ACTOR AND SINGER GAVIN LEATHERWOOD HAS CRAFTED HIS DUAL CAREER AROUND HIS OWN TRANSFORMATIVE TASTES, CREATING MUSIC YOU WANT TO GO ON ROAD TRIP ADVENTURES TO; AND TURNING OUT PERFORMANCES IN GENRE-BENDING TV SHOWS AND MOVIES FROM THE CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA TO THE SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS AND THE RECENT HORROR-COMEDY IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE. PERFECTLY BALANCED BETWEEN SELF-EXPRESSION AND COMMERCIAL RECOGNITION, HERE THE 30-YEAR-OLD MULTI-HYPHENATE REFLECTS ON HIS JOURNEY TO EXPLORING AND HONING HIS CRAFT.

When we first meet your character in It’s What’s Inside, he’s defined as this ‘Trust fund baby-turned-rapper’. What did you think about Dennis when you first read the script?

When I read the script, Dennis struck me as this bold, layered character — a “trust fund baby-turned-rapper” isn’t just a label but speaks to both privilege and yearning for authenticity. That complexity intrigued me.

The movie’s theme is intriguing too, with all that body-swapping existential chaos. It must have been so challenging as you’re all playing each other at different points. How did you approach embodying Dennis in that evolving narrative, as you’re not only unpacking his layers, but others too?

The body-swapping narrative is wild! You’re constantly playing different personalities, which is both a challenge and a thrill, sometimes confusing, especially in unravelling Dennis while embodying others’ quirks. Playing Dennis in this layered story is a dive into identity. Embodying different minds in one body taught me a lot about perspective and empathy.

You know how they say you never know someone until you walk a mile in their shoes? Well, this movie is a very spicy take on that metaphor.

What do you feel the movie says about society today with your generation? Is there a common theme in all the different character representations, like, everybody either knows or has met a Dennis?

The movie is a mirror to today’s social media-driven world — so much identity and performance. Everyone might know a “Dennis” type: someone who’s navigating their privilege or image.

What’s the meaning behind Dennis’ chest tattoo that reads, “Forgiven”? Do you have any tattoos yourself?

“Forgiven,” hints at his backstory and the idea of seeking redemption. I do have tattoos, and some are personal, others capture something close to me — they all symbolise some form of growth or self-reflection.

Speaking of growth, in your acting credits so far, you’ve explored many different characters, and now genre-bending again in the thriller Fade to Black. Is there anything you can reveal about the role or the movie so far?

Fade to Black stretches into thriller territory, and another character so different from any other role I’ve taken on… so it’s an exciting challenge. My character has a large ego and makes a fun little splash. Can’t reveal too much yet, but it’s intense!

So, what kind of part would you really desire to play that you haven’t yet, or that you hope is coming down the line?

I’d love to tackle a light-hearted comedy or a crime drama, something deeply psychological. Maybe a character who faces profound transformation.

Transformation as an actor in and outside of a role, brings reflection, so what are the biggest confrontations you’ve had with yourself, when you’ve had the time to reflect and reevaluate? Do you have a motto or a proverb you live by?

Reflection brings up big questions of purpose. My motto? Maybe something like, “Stay curious, stay grounded, stay kind.”

What was your perspective of acting when you were growing up in California? Were you auditioning here and there? I want to know what you sunk your teeth into to keep developing yourself.

Growing up in California, acting always felt close by. There is no better feeling than playing pretend. Auditioning was a learning process, and I threw myself into every role, whether small or big, to hone my craft.

You’re also a musician. So, when you’re studying and preparing for a role, where do you find the connection and the mood and the rhythm that you get from music? Are you a playlist-maker too?

Music is part of my process. Each character has a rhythm, and music helps me connect. I do create playlists for some roles — it’s like capturing a character’s mood. It’s a powerful thing, music.

Are you able to express yourself the same way between acting and music, or are they two separate worlds for you?

Acting and music are two sides of expression for me. They’re linked yet distinct; music feels more personal, while acting lets me explore outside of myself.

Top & pants **Dior Men**, boots **Tom Ford**

What are you working on now?

I’m diving into several things — some acting, some music-related, some art-related. Each project feels like another step in my journey. But I’m in no rush. I’m enjoying the process of honing each respective creative form.

I’m curious to know, as you mentioned about staying grounded, what do you value most at this stage in your life, and what song would you use to describe yourself?

At 30, I value simplicity and self-awareness. I value peace more than I might have in my youth. Right now, the song that resonates would be something introspective, maybe Bon Iver’s, “Speyside”.