THE STRAIN — Season Four – Pictured: Cas Anvar as Sanjay Desai. CR: Russ Martin/FX
Cas Anvar’s career is part occupation, part dream come true. Not very often does a Sci-Fi nerd grow up to become a Sci-Fi actor but for the rising Anvar, he enjoys the best of both worlds. Anvar can be found in a number of roles in big titles, from Argo and the Oscar-nominated ROOM, to the galaxy’s top fighter pilot in SyFy’s, The Expanse.
I had the opportunity to chat with Anvar one afternoon in preparation of the latest episode of his FX show, The Strain, where he plays the part of the nefarious Sanjay Desai. The Strain airs this Sunday, August 6, at 10 pm EP. Though our time was brief, Anvar spared none of it when sharing his excitement for his work and what lies on the road ahead.
EG: How did you get into acting?
Cas Anvar: I’ve been doing it my whole life since I was in high school. I was introduced to acting through Shakespeare actually. Started in theatre. Went to the National Theatre School of Canada. Started my own Shakespeare company after that and have been acting ever since.
Who were some of your inspirations as a young actor?
That’s an interesting question. I really admire Liam Neeson, Hugh Jackman, and Robert Downey Jr.
Was starring in a Sci-Fi program always a dream of yours? Were you a huge Sci-Fi fan growing up?
I’ve always been a huge nerd. I grew up with sci-fi, fantasy, and horror games, comic books, and all that stuff. I went to Comic Con as a kid and never imagined that I would be on the other side of that table signing autographs one day. Playing in something like The Expanse where I get to play a Han Solo character with wisecracks and one-liners, is a huge thrill for me.
