CANDID CONFESSIONS: GRAHAM PARKHURST ON ACTING AND AUTHENTICITY

PHOTOGRAPHER: NEIL SHARUM, STYLIST: MARILYN MONROY, GROOMING: ABRAHAM ESPARZA, CREATIVE DIRECTION: CULLY WRIGHT, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: ANDREW BEAR, PRODUCTION: FLORA TAPPER @ HYPERION LA, LOCATION: HYPE STUDIOS LA
Shirt: KIM PERETS, Jacket: VINTAGE BURBERRY, Shorts: SEFR

Graham Parkhurst is making waves with his standout role in Netflix's series “Glamorous”. Known for his appearances in “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds”, “The Umbrella Academy”, and “Titans”, Parkhurst's journey from the scenic landscapes of Ontario to the glitzy sets of Hollywood is as compelling as the characters he portrays. "One day, I’d love to play Javert in “Les Misérables”," he reveals, showcasing his range and depth as an actor. His performance as Parker, a seemingly perfect gay jock, is both nuanced and layered, reflecting his ability to blend charm with vulnerability.

LEFT: Shirt: SEFR, Jacket: VINTAGE, Necklace: ALEJANDRA DE COSS, Pants: KARTIK RESEARCH, Shoes: MARNI RIGHT: Shirt: AMI, Necklace: SANDRO, Necklace: PYRRHA, Pants: SIMKHAI, Shoes: MARGIELA

In our candid conversation, Graham shared his love for storytelling and the craft of acting, admitting that the pursuit of work can sometimes strain his connection to the world around him. Yet, it’s this very obsession that drives his passion and dedication. "The pursuit of work can strain the connections to the rest of the world around me," he confesses, highlighting the sacrifices made in his relentless pursuit of excellence. Off-screen, Parkhurst's relatability shines through as he talks about his sweet tooth and current favorite candy, Swedish Fish, and a memorable but less-than-glamorous hotel stay that could have been straight out of a horror movie. "The bathroom had this huge baseball-sized hole in the wall with exposed pipes," he laughs, adding a touch of humor to his harrowing tale. This interview offers a glimpse into the multifaceted life of a rising star who is as relatable as he is talented, blending humor, vulnerability, and an undeniable passion for his craft.

If you could learn a new skill instantly, what would it be?

Carpentry.

You said on set you have a bit of a sweet tooth. What is your favorite candy?

Tough question because my answer changes regularly, but my current favorite is Swedish Fish.

LEFT: Shirt: KIM PERETS, Jacket: VINTAGE BURBERRY, Shorts: SEFR MIDDLE: Shirt: SEFR, Jacket: VINTAGE, Necklace: ALEJANDRA DE COSS, Pants: KARTIK RESEARCH, Shoes: MARNI RIGHT: Shirt: AMI, Necklace: SANDRO, Necklace: PYRRHA, Pants: SIMKHAI, Shoes: MARGIELA

Do you have any tricks to memorize your lines?

I’m an actor who needs to hear the scene read aloud to fully get into it, so I generally have a friend read the scenes with me multiple times until I have it memorized.

Who’s your favorite person to follow on Instagram?

Jared Olsever (@JAREDOLSEVER) - An incredible artist from Toronto.

Shirt: SEFR, Jacket: VINTAGE, Necklace: ALEJANDRA DE COSS, Pants: KARTIK RESEARCH

What role/character from stage or screen do you want to play?

One day, I’d love to play Javert in Les Misérables.

What is your favorite part of being an actor?

The work. I’m a storyteller and I love bringing life to a character.

What is your least favorite part about being an actor?

The pursuit of work. Sometimes the obsession with the pursuit of work can strain the connections to the rest of the world around me.

LEFT: Shirt: AMI, Jacket: SANDRO, Necklace: PYRRHA, Pants: SIMKHAI, Shoes: MARGIELA MIDDLE: Shirt: NANUSHKA, Jacket: SEFR, Ring: RAT BETTY RIGHT: Shirt: AMI PARIS, Jacket: KARTIK RESEARCH, Ring: RAT BETTY, Pants: WALES BONNER, Shoes: MARNI

What was the worst hotel you’ve stayed in while on tour?

I stayed in a hotel near NYC that looked like a set from a horror movie. The bathroom had this huge baseball-sized hole in the wall with exposed pipes. The shower was constantly dripping. The carpet was four different colors because of large stains. Flickering fluorescent lights. Broken desk beside the TV. I remember laying bags down on the bed and sleeping on top of them with a hoodie on so I didn’t have to touch the blankets. Great story to tell, but horrible experience.

What is your idea of a perfect date?

My idea of a perfect date has less to do with the activity and more to do with the person. I’m drawn to humour and authenticity above all else. A simple coffee date with a great person will always be enjoyable to me.

What is your worst habit?

Procrastination.

Shirt: AMI PARIS, Jacket: KARTIK RESEARCH, Ring: RAT BETTY, Pants: WALES BONNER, Shoes: MARNI

Where is your favorite place on earth?

So far, I’d say Rome!

If you could interview one fellow actor, who would it be?

James Marsden! I’ve always looked up to him. He’s had an incredible career spanning decades and I’d love to ask him about his journey.

What condiment do you put on a hotdog?

All of them. But if I’m supposed to pick my favorite, I’d say basic yellow mustard.

What’s a fun fact about being a Canadian that people might not know?

We have one-dollar coins that we call Loonies and two-dollar coins we call Toonies. I always find it hilarious how fascinated people are when they see one for the first time.

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Do you have a biggest regret? If so, what was it?

Hurting people I love out of jealousy or discontent with myself.

If you had to choose a different career path, what would it be?

Environmental scientist! I grew up surrounded by nature, so I would love to help conserve it.

When are you your happiest?

When I’m creating.

What are you most attracted to in a partner?

Humour, quiet confidence, the ability to take care of themselves. Someone who enhances my energy instead of depleting it. Admittedly, I have a somewhat turbulent life. I like a partner who is more grounded and levelheaded.

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Is there a piece of advice you would give yourself 10 years ago?

Don’t make decisions based on fear.

What’s a valuable lesson that you always carry with you?

Pay attention to peoples' actions and not their words.

If you were a book, what book would you be and why?

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I’m a big dreamer on a wonderful and terrifying solo journey through life constantly seeking deeper meaning and connection to myself and the world.