Alexander Cubis on Becoming Rhage, Embracing Vulnerability, and Balancing Business with Creativity

With his role as Rhage — better known to fans as “Hollywood” — in The Black Dagger Brotherhood, Alexander Cubis steps into the shoes of a beloved paranormal heartthrob with swagger, strength, and soul. The Australian actor brings more than just charisma to the screen: there’s a layered emotional intensity that’s made fans fall hard for his portrayal. In this conversation, Cubis reflects on embodying a supernatural icon, navigating mental health, and staying grounded in both the entertainment and business worlds.

Alexander Cubis @alexjcubis photographed by Dexter Brown @dexterbrownfoto Suit @boss Jeans @jcrew Belt @calvinklein

Since the show’s debut, fans have praised your on-screen charisma — many even say you’re the only actor who could’ve brought Rhage, aka ‘Hollywood’, to life with such depth. How does that response sit with you?
It’s incredibly humbling. When you step into a character as beloved as Rhage, there’s always the fear that you won’t live up to the version people have built in their minds. So to hear that the performance resonated — not just in the physical sense, but in capturing his contradictions and vulnerabilities — means a lot. I take it as a sign that I was meant to be part of this world.

Rhage’s nickname “Hollywood” says it all — he’s the heartthrob of the Brotherhood. Did you feel the need to live up to that label?
I mean… when your character is literally called “Hollywood,” you know the bar’s been set high. The fans expect swagger, heat, and heart — so yeah, no pressure, right? But honestly, it was fun leaning into that energy. He’s got the looks, sure, but it’s the way he loves, jokes, and protects that makes him irresistible. I just tried to bring all of that to the surface — with fangs.

Rhage has a very specific physicality — strength, sexuality, swagger. What part of stepping into his body felt the most foreign to you?
The lack of self-consciousness. Rhage doesn’t second-guess his presence — he takes up space, unapologetically. I’m a lot more measured in real life. So stepping into that kind of confidence took a minute, but once it clicked, it was really fun to sit in that energy.

Rhage is known for being both beautiful and cursed. Do you think pain and beauty always go hand-in-hand?
Not always. But I do think pain sharpens perspective. If you’ve been through something heavy, it makes you notice beauty in quieter moments. I think that’s true of Rhage. He feels everything at a high volume, but there’s real softness and pain under the surface. That contrast is part of what fans love about him.

The Brotherhood has a deep sense of camaraderie. How did that translate on set with your fellow cast members?
The bond among the Brotherhood is pretty central to the story, and we naturally reflected that off-camera as well. Building genuine relationships with the cast helped bring authenticity to our on-screen bond, and I think that’s a big part of why audiences have responded so well to the show. It honestly felt like we were part of a real brotherhood.

Fans of the books are deeply attached to these characters. What would you say to readers who were nervous about seeing their version of Rhage on screen?
I get it. I’ve had characters I’ve loved from books that I didn’t want “messed with.” I tried to do my best in treating Rhage with a lot of respect. I wasn’t trying to reinvent him — I was trying to honor what’s already there to respect (author) JR Ward, and the fans of the books. If only a few people have seen moments on screen that line up with how they pictured Rhage in their head, that’s a win.

Fitness has become important to you. How did that relationship with health evolve, and how does it impact your life today, both on and off set?
My first big acting role, much like The Black Dagger Brotherhood, pushed me to hire a trainer who really challenged me — beyond what I thought I could do. Growing up, I wasn’t particularly athletic, so I didn’t understand how deeply the body can impact the mind and vice versa until I started training seriously. Fitness has since become my main form of self-care. It gives me space to disconnect from everything that demands my attention and forces me to be fully present in the moment — in much the same way acting does. It helps me manage my energy, clear my head, and, honestly, it’s also nice to be able to eat a little more without the guilt.

You’ve spoken openly about overcoming mental health challenges. How has that personal experience shaped your approach to your work, especially when playing emotionally demanding roles?
Just like understanding the limits of your body, navigating mental health has taught me a lot about the full spectrum of emotions a person can experience. It’s given me the ability to empathize with people in ways I might not have been able to otherwise. As an actor, that empathy is invaluable. It helps me tap into characters’ emotional depth in a way that feels honest — not just acting out a feeling, but truly connecting with it. It’s a constant reminder that every person is carrying something different, and that’s a perspective I try to bring into every role.

You’re one of the rare actors who balances creative work with serious business pursuits — law, investing, producing. How do you stay grounded across such different worlds?
Daily structure is key. Having an active creative life keeps the day interesting and exciting, but it’s the mental stimulation and security I get from business that really helps me stay grounded. Learning the language of business shapes my sense of identity and gives me a deeper understanding of different worlds — and characters. The beauty of balancing these pursuits is that I don’t feel dependent on either; they both complement each other, giving me confidence and a sense of balance.

Watch Alexander Cubis in The Black Dagger Brotherhood on Passionflix. He will next be seen in the feature film Tender, alongside Jesse Garcia and Jess Weixler.