Luke Pasqualino

If you had 25 years of human life that you could distribute to any number of deceased artists to give them more time (presumably to add more to their body of work) who would you bring back, and how many years would you allot to each?
What a great question to start on. I have so many different answers for this question and I could be here for hours dedicating a year to each of my beloved artists, but the two that stand out are Amy Winehouse and Heath Ledger. I was, and still am a huge fan of their work and I can only begin to imagine the work they would be producing if they were still with us today. They left us far too young. Therefore I would give them 12.5 years each, sit back and enjoy their crafts unfold.

What is something that took you too long to realize?
It definitely took me too long to realize that the random beeping noise that used to fill my house every now and again was actually my dishwasher telling me the cycle was complete. Appliances aside, I think it took me too long to realize how much friends and family really mean. Although it sounds like a cliche answer it really is true. As an actor you are away from home A LOT and it certainly makes you appreciate the little things in life.

If you could only pick three websites to use for the rest of your life, which ones would you pick?
I’m going to cheat on this one and say Google, it’s kind of the only website you need! The other two websites would be Netflix and Sky Sports.

Without saying its name, describe your favourite film.
My favourite film of all time follows the lives of three gangsters in New York. It’s based on a true story, directed by the incredible Martin Scorcese. In my opinion it’s a masterpiece. With a predominantly Italian cast I’m sure it’s not difficult to see why I love this film so much! Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci and Robert De Niro, need I say more?!

What word do you say too much?
“Bruv” or “dude”. I can’t really explain why, but they just come out! A lot of the time they are said as a joke or alongside some form of comedic gag but still… I say them too much.

What is the best mistake or rash decision you’ve ever committed?
I think buying myself a brand new Mercedes at the age of 19 when my income wasn’t all that impressive would constitute a rash decision. But as far as mistakes go, it was definitely one of the best!

What are you tired of?
I’m tired of the lack of manners some people have. Especially on the road. I was driving a couple of weeks ago along a very narrow country road and had to reverse for a bus and several cars behind it for about 50-60 metres. I think out of about seven vehicles (including the bus) maybe two people had the decency to say thank you. Even to raise four fingers from the steering wheel would have sufficed. Rant over!

What technology or invention do you find the most captivating/ intriguing/ innovative?
Ever since I was a kid, and even now I still find it fascinating how HUGE planes can take off from a runway, weighing as much as they do and stay in the air for hours at a time and land again safely in a completely different time zone on the other side of the globe. It’s crazy.

What was ruined for you once it became incredibly popular?
Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars. I’d heard it in America before it even reached the UK and I remember thinking it was the best thing since sliced bread. That thought lasted all of about two weeks once I returned home.

One of your ongoing roles is as D’Artagnan in The Musketeers. Rather than a duel, if you could challenge anyone in history to any sort of contest or challenge, who would you pick and what would you challenge them to?
Another very good question. I think I’m going to say my paternal grandfather (who sadly isn’t with us anymore), at an Italian card game we used to play called Scopa. Even when I was a young boy I remember him being so competitive, and he would always accuse me of cheating in some shape or form! In fairness I didn’t understand the game all that well so the accusations could be true. Now as a man with a good knowledge of the game I’d like to take him on again. Forza Luca.

If you could ask any three people (ever) one question, who would you pick and what would you ask?
I know the answer to this one straight away. I’d ask all three members of The Rat Pack, “What was the most Rock ‘n Roll thing you ever did as a group?”

When was the last time you felt like you had to challenge yourself to get better at something due to the situation/ circumstances or due to a realization of some kind?
There have been many occasions where I’ve felt that I need to get better at something and fast, but the one that stands out most recently would have to be my first week at bootcamp during The Musketeers. I looked around at the stunt artists guiding us through the sword training, and looked at my fellow cast members who seemed to be doing a great job and it dawned on me that I was up against it. With just under a week to go before I shot my first ever sword sequence the pressure was kind of on.

If you could be trained to be a part of any real or fictional organization, what organization would you pick? (Anything from Jedi to Nascar)
I’m quite into my motorsport. I’m a bit of a petrol head, and admire the skill needed to be good at it. I think I’d choose to be trained as a professional Formula 1 driver. Not only would I get to drive incredibly fast cars around incredible race tracks, I’d be loving EVERY second of it.

Luke Pasqualino can be seen in The Musketeers on BBC (UK).

As told to Paul Vaughan for TPJ
Creative Director & Photographer: Jessie Craig
Stylist: Christopher Preston
Grooming: Gigi Hammond