When someone breaks onto the global stage of showbiz, despite already being famous in their home country, one might expect them to become a little arrogant. However, that is certainly not the case for Boran Kuzum. Born and raised in Türkiye, Kuzum has spent years honing his craft and building a loyal fanbase thanks to his role in Thank You, Next.

He made the bold decision to leave his economics studies to pursue his “interest,” which, as he emphasises, is the key word, in acting. Having explored various art forms such as painting, theatre, and music, Kuzum felt a natural pull toward the craft and decided to go for it. When asked if he always knew acting was his destiny, he answered humbly that he wasn’t sure, but he believed that discovering what you are good at often comes from discovering what you are not. Talk about being grounded.

With a seemingly innate ability to portray characters with ease and with a strong work ethic, clearly, Kuzum’s talent is there. Undoubtedly, everything that has come before has helped him land his latest role in Netflix’s Big Mistakes. Created by Schitt’s Creek creator Dan Levy and starring alongside Taylor Ortega, the series revolves around two siblings who are dragged into organised crime.

In conversation with 1883 Magazine, Boran Kuzum discusses finding his passion, acting in a different language, and Big Mistakes.

I read that you had your audition over Zoom. How did you feel about that?

I didn’t know what to do! I asked the casting directors, “How are we going to do this?” and she was surprised it was my first online audition. It was actually easier than recording a self-tape. That said, I am really bad at auditions, I always have been!

You made a risky move, leaving your future-proof economics studies to pursue acting. What advice would you give to those who need the courage to do the same?

I think it’s hard to give advice on this because the world we live in now isn’t easy. I don’t know if I would be as courageous now as I was back then. At the time, I was young and willing to take the risk because I thought, “I only have one life. I’m going to give it a go and see if I like it.”

Have you always known that acting was your passion? 

I’m not one of those people who claim they always knew what they wanted to do. I discovered my passion by experiencing what wasn’t right for me. Growing up in an artistic family, I was always surrounded by art, painting, making music, and doing school theatre. I always felt the need to express myself, and for me, acting was the best medium for that.

Regarding your character… I read that he was originally Russian, but they changed him to be Turkish after casting you. Did that add more pressure or give you more confidence? As it was my first role in English, I definitely felt the pressure! But as time went on, making the character Turkish gave both me and Yusuf, my character, more space. I felt freer. You know when you’re so angry that you suddenly switch back to your native language? Yusuf gets angry quite often, and when I got into those scenes, the urge to speak Turkish came naturally to me. The team loved it; they found it more sincere. Since I know Turkish culture so well, being able to add cultural nuances that only a Turk would understand was really fun.

What are the main differences between acting in Turkish versus English? 

My teacher at the conservatory once told me, “You have to reach the blind audience and the deaf audience.” When you forget about the language and concentrate on delivering the right emotion, you can build the character easily.

Can we see parts of Boran in Yusuf? 

Definitely! For example, his reactions and gestures when he’s in shock, or when he doesn’t get what he wants, are very similar to mine. Playing this role also made me realize that I’ve been wearing a mask to cover my vulnerability for a while; you see that mask slip for Yusuf as the series develops.

How would you react if you found yourself caught up in organized crime, like the characters in the show? 

I would try to talk to them, explain and convince them that I am not cut out for this! That’s how I usually try to solve my problems.

We’ve also got some quick-fire questions for you:

Mantı (Turkish ravioli) or Mac & Cheese?

Mantı. It’s my favorite Turkish food, there’s no comparison!

Sucuk (Turkish chorizo) or Bacon?

Sucuk. I actually found some right next to my hotel in NYC!

City or Nature?

Both! I love nature, but I also love living in a big city.

Driving or Walking?

Having a driver.

Tea or Coffee?

Coffee.

Skiing or Surfing?

Neither. I broke my wrist skiing, and I’ve never tried surfing.

What did you learn from working with Dan Levy? 

I’ve always been a fan of Dan, but now I admire and respect him even more. He is so hardworking, generous, and helpful to everyone; I consider myself very lucky. Usually, when someone is the creator, producer, writer, and lead, you’d expect them to want to be the center of attention. With Dan, that isn’t the case. He wants us to shine even more than he does.

Is there a “Big Mistake” you’ve made in your life? 

It depends on how you look at it. I never see anything as a “big” mistake. What you think is a mistake can often open the best doors. It’s like Yin and Yang; every bad thing has a bit of good in it.

Big Mistakes is streaming on Netflix now.

Interview Zeynep Yeniceri

Photography Mert Guner