I did when I was younger, shadow boxing, doing drills with a stunt team and then there was a lot of speaking to military veterans that had served – specifically women who had been in the army and the marines. I have a couple of friends that are veterans and so they put me in touch just so that I could understand what that life was like and the real things that you sort of have to endure day in and day out as being deployed and being part of this mahinery that is the US military.

I just love doing research and deep diving with characters so it was a combination of a few things.

AM: Obviously, not to have spoilers or anything, but where do we leave Neagley in Season 1 and where do we pick up with her again as we go into Season 2?

MS: You know, the good thing about the show is that each season is a contained story, right? We do 1 book per season so it feels quite satisfying where when we were in the first season, it was a limited series and if you’re watching the 2nd season, you don’t have to have seen the previous one to enjoy the next one. Of course, I think that you should so that you have an understanding of the character Reacher (Alan Ritchson), who he is and how he moves through the world.

But I think that we leave her and she’s come in to do her duty and to help save her friend. And now, we pick back up with her in Season 2 where there are bigger stakes for her and them because members of their unit have turned up dead. I think that is much more of a personal round and a personal story for all of our main characters this season. I think that the action and the scope of the season is indicative of that in terms of the action and the interplay between the characters and how stark it also is given that we shoot in the winter in Toronto.

AM: The final episode of the second season I was like, this is so exciting where everything ends. We know that it has already been greenlit for the 3rd season and we know that we will continue to see you. Do you know anything about the 3rd season that you’re able to share with us or what would you like to see if you were able to be in the Writer’s Room?

MS: I may or may not know things that I may or may not be able to talk about! So we can leave it at that ha ha! Of course, we will see Reacher do cool things in Season 3 and if Nealey shows up to lend him a hand again – hopefully that will be exciting for the fans as well as it has been in the other seasons. I think that the liberty of doing a book per season, we can dive into new stories as we adapt them for screen. The showrunners and the powers that be can fit it into what they feel is right for the TV version. So a lot more action of course, but the story changes in terms of scope, in terms of world, and I think that it will be interesting to see what comes next.

AM: Are there any upcoming projects that you have that we should keep an eye out for?

MS: I’m currently working on a few things on the writing side. I just finished a pilot which is a modern Western set in Wyoming where I also live. Right now, I also have 2 features in development, but they are in very early stages, but that’s what I plan to be working on for the writing side this year.

AM: When you’re not working on a project or in the throws of a project, how do you take time for yourself?

MS: I travel a lot. I love to go to different countries exploring different cultures. I specifically go to Mexico a lot, I go to Southern Africa a lot, I spend a lot of time on horseback in the bush in Southern Africa. There’s just nothing better than seeing wildlife from horseback. For me, it’s a great way to of course get inspired, reset, and step away from the hustle and bustle of our industry and just to have some stillness and to be off of our phones and to reconnect with nature.

IG @mariasten

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | PG 38 - 45 + 45 Prime Video/Reacher | PG 42 9LIST STORI3S + PG 118 NEW YEAR N3W YOU Image Courtesy Maria Sten |

Our shoot with Maria Sten took place on Mulberry street in NoLita at il Pellicano and Bijoux Lounge. Following the credits from this photoshoot, we delve into into this restaurant as well as the lounge so that you can plan your next night out in an epic way!

IT'S ABOUT THE STORY COVER EDITORIAL | TEAM CREDITS

PHOTOGRAPHER Paul Farkas | FASHION STYLIST Kimmie Smith | MUA Rebecca Restrepo | HAIR STYLIST Corey Tuttle |

IG @pvfarkas

@shes.kimmie

@rebeccarestrepo

@coreytuttlehair

IT'S ABOUT THE STORY COVER EDITORIAL | CREDITS

LOUNGE LOOK PG 16-19 | BUCK MASON Molasses Lounge Wool Shirt + Pants |

FITNESS LOOK BACK COVER + PG 20 - 25 | COSMOLLE Air Wear Long Sleeve + High Waisted Legging Set | ATHLEISUREVERSE Varsity Jacket | NEW BALANCE 550 Sneakers |

OUT + ABOUT LOOK PG 26 - 29 | GREY BANDIT Adriana Coat | LNA CLOTHING Essential Cotton Kaden V Neck | MAVI Wide Leg Pant | ABBOTT LYON Curb Chain Necklace | SEQUIN JEWELRY Marleigh Evil Eye Charm Necklace | NAGICIA Braided Ring | SMARTGLASS JEWELRY Cube Gold Ring in Aqua and Antique Clear |

NIGHT OUT LOOK FRONT COVER PG 30 - 35 | FORE Dress | ALEX SOLDIER Silver Drop Earrings with White Topaz | LAGOS Caviar Beaded Ring, Black Caviar Silver Station Ceramic Caviar Beaded Bracelet, Black Caviar Single Station Ceramic Diamond Bracelet, Signature Caviar Silver Caviar Bracelet | STEVE MADDEN Evelyn |

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS

PAUL SHOT WITH | CANON Mark IV and Canon Lenses - 24-70, 70-200 + 50 1.2 | SIRUI Dragon Series Bendable RGB Panel Lights set of 2 of B25R*2 + DJ280 |

ATHLEISURE MAG: It was such a pleasure to have our cover shoot with Prime Video's Reacher star, Maria Sten. Tell me about the backgrounds of the co-owners of this restaurant from previous restaurants etc.

