A woman of many talents, Yasmin Kassim is an actress, writer, and comedian who is unapologetically herself while constantly striving to grow into the best version of herself.

The Australian-born triple threat of South Asian descent stars in the new Netflix film You, Always, alongside Adrian Grenier and Jessica De Gouw. Kassim plays Matilda, a light-hearted, optimistic young woman romantically involved with Grenier’s Ethan, who is still in love with his longtime friend, Jen. One might feel sorry for Matilda, but Kassim sees the situation through a far more positive lens — unsurprising, given her own outlook on life. Alongside acting in the film, Kassim also joined the writing team for You, Always, bringing her own flair and perspective to the script.

Kassim began her career performing in a live music video with Michael Jackson and has continued following her passion ever since, leading her to where she is today. Building a career in Hollywood is no easy feat — let alone balancing acting, writing, and comedy all at once. Easygoing yet ambitious, Kassim shows how it’s possible to stay grounded while striving for more.

In conversation with 1883 Magazine, Yasmin Kassim discusses You, Always, romantic comedies, her non-linear career path, and her holistic approach to comedy.

Hi Yasmin, thanks for speaking to 1883 Magazine,  now that You, Always has been out in the world for a little while now and in the top 10 already, how have you found the reaction so far?

You never expect this, really! It is such a feel-good movie, and I think people are really resonating with this. It is filmed in one of the most amazing locations in the world, Queensland. I am so glad people are liking it, making my parents proud. 

And your younger self too, for sure!

Totally! I really love rom-coms, and it is a pleasure to be starring in one of them. I love my character Matilda too; she is very sure of herself, very fun, and empowered. It is so fun to play a character who is that confident. 

And what I really like about this story is that it is not about who is right and who is wrong; no one is a villain. Sometimes you have an amazing connection with someone, but it doesn’t mean they are your forever person, and I think a lot of people can resonate with that.

Do you resonate with her?

Actually, I had worked with the director previously for a Netflix series. And one day the director called me to say that the writers are looking at my Instagram page and looking at my comedy, and they are tailoring the character to me. I was so excited! As soon as I read it, I saw the resemblance. Matilda is so me! Free-spirit, fun-loving, but also career-driven. I really connected with Matilda. As you watch it, you will see parts of me in her.

Tell us about how you came to earn a writing credit for the film – you’ve written projects before but did you learn anything new by working on a rom-com?

Our director Christine Luby has seen a few comedies of mine, and she contacted me to say they would like to add a bit of edge to the script. I didn’t really change anything in the script, but I added some edgier and funnier bits, which was really fun to do. Anything that’s a bit cheeky, probably I had something to do with it.

Your character Matilda is in love with Adrian Grenier’s character who loves someone else. Hypothetically, if you were in that situation how would you react?

I think Matilda represents me on a very good day. She is like my best self (laughs). She is very cool and chill about the situation and doesn’t take anything personally. I would like to think I would react in a similar way, but I guess that depends on where you catch me on my cycle!

More on personal life – you mention planifesting; tell me how you do it, do you have any tips?

I follow this girl on YouTube, Gala Darling, who has an EFT tapping membership called “High Vibe Honey” and has a course called “Planifesting” where we come up with a goal and a plan for it. We do a session every month, and I love it because it creates accountability. When you stay really focused on your goal and keep your vibes high, change happens.

When you were growing up, what love came first: acting, writing, or comedy?

I got into a classical voice course, but I always wanted to be in musical theatre. When I tried to get into it for the longer course, I was told I had to work on my dancing skills, how embarrassing! So I focused on acting, and as I began my trips to the US, I started getting calls for comedy. It was surprising, as I considered myself a drama actress. But I booked a course called CBS Comedy Diversity Showcase, where you would write sketches and act out other people’s sketches. That’s where they told me, “You are a comedian, and you are a writer.” After that, I booked into a course for stand-up comedy and writing, and that’s when my life changed. 

I find both the writing side and stand-up side very rewarding and empowering, as they allow me to take control, while acting is more about waiting for projects. If I want something to be made, I can just get up and do it. And I love bringing joy to people’s lives; you never know when someone needs it. 

You’ve been very busy over the last decade in particular – what are some of the things you’ve learnt from working with other talent such as Paul Rudd, Isla Fisher, and Daniel Radcliffe?

All three of these people are so kind. They are so kind and generous with their time, although they are at the top of their fields. And this is something I want to take into my career. I want to make people feel seen and always treat people with kindness, no matter who they are. 

Quite topical, as the Michael film dropped recently, but according to your IMDB page, your first-ever project was in a Michael Jackson live show in 1997 – tell us all about it!

I was so terrified of the Thriller music video at the time; I still am a little bit. All the dancers from Thriller, with their makeup, would come off stage before our time to go on stage, and it was very scary. But it was such a beautiful feeling to be a part of such a big show; I vividly remember feeling the heat of the light. What an iconic show to be a part of.

What is the difference between working in Australia versus working in the US?

In Australia, everyone is hustling, while the US is fancier. For example, in Australia we don’t have trailers, and instead everyone is in one green room, but in the US there are massive trailers. Also, the industry in Australia is so much smaller than in the US. Usually if I work in Australia, I know either the makeup artist or someone else on the team, which makes it feel like a family.

You were selected to be in the Jury for Persian Film Festival, how did that make you feel? And when judging, what are the criteria you look at?

I had a close friend of mine at the board, and when she asked me, I felt very honoured to be asked. We watched so many incredible movies, and they were all moving for many reasons. When it comes to my criteria, for me, I am always going to be focused on the story and how the film affects me.

When you act, do you get affected by the story and the character?

I do, a lot. You are living and breathing in the moment and reacting as this other person. It also depends on the character. In Jungle, I was tapping into some really deep emotions, and I ended up working with an acting coach after that role. She helped me with an exercise where I would take my character, say, “She is safe,” and put her in my heart. 

What is the craziest thing you have done to prepare for a character?

I am the biggest nerd when it comes to this. I do vision boards, create backstories, or even journal as the character. I think it really helps me to build a world as much as I can. I also love to work with professionals to prepare me for it. 

The craziest thing I have done after a character is to get a mermaid tattoo after You, Always because Adrian (Grenier) calls me a mermaid!

Is there any genre you’d like to try in the future?

For me, comedy is the thing. However, I would love to be a part of a supernatural movie! I would love to be a vampire or a mermaid. It is the little girl in me!

Would you like to be the villain or the hero?

I would be both. I would make you think I am the hero, but then I would be bad and then be good again. I would take you on a ride!

What else is coming up for you later this year?

So much, but sadly, I can’t share! I am so excited for all the things that are coming up but so annoyed I can’t share them yet. But it is going to be a busy year. I really want to go to Bali for a holiday and drink out of a coconut on a beach…

You, Always is streaming on Netflix now.

Interview Zeynep Yeniceri

Photography Gregory Wallace Photography

Stylist Davon Hudson-Jenkins

HMUA Jill Colwell

Yasmin wears:

Red Strapless Dress: Sergio Hudson | Earrings: Ramy Brook

Black Halter Dress: Eteri Couture | Jewellery: Nadri