Thanks to the Last King of the Cross, Alex Kaan is dancing naked in Oxford Street bars! I spoke to him about his role as Fadi Ibrahim.
You play Fadi Ibrahim in the second season of Last King of the Cross. Can you explain about the character?
The character on the page is a fictionalised version of Fadi, but what rings true for the character and his inspiration is the big world that the Ibrahims lived in. Fadi’s storyline questions where he fits in. All the Ibrahim brothers were completely different as they tried to survive and thrive in Sydney. That was the angle I came into the production with. I’d seen the amazing work of Claude Jabbour, Dave Hoey and Lincoln Younes, who play my brothers and wanted to join that world with my own flavour.
Fadi is quite the playboy.
Yeah, getting my shirt off and receiving a lot of attention was tricky, but I held my head high (Laughing). Seriously, it was a lot of fun. I read John Ibrahim’s book, and he describes Fadi as the only one of the brothers who would dance, was the peacock of the family and was secretly his mother’s favourite. I thought “I can do those things”.
“All down Oxford Street, there were extras and performers including drag queens who recreated that world in its prime.”
Some scenes were shot in Oxford Street, the heart of Sydney’s gay community.
Yes, when we did those scenes predominantly at Universal and all down Oxford Street, there were extras and performers including drag queens who recreated that world in its prime. They were great to speak to because a lot of them knew what Oxford Street was like at the time. I also had Donna, my amazing hair and makeup chief in command, who told me stories about nights on Oxford Street with Fadi Ibrahim – which I’ll be taking to the grave (laughing). It was very insightful and fantastic to hear.
Alex Kaan. Photo credit: Johnny Diaz Nicolaidis
What an amazing connection to have for your research.
That’s the thing about these brothers. While working on this project I learned that everyone knew them. They were the original ‘it’ boys in that Sydney nightlife. When I tell people that I’m on the show or who I’m playing, they all have a story about them. Everyone has this strange connection to the four brothers.
Have you ever played a gay role?
One of the first stage productions I did was an adaption of the Anton Chekhov play The Princess. We worked with the brilliant director Daniel Evans who rewrote it with the vision that one of the male lead characters is secretly in love with a male soldier. I played the soldier and the whole thing was beautiful. Daniel, who’s a good friend, is a gay man who saw the script and thought there was no way all these soldiers in Nineteen Century Russia could not have a wandering eye. Working with him in that process was a great experience.
“I’ve had many a good time partying on Oxford Street”.
Do you have gay mates or family members you hang out with?
Oh, I’ve had many a good time partying on Oxford Street. I have a close-knit group of friends that are predominately queer. Oh my god, hanging out with them is the best night ever. I’m always keeping up to make sure my outfit isn’t shit. One dear friend of mine is the drag performer Trinket Estrange. But also, when it comes to divas, if I’m half asleep and need something to get me onto the dance floor Madonna’s Like a Prayer will get me there in a heartbeat.
So, your irresistible dance floor song is?
Von dutch, which is a Charli xcx song. I’m a big fan of a heavy baseline and the whole strobe in your face. It makes you feel like you need to run very fast! Techno and House is the flavour I’m willing to flounce my arms around to! (Laughing)
Alex Kaan with the cast of Last King of the Cross. Photo credit: Lisa Tomasetti
What about a favourite music diva?
Well, my current dilemma is how can I as a straight white man, have a brat summer? I know I’m a sheep following the herd, but I think Chappell Roan has got the new-age diva on lock. She’s doing incredible stuff.
Gay for a day – who would be your celebrity bromance?
What, I just get a day? Mine is a bit of a niche reference and it can divide people. I always have this debate of ‘Am I in love with you, or do I want to be you?” And that is Tom Selleck. Specifically Season One of Magnum P.I. He’s the coolest guy I’ve ever seen, and I’d love to have dinner with him. He brought short shorts into the cool world. How do I get into that legacy?
Who has inspired you the most in this industry?
Here’s a shocker – I’m a huge Hugh Jackman fan. Ever since I was little, I always admired who he is as a person. In the Arts industry, it can be very easy for someone like Hugh to snap his fingers and change the weather! He’s not only one of the most successful male actors but the humility and dedication that comes from his work is something I look up to. It’s something I’d like to emulate myself. I cost nothing to be kind and he’s the epitome of that.
“I have a close-knit group of friends that are predominately queer.”
What’s been your biggest pinch-yourself moment?
The first day on set for Last King of the Cross. I was a big fan of season one and got to be part of the second season. I rewatched Season One as I was trying to get my head into that world. My shoot was a night, so I closed my laptop, got an Uber and when I arrived on set it was as if I’d opened my laptop again. They had built a completely realistic recreation of Kings Cross and here I was walking down the street and into the cafes that I saw the characters sitting in less than an hour earlier onscreen. That was a very surreal wow moment.
You also worked on Troppo. How was that?
Yes, I played the rambunctious Zach who sleeps with the wife of the bikie boss. That was another amazing experience where I got to work with Thomas Jane, who I’d seen in The Punisher. He doesn’t put on that swagger for the camera. And Nicole Chamoun is one of the kindest people I’ve met. That was my first test run in the industry.
Do you have a favourite quote?
My mum always told me, “It is easier to light a candle than to curse the darkness”. To me, that means that when things get a bit hard, it’s simpler to find something joyful than to shake your fist at the sky and curse the world. I think it’s important to remember you can always find a light.
Alex Kaan as Zach in Troppo
Do you have a grooming tip?
My father is from the very far reaches of Turkey and from that beautiful heritage I’ve learnt it’s important to keep your eyebrows in check! Sometimes what is two can become one! Keep an eye on that because it can sneak up on you. I prefer the threading method. It hurts like hell, and I always cry but I find it’s the best
What’s been your most memorable on-set wardrobe malfunction?
In the Last King of the Cross, there’s a scene in one of the Oxford Street clubs where I’m shirtless and covered in sunscreen dancing in a cage. The Uber driver on the way home made a lot of comments about the coconut smell exuding from the pores in my body.
At the beach are you boardies or Speedos?
I grew up playing rugby and AFL and those shorts are my go-to. It’s a nice middle ground and leaves a bit for the imagination. Rugby shorts are making a bit of a comeback. Paul Mescal from Normal People is the champion of the short shorts movement and I’m happy to pledge my allegiance.
What about underwear? Briefs, fitted boxers or free balling?
Loosey-goosey boxers! I don’t mind moving around a bit. I like the classic with checkered patterns and a ruffled waistband. I do have a pair covered with Krusty the Clown because there needs to be some personality. Then again, if it’s sports-related, I keep ‘em a bit more contained!
Season Two of Last King of the Cross is screening on Paramount Plus
Follow Alex on Instagram @aalexkaan