IL PELLICANO: Owner, Massimo Tabacco's journey from Rome to New York City in the mid-eighties led him to work in several esteemed Manhattan restaurants like Tre Merli, Azzurro Ciaobella, Coffee Shop, and Paper Moon Milano. In the early '90s, he opened Gilda near Saks 5th Avenue, where he forged a lasting friendship with Kyky Conille, who became a significant part of his citywide ventures. Kyky Conille is known for nightclubs in NYC like Provocateur, PM, the original Bijoux, and Lily Pond in the Hamptons. The restaurant is located above Kyky Conille and Dimitri Hyacinthe’s new club, Bijoux Lounge, which has become one of NYC’s hottest going out spots. Il Pellicano and Bijoux will be working together to deliver elevated dining upstairs and a late-night menu down for Bijoux’s patrons’ downstairs.

AM: When did il Pellicano launch and can you give us some background on the restaurant as I know you have a sister restaurant in CT.

IP: Popular, Fairfield, Connecticut Italian restaurant, il Pellicano, is opened its first NYC outpost. Known for their infusion of old classics with a modern twist, Il Pellicano will stand apart from the other traditional Italian restaurants on its block. Il Pellicano is located at 149 Mulberry, and encompasses a 50-seat dining room, a 40-seat front patio and 30-seat back garden. Owners Massimo Tabacco and Kyky Conilleofficially opened its doors to the public on Friday, January 12th.

AM: What is the importance of the Pelican?

IP: The Pelican (Il Pellicano) is a small hotel in Poro Ercole, Italy where Massimo (owner) used to ride to with his friends with motorcycles from Rome. Amazing ride on the coast of Tuscany, so it always had a sentimental meaning to him.

AM: Tell us about the design aesthetic of the restaurant and the meaning behind the name.

IP: The design is sleek and modern with green booths and gold light fixtures. The walls are filled with framed photos of Pelicans – drawing from the name.

AM: Who is the Executive Chef at il Pelicano on Mulberry St and can you provide information on their background and kitchens that they have worked in?

IP: Chef Saul Media is the executive chef at Il Pellicano on Mulberry Street. Chef Media’s heritage of Puebla Mexico is where the kitchen was his earliest classroom thanks to his grandmother and aunts. In his early twenties he embarked his journey to NYC, Connecticut, West Coast and then back to the East Coast making a mark in the world of culinary arts. With Chef Media’s first few years in the trenches starting as a dishwasher, then a line cool and then eventually cooking in renowned establishments including Gibsons Italia in Chicago, The Mark by Jean-Georges in New York, G’ios Italian and Cena’s restaurant in Tampa Bay, and the iconic steakhouse, The Forge, in Miami, among others.

AM: For those who are coming for lunch, tell us about 3 appetizers that we should try when dining with family or friends?

IP: Olive Oil Flight – three select styles of monini single harvest olive oil served with fresh baked herb focaccia

Caesar Salad – romaine arugula, croutons, parmigiano Reggiano, Caesar dressing

Heirloom Tomato Caprese – bocconcini mozzarella, basil oil, balsamic pearls, parmesan gel

AM: What are 3 main dishes that you suggest that we should have when we're coming in for lunch with family and friends?

IP: Chicken Milanese - arugula, tomato, cucumber, onion meyer lemon vinaigrette

Cacio E Pepe – Bucatini, Pecorino, Cracked Black Pepper

Tuscan Steak Sandwich – Shaved steak, cubanelle pepper, raclette cheese, carmalized onion

AM: What are 3 cocktails or wines that would be great to pair with our meal?

IP: Super Tuscan, Promis by Gaja, ITALY

Sancerre, Moulin Camus, ITALY

Barreled Negroni – Gin, Campari, Antica & Barrel aged in House

AM: For dinner, what are 3 dishes that you suggest to begin our meal?

IP: Forgmaggi e Salumi – rotating selection of curated meats and cheeses and house made accompaniments.

Carpaccio Di Polpo – thinly sliced octopus, roasted eggplant and tomato musarda, sherry glaze

Suppli di Riso Funghi – roman rice rice ball stuffed with mozzarella, parm, truffle dust, pistachio cream

AM: What are 3 dishes that we should have our eye on?

IP: Carbonara fettuccine - parmiggiano reggiano, guanciale and cracked pepper

Tartufo Al Funghi - pappardelle, wild mushroom blend, white truffle, pecorino romano

Pork Chop Scarpariello - cherry peppers, onions, white balsamic, crispy potatoes

AM: What are 3 sides that we should have with them?

IP: Rainbow Carrots, Mushroom Blend, and Asparagus.

AM: What are 3 cocktails that we should have in mind?

IP: Olive Oil Martini - tito’s fat washed with monini olive oil, cocchi bianco, brine, castelvetrano

Durazno Verde - tequila, ancho reyes, peach, lime, poblano ice, tajin

Amari & Aperitivo - a custom cocktail experience: select the bitter and the bartenders do the rest!

AM: What are there 3 dessert options that you suggest?

IP: The Almond Cake, The Smoked Burrata with Dried Figs, Infused in Truffle Honey, and the Chocolate Budino.

AM: As we navigate the winter and look towards the spring, are there any events that we should know about?

IP: Weekend truffle party brunches and a new truffle menu launching.

