Fady Elsayed is a captivating Egyptian-British actor whose journey from Islington to the screen is proof of passion, dedication and true grit. With a background in media, drama, and psychology, he made waves in 2012 with My Brother the Devil, earning him a Best British Newcomer nomination at the BFI London Film Festival. Since then, Elsayed has enchanted audiences with standout roles in Penny Dreadful, Class, and A Private War, to name a few. In a heartfelt chat with eniGma’s Farida Elserty, he opens up about his artistic journey, the hurdles he’s overcome, and the dreams that inspire him.
Born to Egyptian parents in the heart of tough Islington, Elsayed’s journey began in a neighbourhood filled with hardships and challenges to the global acting stage. His story is a testament to resilience, focus, hard work and the indelible influence of one’s roots. “Growing up in Islington had a significant impact on my approach to acting,” Elsayed reflects, his voice carrying a blend of nostalgia and resolve. “Experiencing the ups and downs, enduring hardships, and losing friends to terrible circumstances shaped me emotionally as an actor. When I need to tap into certain emotions or aspects of scenes, these feelings are already within me. I don’t have to search for them; they’re just there.”
This emotional reservoir is complemented by a deep connection to his Egyptian heritage, which Elsayed believes to be both a personal anchor and a professional asset. “My Egyptian roots have influenced my identity as an actor in many ways,” he explains. “Being able to speak the language has opened many doors for me. I’m very proud to be Egyptian and strive to represent my country, the Middle East, and Arabs with authenticity. I have turned down auditions that portray Egyptians or Arabs negatively because I believe it’s important to contribute to a truthful representation.”
Elsayed explains: “There’s a wealth of rich history in Egypt and many stories to be told. I want to be honest in my work and contribute positively to the representation of Egypt on screen.”
Despite the desire to remain true to his convictions, the journey from aspiring actor to established talent presented challenges that he had to reconcile with, even if for the short term. “I experienced the challenges of being typecast,” he recalls. “When you’re starting, you often feel the need to accept any role, sometimes for financial reasons or just to build your CV. But now, I’m in a position where I can turn down roles that don’t represent me or my culture positively. I stay true to myself and my identity.”
My Brother the Devil was the breakthrough role for Elsayed. What began as an unassuming audition became a pivotal moment in his career. “I wasn’t very invested in acting at the time,” he admits. “But the role in My Brother the Devil made me fall in love with acting. It was a monumental role that shaped my career and deepened my love for acting,” he reflects. “Each role offers new opportunities and challenges, but that film was particularly impactful. The film’s success and my nominations for two awards marked a significant turning point, leading me to secure an agent and solidifying my passion for the craft.”
Elsayed realised he had to choose between pursuing his academic studies, which played a part in shaping and developing him, and the movie industry.
From the shadowy realms of Penny Dreadful (2014) to the harrowing intensity of A Private War (2018), Elsayed proved his versatility, tackling a diverse range of characters. His approach to preparation is as varied as his roles. “For every role, I rely heavily on instinct,” he reveals. “While some roles require more research, I enjoy the freedom to explore different aspects of the character and experiment on the job. Unlike theatre, where you stick closely to the script, the film allows for more discovery and spontaneity.”
Amid this rich portrayal of different genres, KAOS (2024) stands out as particularly memorable for Elsayed as it taps into the challenge of transforming into a character that is part man, part bull “This role required delving into animalistic instincts and working with movement coach Polly Bennett was invaluable. “The prosthetics and extensive makeup were physically demanding, but they taught me a great deal about balancing physicality with character depth,” he explains.
Collaborating with seasoned actors like Stellan Skarsgård and Rosamund Pike further enriched Elsayed’s growth. “Both were incredibly inspiring,” he says. “Their professionalism and dedication to their craft have influenced my approach. Seeing how they work—being punctual, well-prepared, and committed—has set a standard for me.”
Working on British and international film productions, Elsayed credits British productions with high organisation and a strong emphasis on timing. “The strict schedules help maintain professionalism and productivity. I haven’t worked in the Arabic film industry yet, but I’m hopeful for future opportunities there.”
Looking ahead, Elsayed is excited about upcoming projects, including potential new seasons of Industry and KAOS, and hopes to work in Egypt in the future. “I have some film offers, but I’m focused on roles that align with my interests,” he shares. “Acting is a journey of passion and persistence, and I’m eager to continue telling meaningful stories.”
Elsayed’s foray into fashion, particularly with Puma’s “The Porsche Legacy” collection, provided a different kind of creative outlet. “Fashion plays a role in my life, though not a huge one,” he admits. “I appreciate a more understated style, influenced by friends in the fashion world. The Puma campaign was a unique experience, especially being shot in downtown Cairo.”
Elsayed’s academic background in Media, Drama, and Psychology also played a role in his development, though he had to choose between continuing his studies and pursuing an acting role. “I chose the film opportunity, and I have no regrets,” he says. “Acting is about telling untold stories, and I’m particularly interested in exploring biopics about individuals who have overcome significant struggles.”
To aspiring actors, especially those from diverse backgrounds, Elsayed offers this advice: “Remain extremely passionate about your craft. Consistency combined with passion is key. The industry is tough, and you need to be resilient to handle rejection and stay on track.”
Photographer: Two Geez
Management: Mad Solutions
Location: Esca Beach Club