Feature: Samuel Arnold

Samuel Arnold: The French Coworker We All Deserve 

By Aris Pangan

We all may have been busy falling in love with Emily and Gabriel in Emily in Paris, but how could we forget Emily’s charismatic and endearing coworkers at Savoir? Netflix’s newest escapist romantic dramedy shows a life we could only dream of filled with chocolate croissants, long walks along the river, and an amazing job with sassy but loyal coworkers like Julien, played by Samuel Arnold. Samuel spoke with us about all things Emily in Paris and more importantly, all things Julien. 

When did you realize your interest in acting?

 As a kid I would watch a cop movie, then I’d want to be a cop. A superhero movie, then I’d want to be superhero… It’s only when I grew up a bit that I realised that I wanted to be an actor, to be all those things that I’m actually not.

What is a major difference between the actor you are now to the actor you were five years ago? 

 To me acting is, among other things, about life experiences. The architecture of the character I play in ‘Emily in Paris’ makes more sense to me now than it would have 5 years ago. The actor I am now is more experienced, and he will be even more in the future I hope.

What was your favorite part about working on Emily in Paris?

I never played a series regular character on a series before. Being able to follow the journey of Julien and his evolution through the whole story was a very enjoyable experience. Working with the ‘Emily in Paris’ family was amazing too…To be honest I loved so many things about this project, I could not tell which is my favourite.

What is your favorite memory, on or off set? 

 Same thing here. The entire journey was such an unforgettable experience. From the fun, we had on set to the parties with the all crew. Or sharing a beautiful flat with Lucas Bravo and Ashley Park in Le Marais (that beautiful area in Paris). We created so many precious memories that will stay with me forever.

How do you relate to your character, Julien? 

In a way, Julien is an upgraded version of me. We both like to look good, we are both funny and loyal to our loved ones. He just does all those things better than I do. But I’m getting there.

What was the most challenging thing about playing Julien? 

Julien has this very feminine quality, and he is glamourous. He is basically a diva. I had to make sure not to be a caricature or a cliché while remaining free. 

Who is your dream collaboration? 

To me, a dream collaboration would be to work with someone that understands my artistic language as much as I understand his/hers. No matter who that person is. If the project is beautiful and we move at the same rhythm, then I got myself a dream collaboration.

Who would you choose to play you in a movie about your life?

To play a young French boy like me? I have no idea. I’m sure that there are many skilled actors with a big range that can do it, but I just can’t see who. My nephew Mael is very talented though. He is 8 years old and he is just like me on so many levels. If he is crazy enough to become an actor, I’d like him to play me.

You can only listen to one album for the rest of your life. What is it? 

It’s going to be something that I’m going to hate for the rest of my life. I’d say « Nothing was the same » by Drake. 

What are you most looking forward to in 2021? 

I feel like ‘Emily in Paris’ has opened a new world of possibilities. I am looking forward to see where it’s going to take me, I cannot wait to see where I’d be in 2021.

Photo Credit Splendide Sisual
Interview by Aris Pangan