In Athleisure Mag's DEC ISSUE #96, Bijoux Lounge was featured in Athleisure List. We wanted to share a bit more about this hot spot!

As temperatures drop below freezing, venturing out for a night in NYC has become dreadful. The struggle of searching for a spot to stow away your bulky winter coat, spending ungodly amounts to Uber two blocks or enduring long club lines is very real. What if we told you there was a way to enjoy an entire night out without ever leaving a single location? In the past year, it has become increasingly common to bars/clubs or vice versa allowing you to complete the night out within the confines of one building. Il Pellicano & Bijoux Lounge is NYC’s newest restaurant and bar combination. Nightlife maven Lionel “Kyky” Conille, a pioneer and renowned for his NYC nightclubs like Provocateur, PM, the original Bijoux, and Lily Pond in the Hamptons, quietly marked his return to the scene with the opening of Bijoux Lounge at the end of 2023. This speakeasy-style, moody red-lit club has already hosted notable events, including the 21st birthday celebration of "Summer I Turned Pretty" star Lola Tung and Society Management's model-filled holiday party. Above the bar, Bijoux owner Conille and longtime friend Massimo Tabacco unveiled Il Pellicano a few weeks ago. The menu promises a seamless fusion of timeless and contemporary Italian flavors, echoing some of the beloved dishes from Il Pellicano's Connecticut location. Collaborating seamlessly, Bijoux and Il Pellicano are set to provide a can't miss elevated dining experience upstairs and a late-night menu downstairs.

IG @ilpellicanonewyork

@bijouxnyc

Read the JAN ISSUE #97 of Athleisure Mag and see IT’S ABOUT THE STORY | Maria Sten in mag.

BINGELY STREAMING

BLACK MIRROR

Netflix Series

Netflix

It's been awhile but Black Mirror is back with 5 new episodes that let you think about connectivity, technology, interpersonal relationships and so much more! This season we're left with wondering about the extent of privacy and how by giving it out, we may be allowing more access to who we are then we ever thought! We also look at how much our love for True Crime may uncover secrets and behaviors that we never thought that those who we know have! It also makes us think about how the act of assisting someone or giving time to others can have adverse affects. We found that we were able to binge all the episodes in one weekend day and left our screens wondering about these themes as well as hoping that there would be another season to keep us pondering soon!

AND JUST LIKE THAT

Max Original

HBO/Max + Spotify

Fans of Sex and the City were treated to And Just Like That last year which picked up with the our favorite ladies of NYC. We returned to them last year in new circumstances as well as bringing in new friends to shake up what we knew about them and to diversify their lives!

This month, the second season is back with more stories to tell, more challenges to take on, and to to continue to strive to live their best lives with an array of nuances!

As you know, this show also has a podcast companion series which takes us into the writer's room to talk in depth about each episode as well as to talk about how they approached writing the episode, whose personal experiences it was based on and how it ties into art, styling and more. Episodes of this spin-off series drop weekly and if you missed anything, you can catch up on Max for this series as well as Sex and the City. Also listen to the podcast show on your favorite platforms.

HIDDEN SIGNAL:EVERGREEN

QCODE

Spotify

We're enjoying another immersive audio drama from QCODE has been released and it takes us to the end and possible beginning of the world in Hidden Signal: Evergreen. Hidden Signal is an Anthology for QCODE and Evergreen focuses on a hand selected team of the world's greatest minds who are trapped in a subterranean biosphere. They realize that on Earth, an asteroid has destroyed the surface and that they are tasked to create a new society. Mistrust abounds among the group and the line between hero and villain is not easily seen in this fictional podcast. With so much uncertainty, can they come together and trust one another?

Read the JUN ISSUE #90 of Athleisure Mag and see BINGELY STREAMING in mag.

BINGELY STREAMING

FATAL ATTRACTION

Paramount+ Original

Paramount

We remember seeing the original Fatal Attraction with Michael Douglas (Wall Street, The Game, Ant-Man franchise) and Glenn Close (Air Force One, Damages, Tehran).

We watched how emotions went from an illicit passion to aggression to stalking and how those involved navigate these relationships which made this an epic thriller!

The Fatal Attraction reboot brings these concepts and feelings together with Joshua Jackson (Dawson's Creek, Dr. Death, The Affair) and Lizzy Caplan (Masters of Sex, Party Down, Fleishman is in Trouble) pick up the characters of Dan Gallagher and Alex Forrest. Although the series is based on affairs, we see what happens after and how those involved deal with the fallout of his actions.

LOVE & DEATH

Max Original

HBO/Max + Spotify

This mini-series focuses on the true crime story of the death of Betty Gore by Candy Montgomery. Whether you saw Hulu's version, Candy or not, Love & Death is worth taking a look at how this story involving members of a small community interact with one another when this crime and murder trial took place. Elizabeth Olsen (Avengers franchise, Wandavision, Doctor Strange in the Mutiverse of Madness) and Jesse Plemons (Vice, The Irishman, El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie) showcase these characters in another light.

We suggest that as you watch the 7 episodes, you also listen to the companion podcast of the same name as it brings insight to the series with those in front of and behind the camera. In partnership with Texas Monthly which reported the story when it came out during the trial, journalists share what took place to those involved after the trial, the Texas justice system, the culture at that time, and other insights.

