Rami Malek - ‘Don't Stop Me Now!

How Stepping Into The Shoes Of Queen Legend Freddie Mercury Made The Actor A Superstar!

- Melissa Field

Rami Malek is having a moment right now. The Egyptian-American actor’s portrayal of British icon Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody has dominated awards season – he’s up for the Best Actor gong at the Oscars this week!

But it wouldn’t be fair to call Rami, 37, an overnight sensation. ‘Because I’m crazy and stubborn, as they would say, I chose to study fine arts and theatre,’ says Rami, who was born in LA after his family emigrated from Egypt. That determination eventually lead to roles in Gilmore Girls, 24 and Medium, as well as his breakout film role as vampire Benjamin in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 in 2012. But it was his role as charismatic cyber hacker Elliot Alderson in the drama series Mr Robot that made Rami a star. ‘I [got] to delve into some of the most creative experiences I’ve had as an actor [on that show],’ he tells.

So what else do we need to know about the man of the moment? Here Rami tells all about tackling Freddie, his family life and what’s next for this versatile actor…

How daunting was it playing Queen frontman Freddie?

I went to bed at night thinking, ‘Oh man, what have I done?’ But then the next day you get up and you realise it’s the opportunity of a lifetime, and I think Freddie would be tickled at having this movie released about him. I would never say that, but [Queen guitarist] Brian May said that so I’m going to repeat it.

How much work went into creating your character?