In the world of acting, there are few who command the stage as powerfully as Aleks Paunovic. His impressive presence and versatile range of talents have made him one of the most sought-after actors in the industry.
From epic blockbusters to challenging character roles, Paunovic has amassed a broad spectrum of experiences that render him a captivating conversationalist.
In this exclusive interview, Aleks Paunovic grants us an intimate glimpse into his world.
Aleks, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us about your new series “The Silent Service.” First off, could you tell us how you came to be a part of this exciting production and what specifically drew you to this project?
Thanks for wanting to hang out! I appreciate it. Well, there’s nothing more rewarding than a production ( a production of this size), reaching out and wanting you to be a part of the journey. What a gift. Then reading the script I was all in. Not only did I love what I was reading, but I also had the chance to go to Japan and be able to create with a whole other culture. How exciting is that!? Then when landing in Tokyo, The Silent Service crew and cast welcomed me with open arms. it was seriously a next-level production.
It’s always fascinating to learn how actors immerse themselves in their characters. Could you give us a brief overview of your role in “The Silent Service” and how it fits into the series’ storyline?
Ya, I play Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Steiger. When my Character learns that there is a possible Nuke on SeaBat it’s his initiative to either debunk that fact or to seize or sink the Sub.
Espionage and intelligence services are themes that often captivate the imagination and allow for a variety of interpretations. What do you think sets “The Silent Service” apart from other productions in the spy genre?
For one, it’s based on a 1980’s Manga show. A very popular one. So not only has it been around for years but it has flushed out its story over many decades. So, in film making sometimes you don’t get a lot of time diving deep. Silent Service was the exception. I think that’s the big thing that separates it from the rest. deep well well-thought-out characters.
The filming of a series like “The Silent Service” undoubtedly comes with its challenges. Could you share any particular moments or challenges you faced during production and how you dealt with them?
I think one of the big challenges was the language barrier. We Had John Haggerty on as a consultant and translator and he made it easier to communicate. But there were many times our amazing director and I struggled through miming and actions trying to communicate what the goal was. But honestly, it had its moments but wasn’t as difficult as it could have been. At the end of the day, it was quite an amazing experience working and problem-solving in that way.
The preparation for a role is often a captivating process. How did you prepare for your role in “The Silent Service,” especially regarding the specific demands of your character?
I did a lot of research into the US Navy and realized it takes decades to become an Admiral. It’s a lifelong journey and the dedication it takes to become one. So, I asked a lot of questions. I also sought out a US Admiral, and we spoke a couple of times about just the energy of an Admiral. That was so helpful in my playing this part.
Every actor has a scene or episode that holds special meaning for them. Is there a particular scene in “The Silent Service” that has special significance for you, and could you tell us why?
There’s a scene, one of the few private moments my character has, where you see the meaning behind what he’s trying to accomplish. You get a glimpse into his heart and his pain. That was quite a beautiful moment they incorporated to see the human nature of Admiral Strieger.
An actor’s personality often seeps into their roles. How has your personality or experiences influenced your interpretation of your roles?
I try to bring my experiences to every role I play. The homework is to find a parallel with yourself in the role. Sometimes that brings up not-so-great memories, but I feel like that’s the work. It’s about truth. For me, as an artist, it’s a must for me finding the bottom of the truth in the character. So ya, sometimes it’s not pretty. But I love doing that kind of work. It makes me feel alive.
Collaborating with colleagues on set can have a significant impact on the quality of a series. Could you tell us about the chemistry and collaboration with your co-stars in “The Silent Service”?
Yes! For sure, I had great co-stars. My right-hand man was played by Paul Winchester, a great actor and an even better human. We talked a lot about how our characters met, and how we view each other in the story. Great experience. Then there’s my adversaries Gordon Waddell, and Rob Flanagan, who both played Commanders. In the script, we felt like my character was being a little overzealous. When we had downtime, we just spoke of the relationship between our characters. We also got to know each other pretty well so it made it comfortable to dig deep and play with certain scenes. I’m glad we had the time to work on our relationships because I felt it connected the characters well.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for many people, especially someone in your position as an actor. How personally important is health and fitness to you, particularly during intense filming?
Oh Man, it is a must! I try to eat clean and workout, even if it’s a hotel room workout or a trailer workout. I need to get my body moving so it will cooperate with how I want to play the scenes. I think it’s essential for an actor to know his body well–for me, at least. I need it in my life.
It’s inspiring to learn how actors physically prepare to meet the demands of their roles. Do you have specific fitness routines or practices that you maintain during filming to support your performance?
Well, honestly for me, it’s always been boxing. I have three generations of boxers in my family. I’ve been doing it since I can remember. Even shadowboxing for ten minutes gets my body and mind right.
As an actor, you’re often on the go and have little time for your personal life. How do you integrate your family into your professional commitments?
In this day and age, Facetime video chat has been essential. Thank God for that. And making sure there’s those off days, and as an actor, we have a lot. So, it’s not too bad.
Do you have any new projects you’re currently working on that you can share about?
I have three exciting film and television projects to talk about, but unfortunately, I cannot share them yet. However, I am also a co-owner of a canned water company called LEGEND WATER CO. that we are thrilled to launch at the end of April. Our water comes from the mountains of Canada. Our mission is to eliminate single-use plastic bottles, and our cans have a QR code that says “LEGENDS SUPPORTING LEGENDS.” Scanning it will take you to our homepage where you can access a suicide prevention hotline. We are proud to be working with rehabilitation facilities across the country and providing links to their sites. I am very proud of this initiative.
Finally, is there a particular lesson or experience you’d like to take away as an actor and share with your fans?
Ya, live your dream. What’s the worst that can happen? Regret is a terrible thing. We all have dreams; I know someone reading this right now has just thought of that dream. It doesn’t have to be the biggest thing in the world but just do something to start it. Go after it. It’s a beautiful feeling. Thanks so much for hanging out with me. What great questions. Take care and be well.
Thank you for your time.