THE FOXES OF HYDESVILLE

QCODE

Spotify

We always enjoy when QCODE drops a new series that takes us into another story that is guaranteed to be an immersive audio experience!

In The Foxes of Hydesville, we go back to the 1800's where Leah Fox (Carey Mulligan) has been estranged from her brother and teenage sisters. In this true story about the Fox sisters, we learn that they are not welcome in their town due to being mediums.

On the request of her brother, she takes them to where she lives and works to keep them safe while realizing that they have harnessed a power that is not only lucrative, but ultimately creates the social-religious movement of Spiritualism in the nineteenth century.

Read the MAY ISSUE #89 of Athleisure Mag and see BINGELY STREAMING in mag.

BINGELY STREAMING

THE GIRL BEFORE

Max Original

HBO Max

We've all had those moments when we want to have a clean slate of sorts. When life gets hectic or confusing, it's time to change things up. In The Girl Before, we meet an architect who has a home where in exchange for staying there, you must agree to a series of rules and way of living. We are introduced to 2 women that opt to participate in this contract in different time periods. At times, their lives mirror one another, even when they have never met each other. The connection is the house, the architect/owner and a grieving man.

How much privacy are you willing to give up in order to reduce the chaos and clutter of your life? At what point do you decide that managing your life on your terms of more important then simply giving it away?

In this 4 episode limited series, you see the impact of making decisions and how each choice creates a number of options for better and for worse.

INVENTING ANNA

Netflix Originals

Netflix

Anna Delvey was a NY It Girl heiress on the move and was on the way to create a social club that allowed the elite sect of NYC and artists to come together. Anna worked to get the appropriate funding to ensure that her vision would be everything she thought it could be. She went on a number of meetings, met the right people and even created an inner circle of sorts that kept her finger on the pulse of what was going on.

The only part that was missing was that she was not a rich heiress waiting for her trust fund or for her father not to cut her off. She was a woman filled with ambition ready to move the chess pieces that she needed and left debts and embarrassment to those that connected with her that didn't know her full story.

In Inventing Anna, Shonda Rhimes delves into this story that has been the subject of a number of podcasts to dig deep into the players involved and additional information on this story that continues to evolve.

CLASSIFIED

QCODE

Spotify

When QCODE drops its immersive scripted podcasts, we know we will be intrigued. Their latest, CLASSIFIED, follows Ivan Harris who finds himself at the Ravenholm Institute.

They say that he will remain there until his delusions are gone. He knows that he is an assassin who fell in love with the woman he was supposed to kill. Who's right and how will he find out?

Read the FEB ISSUE #74 of Athleisure Mag and see Bingely Streaming in mag.

ACTING CHOSE ME WITH CURTISS COOK

This month, our DEC ISSUE #72 is covered by Curtiss Cook who has appeared in a number of films that we enjoy including Shutter Island, Netflix's Roxanne Roxanne, and West Side Story to name a few. In addition to commanding the big screen and his work on stage, he has been in countless TV shows as well. He brings a dynamic force to his characters in Netflix's House of Cards and Manifest, NBC's Chicago Med, FX Mayans M.C. and Showtime's The Chi.

We talk with Curtiss about how he got into acting and how he approaches his characters. We also talk about the recent film West Side Story and we're keeping our fingers crossed that we will continue to see him as Douda in the critically acclaimed series The Chi and what led him to this role. We also talk about work behind the camera as well as his work in the upcoming QCODE podcast, The Burned Photo.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What was the moment when you realized that you wanted to be an actor?

CURTISS COOK: You know I don’t know if I can put an exact time on it, but what I can tell you is—I don’t feel like I chose acting, I feel as if it chose me. NO one in my family acted or performed for a living or even casually, so I didn’t have any direct role models, but once I found it, that freedom of being another person and being able to say things I wanted to but couldn’t, learning things about myself and the world… I never looked back!

AM: You have been in so many TV series from The Sopranos, The Bold Type, House of Cards, Mayans M.C., The Chi, as well as movies such as Shutter Island and been on Broadway for The Lion King and Miss Saigon. What are you looking for when you’re reading a character or the script overall in terms of deciding whether you want to be in it?

CC: Hmmm good question… It changes from project to project. Sometimes it may be, “Have I done this kind of role before?” and if I had, “Is there something I can improve upon?” Sometimes it’s, “Does this person move the story forward? If not, is there space for me to make that happen? Or, is this something I NEVER THOUGHT I could pull off?” Yes! So, let’s go for it. And then, it could be as simple as, “Do I like this person (character)? No? Why not? Let’s see if I can have empathy for him.”

AM: Is your approach to the work different depending on whether it’s on TV, a movie or on the stage?

CC: No, it’s pretty much the same. It’s just the time I get to prep for the character and how long I get to live with him that differs.

AM: We’ve seen you in a number of roles and always enjoy when we see you are attached to the project as there is a poise and bold quality that you bring to your work. What is the process that you go into when it comes to becoming the character that you will play?

CC: Well, thank you for the compliment! That really means a lot to me. I take what I do seriously knowing that it’s not serious… Finding the joy in what I do is important to me. This is not just what I do, it’s who I am. It’s a part of me—a HUGE part of me—So, I go all in and the devil is in the details.

AM: Do you find that when you’re finished playing a character that there’s a process in releasing him and is it harder when you’re in a series since you will have to pick him back up again?

