Just in time for Pride Month, Hulu has released season 2 of one of their most charming Hulu originals: “Love, Victor”. For those of you that have been hiding under a rock, “Love, Victor” follows the story of Victor, a student following in the footsteps of self-discovery and acceptance to Simon, the titular character in the popular movie LOVE, SIMON. This season, we get to see Rahim, a new unrestrained and funny LGBTQ+ student that we at Vulkan are immediately obsessed with. Played by actor Anthony Keyvan, we hope to see more of Rahim in a third season but glad we were able to speak with him before today’s release. Check out our convo below!
Do you recall the moment you knew you wanted to be part of the entertainment industry?
Since I could talk I’ve always known I wanted to perform. When I was around five I first started out doing mostly modeling and commercials, which was really fun and important for me to experience so that I could decide what I was truly passionate about; and that’s TV/film. At the time, I didn’t have any experience in that field but I ended up booking the job on my very first audition for a TV show when I was 8, and that show was ‘Lost.’ The rush I felt booking my first TV gig and the experience I had on that set I think made me realize that this was want I wanted to for the rest of my life.
Tell us about your role in “Love, Victor” and what people can expect to see of you in the upcoming season.
My character Rahim is a hilarious, stylish, Muslim-Iranian student at Creekwood who doesn’t hold back and who’s also figuring things out in terms of his sexuality. I obviously can’t say too much, but you can imagine how exciting and difficult all that could be, and I think people are going to really like what he adds to the show.
Tell us about a memorable experience on set.
Definitely filming during a pandemic has been really interesting. I’ve pretty much grown up on different sets, but over the years it’s all been pretty much the same. Then all of the sudden everyone had to adapt quickly to a new way of doing things, and it can be a little jarring. There’s a lot of new rules I have to learn, and things are always changing so filming has proven to be a challenge sometimes. But witnessing how hard the crew and the studio have worked to keep everyone safe so that we’re able to make something so special during such a crazy time has been a really humbling experience.
How did you prepare to get into character? Did you face any sort of challenge in portraying your character?
In addition to my own high school experiences as well as stories from people I know, I feel like I’m able to draw from these things when preparing for my days as Rahim. I also made a playlist of songs I think Rahim would listen to that I would put on in my trailer when I’m getting ready. I remember during my first ever table read with the cast I was so nervous because it was the first time I was playing my character in front of everyone. Everything was going great until about halfway through my WiFi connection was interrupted during a really important scene. I was super embarrassed and felt terrible that I couldn’t finish my scene. But the cast and crew were so amazing and supportive about it all that it made me realize that I can always rely on them to get me through it.
How important do you think it is to portray such a role on television.
When I found out I got the part I was thrilled but at the same time, kind of nervous because I know how important this show is to so many people. I always want to do the best job I can and I am honored to be trusted with Rahim’s story. To be apart of such a progressive show is so special because I get to tell stories that make people feel like their story matters. Getting the chance to portray a queer Muslim-Iranian character like Rahim I think is something that doesn’t come often, and I couldn’t be more grateful to get to do something this impactful.
As an actor, what do you hope to accomplish the most?
My goal is to have a career where I portray characters that illuminate the meaning of being mixed race in this world. To show the complexities and struggles of living and working in an environment that thinks you’re too much of one thing or not enough of another. To do something that dives deep into the situations, struggles, and internal conflicts that ethnically mixed people have to deal with as part of their identity.
What advice do you have for upcoming actors?
It’s not always easy. I know we make it look fun and glamorous but it’s a lot of hard work! Do your research and know what you’re getting into. This industry is brutal, but if you’re in it for the right reasons, it can be really fulfilling.
What is something about you that people may not know of you.
I’ve been an actor most of my life, but to get by, up until recently I was working as a host at a restaurant in between auditions and the occasional guest star appearance.
Is there a hobby or skill you learned during quarantine? Something that you took upon yourself that you will continue to do once things get back to normal?
During quarantine I made the switch back to veganism after a years-long hiatus. I learned that I still can’t cook, but I can bake! And I’ve been told my homemade vegan chocolate chip cookies taste even better than the real thing, so there’s that.
Favorite TV show and Movie of all time?
The Office is my go-to comfort TV show.
As you may know, Vulkan is a style and fashion magazine. Please describe to us your style and sense of fashion.
A lot of the clothes I own are thrifted or vintage. I also have an appreciation for designer pieces and try to subtly incorporate those pieces with my everyday wardrobe. I don’t love logos and generally lean towards the monochromatic side when planning my outfits. I’d best describe my style as smart, casual, comfortable, street/skate-wear.
Photos by Rob Echanique
