Born in Britain to an English mother and a father of Antiguan heritage, Lucien Laviscount is currently best known for his role as Alfie in the hit Netflix series Emily in Paris. However, Lucien has chalked up an impressive curriculum in television and movies. After appearing in the BBC’s school drama Grange Hill, he appeared in other British television series like Waterloo Road and Coronation Street before crossing the Atlantic for shows like Scream Queens and Katy Keene. In 2017, Lucien was a Nominee for Best Supporting Actor for the series Snatch, based on Guy Ritchie’s film of the same name. Having just opened a new “five-star dive bar” and recording studio in London called The Wealthy Beggar, Lucien is a busy man. However, when he can, he has increasingly been spending long periods of time in his “safe place” of Antigua. The Citizen caught up with Lucien on the eve of Emily in Paris’s premiere on the island to find out more about this popular actor and entrepreneur.
When and what made you decide to start acting?
I didn’t find acting, I think acting found me, as crazy as that might sound. To live in a playful state of imagination is something I find incredibly attractive.
You are now a series regular on one of the most-watched Netflix series ever, Emily in Paris. How does it feel to be part of something so big, and are you now getting recognised everywhere you go?
It’s unbelievable how much reach the show has – all ages to classes to cultures. It’s an incredible gift to share what we’ve worked so hard on, and to bring that back to Antigua is a blessing.
Why do you think Emily in Paris has resonated with so many people and become such a successful series?
The way Darren created these characters, they could live and breathe on any continent, and that is what makes them incredibly relatable.
Your father is of Antiguan descent. How important is your heritage to you?
It’s my lineage – my past and my future. It’s who I am. My DNA.
Did you come to Antigua much when you were growing up with your family? What were your memories of the island from that time?
My Mum and Dad made sure that we knew where we came from, what our roots meant, and the responsibility that came with it. I remember big waves and big hearts. The waves aren’t so big these days, but the hearts seem even bigger.
You’ve recently moved to Antigua. Why did you decide to use the island as your base?
Because it’s home. It’s my safe haven. It’s somewhere I constantly feel inspired and driven.
Living somewhere is very different from merely visiting – how has your experience of living in Antigua been?
It’s always moving. I live a very fast-paced lifestyle. And being here, I’ve learned to appreciate time – what that means and how little of it we have. So why wouldn’t you live in paradise if you can, right?
Has anything surprised you about the islands during your stay?
I’m constantly in awe here about everything.
Do you have a secret special spot on the islands?
I can’t tell you, otherwise, it won’t be a secret!
Back in 2006, you said you would love to make it big in America or Britain. How does it feel now that you are fulfilling your dreams?
I don’t honestly feel like I have even one foot on the ladder of what I want to achieve yet.
The third season of Emily in Paris has just been released, and a fourth has been confirmed. What other projects are you working on?
I can’t really tell you about the acting stuff, but we’ve just set up our production company, Small World Production, alongside Scott Lummis and Wallette Watson.
What is your motto in life?
Believing is the key to the universe.
And being here, I’ve learned to appreciate time – what that means and how little of it we have. So why wouldn’t you live in paradise if you can, right?