CC: The short answer is yes. I definitely have to decompress when work is done. I’m getting better on the time it takes, but I make sure I take it.

AM: West Side Story is an iconic musical and this musical film adaption directed by Steven Spielberg has been very anticipated. You play Abe, a new character – which was created by Steven specifically for you – how did this come about and what did you draw from to bring him to life?

CC: Well, the character was created for someone like me, an addition to a classic that was needed and necessary. So, Mr. Spielberg and Mr. Kushner did that. I just so happen to be the one who got the gift of breathing life into Abe and hearing one of the greats say, “If Curtiss wants it, he can have it.” It means and meant the world to me.

AM: What was it like being part of this production?

CC: Nothing short of amazing!!!

AM: Being from the Midwest originally, I’m always intrigued about shows that focus on Chicago so when The Chi came out, I was hooked from the first show and I love how they showcase the lives of those that live in the community that spans a number of economical, aspirational and inspirational layers. When you came on as Douda, you bring such a dichotomy to the show. How did you get connected with this series and how would you describe your character?

CC: Once again, thank you! I auditioned—I self-taped actually. At the time, I was doing two other series and I thought there’s no way I’ll get three series at the same time and low in behold!!!

Douda is a complicated man like most of us are, that’s one of the beauties of this character. Just when you think you have him figured out, you don’t… and not because he's fooling you, but because he has so much to offer, so many layers, and he has a plan for himself and his community. Nothing is going to stop him from seeing that plan come to fruition.

AM: It feels like Douda continues to share new layers to him which we saw in Season 4 - how much influence do you have in shaping him and giving insights into how he will be portrayed?

CC: None really. I wait for the pages and try my damnedest not to mess it up. I just stay open, willing and adventurous. I get to act for a living... how glorious is that...

Mannnnn, this is all I’ve ever wanted to do and I get to do it on this level with this character on this show on this network and with these people. I HIT THE LOTTO!!!

AM: The Chi was renewed for a 5th season, are you getting ready to film and is there anything you can tell us about the upcoming season or are looking forward to?

CC: Well, I just hope Douda comes back. You saw what happened at the end of the season right? I just hope we get to see him again.

AM: You have worked with phenomenal people from Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg and Lena Waithe to name a few. You were the Executive Producer of Counselor and A Black Man Acting. Do you see yourself doing more projects behind the camera?

CC: Yes, I will and there’s something happening now. So, yes keep a look out for it.

AM: We love that in the past few months there have been phenomenal immersive podcasts that have top talent telling scripted stories. I think that QCODE does this in such an amazing way and am a fan of their shows regardless of the topic. You lent your talents to The Burned Photo which was a podcast that I enjoyed listening to and I can’t wait until the second season. Why did you want to be apart of this and what was it like creating it?

CC: Wow yeah, I had never done that before and I was curious to see if I could and how it would work. And let me tell you… it was WORK. Wait until you hear the second season! Boy-oh-boy, get ready.

AM: Do you have any upcoming projects that you can share with us that we should keep an eye out for?

CC: A great movie written and directed by Charles Murray with an amazing cast. Hopefully you’ll hear about a release date soon!

AM: When you’re not on set, it seems like you spend a fair amount of time at the gym. What are 3 things that you like to do when you’re working out?

CC: Yea, health is pretty important to me. My favorite work out is boxing, then I’ll do a little free weights, then end everything with core.

AM: How do you take personal time for yourself?

CC: I don’t know if I do… I need to get better at that.

IG @CurtissCook

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | FRONT + BACK COVER, PG 16 -19 James Washington | PG 20 - 25 Evgeny Milkovich | PG 26 - 29 SHOWTIME/Parrish Lewis | PG 30 - 31 SHOWTIME/Elizabeth Sisson |

Read the DEC ISSUE #72 of Athleisure Mag and see Acting Chose Me with Curtiss Cook in mag.

FOR THE COMMUNITY WITH NICK SAGAR

This month, our cover story features Nick Sagar, we chat about his career with the premiere of his show Run the World on STARZ which airs this month. We talk about how he got into the industry and a number of his creative talents from martial arts, breakdancing and soccer. He also shares how he approaches his craft and picks projects that allow him to showcase his varied abilities. We also talk about the power of family and how it not only cultivates him but allows him to stay grounded. In addition, we talk about the importance of giving back and using your platform to help those that were key to his success.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We’ve been a fan of a number of the shows that you have been in over the years and we’ve been waiting for months for STARZ’s Run the World to premiere this month. Before we get into your career, in prep for this interview, we saw that you grew up as a breakdancer and that you also loved playing soccer which is quite interesting especially since that really hits the ethos of our intersectionality! What do you love about these creative outlets and do you still enjoy doing them?

NICK SAGAR: You know what? Growing up, my parents were very keen on being focused to push us to try whatever sports that we showed an interest in. They would support us and growing up in London, naturally, soccer – or football as we call it, was a natural thing. Me and my brother, we were just obsessed with it. It would be all day everyday. If we couldn’t play in the garden, we would ball up socks in the house and we used to drive my mom mad!

