Photo Credit: Eric LaRokk

Photography: Eric LaRokk
Grooming: Stacy Rosas & Toni Garcia Jackson
Wardrobe: Ambika Sanjana

Haute Living catches up with American Gods star Ricky Whittle — who fans know best as “Shadow Moon” — on his most memorable moments and the end of his Gods era. 

Photo Credit: Eric LaRokk

On the STARZ drama series American Gods, you star as Shadow Moon. How would you describe your emotional journey during the process of becoming your character?

Did it come as a surprise that American God’s would not be returning for a Season 4?

Starz announcement didn’t surprise us at all. We are very proud and fortunate to have been able to finish most of our incredible third season when the pandemic hit production in March 2020, and air it earlier this year. Many other shows were cancelled before they started or even part way through. We were fortunate to also have a passionate global following meaning that we’ve always been sure we will finish Neil Gaiman’s book in one form or another. It’s the most unique, diverse but also expensive show on the Starz slate before the pandemic and they have always preferred to focus on smaller budget shows with less cgi. So post pandemic when budgets/insurance risks are larger, this was always going to need a home that would be able to continue to put huge money into our movie quality episodes. At the end of the day this industry will always be about the numbers and one has to accept that. But we are working together with Neil Gaiman, Charles Eglee and Fremantle to finish the story so our fans get their closure and the epic end to the story they love!

Actors are constantly becoming someone else within different storytelling contexts. How does this shape your sense of compassion and expand your personal growth?

I think lots of actors are able to escape into roles, to live out alternate lives they want or would never live through characters. Actors will always bring a piece of themselves to their roles to bring realism but digging deeper into characters unlike ourselves is a fun way of learning about seeing the world through others eyes. It allows you to maybe feel compassion or empathy, pain, love or happiness by walking in their shoes. American Gods was a wonderful show that enabled me to research and learn about so many different faiths, gods, beliefs and stories about America and its history. Things I probably would never have read about or learnt. It’s a gift that I wish I could pass onto the many who know nothing of other people’s struggles. People who make assumptions, hold prejudice or false unfounded information or beliefs. True education and wide reading is so powerful and would go a long way towards breaking down hate, bigotry, fear and misinformation.

Photo Credit: Eric LaRokk

You have been in the entertainment industry for close to 20 years now, naturally like any industry there are ups and downs. During those challenging times, how are you able to preserve?

It’s an unstable industry, the key for me is to stay level. Don’t get carried away by the highs, but don’t get disheartened by the lows. Every moment passes, you enjoy the moments and learn from them, what you did right, what you could do better next time. Just focus on yourself, being a good person, personal growth, being ready for opportunity mentally and physically when it comes along. Don’t compare yourself to others, everyone has their own path, their own successes and struggles and cope differently. Focus on being the best version of yourself you can be, I like to focus on myself 10 years from now and what that Ricky would appreciate me starting today. Like studying, stretching, hygiene, reading, training, improving my diet, learning new skills, time with friends and family. I’m here today because I set goals and tasks 10 years ago, fortunately I’m the fittest and happiest I’ve ever been.

You have achieved success in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment or role that stands out?

Every role molds you and means something, you learn from them all and take many things from each. Obviously, Shadow Moon in American Gods was a monster role that went global and changed my life forever in so many wonderful ways. But I’d go back to my first ever lead as Ryan Naysmith in Dream Team. A wonderful scene with Terrence Maynard who played my father in the show. We were mid scene and I was so engrossed in the moment it became so real. I didn’t see cameras, crew, I only saw him and felt everything. It was a special moment and feeling that I crave every scene, I’d say it’s the moment I became an actor and became truly excited about my craft.

You were raised in the U.K. How did this shape your sense of self as well as influence your continual becoming?

The entertainment industry is rapidly shifting and becoming more inclusive and diverse in it’s narratives and representation. How do you feel about it and how would you describe your own contribution to the industry’s expansion within this topic?

How would you describe yourself in your own words?

RICKY WHITTLE: HOW AMERICAN GODS CHANGED MY LIFE