Edwin De La Renta is a British actor, model, and dancer, best known for his performances in films such as The Informer (2019), The Last Faust (2019), and Bharat (2019).[1] He also gained recognition for his role as Francis in the critically acclaimed television series Ted Lasso on Apple TV+.[2]
Edwin De La Renta | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, model, dancer |
| Years active | 2010–present |
| Notable work | The Informer, The Last Faust, Bharat, Ted Lasso |
Early life and education
editEdwin De La Renta was born in Stonebridge Park and raised in Tottenham, North London, with part of his childhood spent in Accra, Ghana. He attended St Thomas More Catholic School in Wood Green, North London. Although initially interested in pursuing a career in athletics and marine biology, De La Renta developed an interest in the arts during his late teens. He later attended the Sylvia Young Theatre School, where his passion for dance emerged.[3]
Career
editEarly career
editDe La Renta began his entertainment career as a professional dancer, appearing in music videos for artists such as Alicia Keys ("Girlfriend"), Craig David ("All The Way"), and Jay Sean ("Dance With You"). After touring as a backing dancer, he pursued further studies in Sociology at Goldsmiths College.
Transition to acting and modelling
editWhile studying, he was streetcast for a photoshoot with Face Magazine, which led him to start a career in fashion modeling. Following his graduation, De La Renta moved to New York, where he studied acting at The Actors Corner in Hell's Kitchen and continued his career as a model. His work in acting began with various short films and community theatre performances.[4][5]
Film
editDe La Renta's breakthrough in film came in 2019 when he starred as Smiley Phelps in The Informer, alongside Joel Kinnaman, Rosamund Pike, Ana de Armas, Common, and Clive Owen. Later that year, he portrayed the dual android roles of ParisMUMa 17/Homunculus in the arthouse film The Last Faust,[6] a modern retelling of the Faust legend. He also made his Bollywood debut in Bharat (2019), starring opposite Salman Khan as the pirate leader Mikhael.[7]
Television
editIn 2021, De La Renta joined the cast of Ted Lasso for its second season, playing Francis, the assistant to Ghanaian billionaire Edwin Akufo (portrayed by Sam Richardson).[8] He reprised this role in the third season of the series. He also appeared in Deceit (2021), which depicts the honeytrap scandal during the Rachel Nickell murder investigation.[9]
Achievements
editDe La Renta's performances have been recognized in various media outlets, including features in the Financial Times and recognition at the London Critics' Circle Film Awards.[10]
Filmography
editFilm
edit| Year | Film | Role | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Alberto Goes To Rio | Muhammed | Short Film |
| 2015 | Taken Out | Met | Short Film |
| 2015 | Rise Of The Footsoldier 2 | Crackhead | Film |
| 2015 | Flying South For The Summer | Mark | Short Film |
| 2016 | The Dead Sea | Malik | Short Film |
| 2019 | The Informer | Smiley Phelps | Film |
| 2019 | Bharat | Mikhael | Film |
| 2019 | The Last Faust | Paris Android Muma 17/Homonculus | Film |
| 2020 | Tap Boy | Silas | Short Film |
| 2021 | The Como Connection | Agent November | Short Film |
| 2022 | Pretty Red Dress | Fletcher | Film |
| TBA | Breezy | Ezra | Film |
Television
edit| Year | Television Show | Role | Episodes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Grass Roots | Justin Rose | 1 episode |
| 2021-2023 | Ted Lasso | Francis | 3 episodes |
| 2021 | Deceit | Mark (Kash) Bailey | 1 episode |
Personal life
editIn his youth, De La Renta was a highly ranked 110m hurdler, competing for Haringey and Barnet. He also competed as an amateur boxer.[11]
References
edit- ^ "Edwin De La Renta | Actor, Producer, Executive". IMDb. Retrieved 2024-09-22.
- ^ MAGAZINE ®, OUCH! (2024-02-01). "British Men are Taking over hollywood me cover Edwin de la Renta". Ouch! Magazine. Retrieved 2024-09-22.
- ^ "Edwin De La Renta - Biography". IMDb. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
- ^ "The Tower Theatre Podcast Season 2 Episode 4". Apple Podcasts. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
- ^ "Tower Theatre Company : One Man, Two Guvnors". www.archive.towertheatre.org.uk. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
- ^ ncadmin (2019-09-12). "Profile: Edwin De La Renta - Hommunculus / Paris (Android-C02JK0TVDTY4Z-2-27)". Philipp Humm. Retrieved 2024-09-22.
- ^ "British Actor, Edwin De La Renta On 'The Informer' And Social Responsibility Within Film". BOND OFFICIAL | Modern Men. Modern Stories. 2020-10-01. Retrieved 2024-09-22.
- ^ "Edwin De La Renta | Rotten Tomatoes". www.rottentomatoes.com. Retrieved 2024-09-22.
- ^ "Edwin De La Renta | Actor, Producer, Executive". IMDb. Retrieved 2024-09-22.
- ^ "LONDON CRITICS CIRCLE FILM AWARDS / EDWIN DE LA RENTA | Greenlit". greenlit.com. Retrieved 2024-09-22.
- ^ "Edwin De La Renta – Left Hook Boxing Club London". Retrieved 2024-09-22.