But it was just that we slept, ate and drank, football! Dad used to play so it was easily passed down and we did that! I mean, probably my first 16 years of my life – I got up to playing semi-professional, but as you get a bit older, sometimes the motivation moves you and I wanted to try something different. And that’s what segued into breakdancing. But what I loved about both of them was that soccer had the team aspect as well as being able to improve on your individual skills, it was a team sport. You got to be able to be with your friends and every game was different. You know, I was thinking about it earlier – playing that sport, you’re forced to be present. Whatever was going on outside of that becomes irrelevant when you start playing and training. Being present and in the moment is really that gift of life. Not worrying about the past or the future, I think that bundled with all that stuff, I think that’s why I enjoyed it so much.

And breakdancing came because my older brother is 10 years older than me and he would show me stuff! Sometimes it was stuff I wasn’t meant to see – haha! But it would be all the stuff from his era like DJing, hip-hop and breakdancing. He showed me a video when I was a kid and that was it! I fell in love with it and then from about 12 to about 17, I kind of stalled back on football and focused on breakdancing. And again, once you were training and doing the moves, that was all that mattered and you were present!

AM: So when did you realize that you wanted to be an actor and to follow that path?

NS: It’s funny. It’s like what I was saying earlier about my parents, pushing us to do many things. In school, we always had these drama classes and weekend classes in the local theater where I grew up and I just gravitated towards it. I did a lot of performances and showcases and I just found it that was something fun to do. A lot of my friends were allowed to play out in the neighborhood and my dad was kind of strict – he didn’t really let us out until about 12 or 13. So up until then, it was all social activities and acting classes and theater and that type of stuff. We always had an enjoyment for it and we would recreate stuff we saw on TV. The family, we were huge movie buffs so it was always kind of there, I just never knew it was a career path until I got older and I decided to give it a go.

AM: When you get a project that comes your way, what are you looking for when it comes to you ultimately deciding to accept that role?

NS: Um, it depends you know? Variety – I like the people involved – that’s a huge thing. But I do like variety. If I did something before, I will try to do something that’s not too similar straight after. I like to switch it up. One of the things that I fell in love with acting is that it’s the ability to play so many different roles and to be able to walk in so many different shoes. It’s amazing in real life that some of those things transfer and you get to play into these people’s different walks of life. Being a huge movie buff from love and romance movies, comedies and dramas, thrillers, horrors – I just want to do a bit of them all! For me, it’s more the role, the script, the people involved – but I do like variety.

AM: Well, a number of our readers and ourselves included, we loved you in USA’s Queen of the South, Tyler Perry’s Have and Have Nots, Freeform’s Shadow Hunters – what is your process like when you’re preparing for your roles? To your point, they are so different. Do you have a set way that you go about it?

NS: Kind of! It varies for different roles. My main thing is to read the script several times over first. The second or third time, things usually start popping out as opposed to when you read it for the first time. Then I begin to delve into the world of the character. I look at what the director and the producer wanted originally in the audition and I try to take that into the character breakdown and then I use a lot of my imagination to create the rest because, I kind of trained in both using my own life’s circumstances and imagination and they both work for different types of roles. I like to use at the end of the day, imagination more because that’s why I got into it – to create. It’s kind of like an escape from your own life – not like I’m trying to run from my own life. Sometimes, we can get so pinned down in our own lives and concerned about our own things that sometimes don’t matter. The beautiful thing about acting – especially when using your imagination, you get to create this whole new world and you get to live in it!

AM: You just completed filming the third installment of Netflix’s The Princess Switch which has become quite the obsession and the talk around the team at Athleisure Mag as well. What can you tell us about it and when is it slated to drop?

NS: Well definitely expect a lot more switching shenanigans for sure!

AM: Ha – that show is crazy! It’s like wait, that’s Vanessa Hudgens again!

NS: Yeah, Vanessa is terrific. She really had to carry the lion share of all of the switching that she’s doing. I mean, in this new one, there’s even more shenanigans and the gang is back together. I don’t want to give away too much, but it’s a little different and it’s new things that arise. I’m trying not to give away too much, but it’s pretty fun!

AM: We assumed that’s what you were going to say – not too many spoilers to share!

NS: Haha this one is keeping it the same, but showing something a bit new for the third one. It comes around Thanksgiving of this year.

AM: We love podcasts and your character, Officer Ramirez in QCODE’s Borrasca, an audio fiction thriller was really good.

NS: Oh thank you!

AM: QCODE’s immersive approach to sound in their podcasts and stories are really well produced. How was it to prepare for that medium as opposed to when you’re doing something for film and TV?

NS: No I don’t think it changes it. It wasn’t something that I had done before, but I actually really enjoyed it because with film and TV, obviously you have to worry about your look and appearance. It becomes an aspect because of the camera and having so many people in this huge unit because it’s on TV. The beauty of doing the podcast and just being in the recording studios is that it’s just you and your fellow actors and you’re less worried about your appearance and it’s focused on the internal work and it’s just funny that it ties into what you asked earlier about preparing for a role – the internal work is really where you plant the seed and then water it and let it grow from the internal and that becomes the role. Something about the podcast is that you don’t have to worry about any exteriors so you’re just watering that seed and enjoying the moment of being. You can get really lost in it and it’s really funny, I always wanted to do things like voiceovers and animation – doing that made me realize that, “man I would love to just turn up in sweats and voice Bugs Bunny for a couple of weeks.”

AM: This month, Run the World premieres. What can you say about the show and about your character, Anderson Louis?

NS: I’m really excited about this one. I really am and I think that this show is definitely needed and is coming at the right time. I don’t think that there is anything quite like it at the minute. You know, it’s 4 strong Black women who are running the world. They’re living in NYC which is a wonderful place and it covers the trials and the tribulations of their life and running their own world which is career, relationships, community and how they navigate it. The beauty of it is that I think that people are really going to resonate with it just because we haven’t seen something like this – 4 strong Black leads and they’re crushing it. I do love all forms of drama and I just think that a lot of it has been focused on a lot of struggle up until now. So now it’s nice to see thriving love, healthy love, forms of toxic love – just life in general at this day and age and what it’s like for this generation. This generation right now, we’re all trying to balance our careers, love life, friendships, our community and still growing as a person. I think that this is really grounded in that and credit to the creators Leigh Davenport and Yvette Lee Bowser because they are just phenomenal and I’m really really excited about this.

Anderson, I’m interested to see how people take on him. I don’t want to give away too much, but he is Ella’s (Andrea Bordeaux) – at the star, he is her ex-boyfriend and he’s trying to navigate winning her back. They have been on and off for a very long time. They know each other so well and they have a deep deep connection. I think that the beauty about it is that I think that this generation – we’re trying to navigate love lives and careers. We want to grow and have something outside of our love which drives us. Often, the struggle comes with balance, especially with two people who work very different careers. We get to see a little bit of that with some of the stuff that goes on in the first season without giving away too much!

AM: As someone who is a Black Co-Founder of Athleisure Mag and seeing that show, thinking of a lot of my other girlfriends who are also killing it whether they are running their own businesses or just running massive departments, it’s so exciting – especially in this time, to see something like that that is so beautifully done. I was just drawn to it from the first 30 seconds of seeing the teasers for the past 7 months. So what drew you when you read that script to saying that without a doubt, you wanted to be in this?

NS: I just read the breakdown. I read the pilot and I was like, this is so so needed. Like I said, I am a fan of all forms of media, film, TV, drama and I just felt like this was needed. Something that shows a different point of view and something that is prevalent. Like you said yourself, there are people living this lifestyle and it hasn’t been represented as much as we would like. I think that we need more stuff like this to showcase what is possible and what is going on now. To bring in some fun, laughter, tears and love – it’s got an incredible mix of everything and I’m not just saying this – the 4 ladies are fantastic. I remember doing Zoom read throughs because we had to navigate the whole shooting due to what was going on last year, but I remember reading on Zoom and watching them. Zoom is really hard because you’re not in the room and you can’t really pick up the energy and I remember cracking up – these ladies have it down. They are hilarious and so talented and yeah, when we got to watch the season, I was like, “this is incredible” and I’m excited for the journey.

AM: Definitely looking forward to this! In terms of entertainment, do you ever think about other areas that you want to tackle in terms of behind the camera?

NS: Yeah – absolutely. I love all things film, television. I studied media in both school and college. I went to university because I figured – I mean, I didn’t last very long because I picked the wrong courses – but I figured that I would go behind the camera to get in front of it. It worked out the other way around, but I do think that maybe one day in the future, being able to direct, produce and to dabble into creating some of my own stuff. So I’d really love to be able to get into that absolutely in the future.

AM: Are there other projects that you’re working on or shows that you’re able to share with us that we should keep an eye out for?

NS: At the minute, just the Run the World season. I’m taking a lot great meetings and opportunities, so I’m just waiting to hear back on a few of those. I’m kind of in a position right now, where I am incredibly fortunate and grateful that for the past 5 years, I have been able to work on some amazing projects. At the moment, I’m kind of looking for something more where I can really delve in and use some of those skills that I have been training on. Especially here with some martial arts, with Shadow Hunters, I was able to do some things there, but I would love to do something that’s action based which would be so fun!

AM: You’re a certified fitness trainer, but how did you get into doing martial arts and why was that something that you wanted to be able to have within your routine?

NS: It’s a combination of things. You know as I said, my parents – my mom pushed us into karate. Like many things I did as a kid, we got really far and then I quit. But when I moved to Los Angeles at 21, my dad came with me and I was always interested – when I grew up, I was very close to my dad’s uncle’s older brother and we’d watch all the Kung Fu movies with Bruce Lee – they were constantly playing in the house and me and my older brother were constantly beating each other up to re-enact our favorite movies and we would drive our mom mad. When we moved, my dad pointed at this studio which was Taekwondo and he said that I should start there in case I got into any kind of action stuff. I went in, met my master and I just fell in love with it straight away. Once I started with that, I just kept going which was nice too! The audition process can be so stressful and you just dwell on it all the time, that gave me something that I could focus energy on that I could take on. I could take it as I wanted. I didn’t have to rely on someone to give me a job. If I wanted to train, I could go do it and that really gave me a wonderful balance. After studying and getting my black belt, I’ve kind of branched out into studying Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu. It’s just fun for me. I’m not trying to compete or anything.

AM: Was just going to ask that.

NS: Well, I’ve done small competitions in Taekwondo and maybe I’d mess around sparring in Muay Thai and maybe I’d try a competition one time but for me, mainly it’s for movies. I grew up watching Bruce and Jackie Chan and I know they were real fighters! Mine is just for the movie and TV outlet.

AM: What’s a typical workout session like for you? Do you have go-to moves that you would like to put in your routines – what is that like?

NS: It’s kind of varied. I like to wake up and see how I feel. I usually take 1 day off a week. I’d go to a gym which would be more weight training because I was really into that in college. Then the following day would be martial arts, but I really like to mix it up and keep throwing in different things – something I saw on Instagram or YouTube and I’d say, “that’s kind of cool – I want to try that.” Because you can run the risk of your workouts being stale so I just like to flip and alternate. So I do the gym and then martial arts the next day and then maybe – I used to when things were a bit more open, I’d do football or soccer and I was getting into rock climbing – I’m just a fan of sports in general! Growing up, I liked tennis, swimming – just fun physical activities.

AM: When you’re taking time for yourself and relaxing from your schedules, what would we find you doing?

NS: Good question – that varies too! I mean, mostly, I love movies and TV. I’m always catching up on new shows and new films. I have an excuse to enjoy it because you never know, I might get an opportunity in that – so I watch that. Other than that, I love spending time with my friends and family. I have a lot of friends and family that are back home so FaceTime and Zoom calls – watching stuff together. Just hanging out with people that I love! I think that the business is wonderful and I enjoy it, but I try not to make it the be all and end all of everything of my life. I try to make sure that family, friends, community and just other things go on as well. I love what I do, but it can be a bit consuming if you give it too much energy. I’m likely to have good people around me that give me that balance and keep me in check! I’m a huge fan of meditation, reading books and that just really helps me as well.

AM: You know, over the last year, the most insane year yet to navigate – a pandemic, fighting for social justice, the election – just all these different things and now with the vaccines being here and various forms of reopening’s that are happening, what are you looking forward to doing this year in terms of coming back into life?

NS: Just human connection! Being able to be around others. I know it’s always been something that was very important to me and I’m sure it is to many other people as well. Being able to freely be around family and friends and enjoying those moments. If anything this year that it has made me personally realize is how vital that is to us and as people sharing that experience. How much connection and communication is so huge and important – it’s a wonderful and beautiful thing. I’m just looking forward to seeing people with smiles on their face and doing what they love!

AM: You grew up in London and you also currently live in LA, what are your 3 favorite places you like to eat at in each city?

NS: Oooo that’s a good question! In London, it’s going to be my mama’s house!

AM: There we go!

NS: In LA, it’s going to be my aunties house! No joke! I like – I mean, I have to control myself sometimes. I have been known to dabble into fast food – in the past – I’m getting better at it. But growing up, especially in London, my friends who read this will laugh. There’s a place called Dixy Chicken – kind of like a Popeye’s Chicken sandwich – I’m talking about in the past though haha –

AM: Right, you’re just qualifying this answer haha –

NS: Yeah, it don’t qualify, it don’t qualify but you know, any Jamaican or Guyanese in any of those cities, that’s my go-to. But mainly, it would be mom's and aunt's because there’s nothing like home-cooked food when it is cooked with love.

AM: Your dad was a bespoke tailor and that you’re thinking about reinventing his suit line. Can you tell me about that?

NS: You know, these are some amazing questions – fantastic!

AM: It’s what we do!

NS: No it’s really good. Yeah, my dad. I have a funny story about him – he wouldn’t find it funny. But, he never got the support that he needed for his artistry and he was very much into fashion and sports. Very similar to us as children. So that’s why I think he pushed us so much. He had a factory where he used to create women’s leather and clothes in the late 80’s and 90’s. Then he had a market store which was big back in the 90’s and I think there was a crash back then, but I don’t really remember. He was always into fashion, creating and that stuff. It wasn’t until 2005 or 2006 that he had gone back to creating men’s suits which was based out of Hong Kong and he really does make great pieces, I’m not just saying it – but so much so that I wore his stuff to the Ill Manors movie that I did years ago. He fitted me, my brother and a friend and it looks amazing and I wore some stuff to Queen of the South as well from the line. He believed in me so I’m in the position now where I need these types of things and I have to say, "hey dad, I believe in you" and repay the favor. He just has really good talent. We have to wear so much of this stuff so why not keep it in the family? We’re working on it and getting it back out there, creating pieces again and hopefully in the future, our line will be something that is recognized by many.

I’m very grateful to my parents. When they say it takes a village to raise a child, it’s very true! My aunties, my uncles, the neighborhood we grew up in, the teachers – there have been some fantastic people that have been in and out of my house. My family, they’re still there and are able to recognize things from when we were growing up. So I can say, I enjoyed this then, there’s no reason why I can’t enjoy it as an adult. That really gave me a great foundation. I had friends that were super talented, but they didn’t have those outlets or the ability to explore those opportunities. So when they got older, when you’re looking for something new or you want to try, they didn’t know that these things were in their realm. So I was lucky to have martial arts, or fashion or movies or whatever it may be. I’m very fortunate for my parents and the way that they brought us up. So grateful – shout out to moms and dads and uncles and aunties – and grandmas and grandpas.

AM: Even the faux ones that you call Uncle So and So, but you don’t know where they came from, but they were always there!

NS: Yeah yeah for real – so true! Some of my uncles I mean, Uncle Leroy, he loved martial arts and he was always pushing that. Uncle Harry was just a jokester. My Auntie – so many of them. Just wonderful, lucky and very grateful!

IG @NickDSagar

PHOTOS COURTESY | PG 16 - 25 Tina Turbow | PG 26 - 31 STARZ/Run the World

Read the May Issue #65 of Athleisure Mag and see For the Community with Nick Sagar in mag.