Sibylla Deen (Butt+BD) & Kylie Bunbury (Implied+BD) in Tut (TV-2015)
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The Starring Role Kylie Bunbury Passed On to Play a Badass Warrior in Tut
When actress Kylie Bunbury walked into an audition to read for Suhad, the strong-willed winsome warrior in Spike’s new limited series, Tut, she didn’t expect to resonate so deeply with the character. She also didn’t expect to risk not being cast at all by turning down an audition for another role—letc.one the leading role of Queen Ankhe. Not many actors would feel so compelled by a character to pass up the chance to star in a new series, but turn it down she did.
“If they don’t want me for Suhad,” she thought, “then I don’t think this is the right thing for me. That’s how strongly I felt for the character.” Taking cues from the fearless warrior’s character, Bunbury took a risk herself—and got the gig.
What’s not sexy? Shooting a sex scene with her co-star and longtime friend, Avan Jogia, who plays King Tut. After co-starring in ABC Family drama “Twisted” in 2014, Bunbury and Jogia have come to a relationship status that she can only label as “bros.” While their platonic friendship was a nice precursor to working together, it worked to their detriment when it came to the on-screen romp in the sheets. To top it off, it didn’t help that this was Bunbury’s first “intimate” scene on camera.
“It’s exceedingly awkward,” she says. “It’s not what people think at all. There are people watching [and] it’s extraordinarily technical, [like the director will say,] ‘Oh, Kylie, move your arm here.’”
While their IRL relationship remains firmly fraternal, their characters, Suhad and Tut, are hot and heavy throughout the show. While the king falls for Suhad because she’s her own woman, the romantic storyline quickly evolves into a sociopolitical one.
sibylladeen3 little Indians ☝️ — Thanks @vanityfair and @spiketv for a wonderful night #TUT #july19 @johannajohnsonofficial @jogia @spiketv @kirinstagram @rachelzoe @vanityfair suzieta |
Sibylla Deen Takes a Bite of the Big Apple
From Summer Bay to New York is a long way, but for Sibylla Deen it has been the trip of a life time.
Sibylla has just been awarded the IMTA (International Model & Talent Association) Actor of the Year Award in New York – Past winners include Eva Longoria of Desperate Housewives fame, Katie Holmes and Ashton Kutcher, so she has every reason to be proud.
In winning this award Sibylla has been offered a 3 episode guest spot on Gossip Girl and an opportunity to appear in an upcoming Bollywood film to be shot in India, later this year.
We wanted to find out just how Sibylla feels about her chosen career and got her to answer a few questions.
What was your first job after leaving University?
Always acting – I finished on Home and Away and then worked on Comedy Inc.
Did this first job influence your career path and has your career path changed over the years?
Home and Away helped me to discover my passion for TV/film style acting which has definitely influenced my career path. I broke away from theatre worked on many different: commercial, film and TV projects. I also worked part-time in marketing and events which gave me a more well rounded view of the industry.
What attracted you most to your current job?
I’ve always wanted to be an actress so anything within that realm has mass appeal for me. The current job is fun and allows me to do good work.
Where did your drive and commitment come from?
My parents, they bought me up to believe in chasing your dreams. They have been so supportive from day one, which has allowed me to persevere even when times were tough. There are millions of people trying to work as actors so you need to stay driven and trust that the right part will find you when it’s meant to.
What are/were the strong influences in your life?
My family and friends who have encouraged me.
And my drama influences from primary school to university.
I auditioned for a drama school when I was 10 where I was able to travel and perform in different countries, I met amazing shaolin monks in China, Lee Strasbourg trained actors in LA and ridiculously talented dancers and singers – who all inspired me in their own way. I think everyone touches you is some way and you always take that with you on your journey – whatever you choose to with your career.
What advice would you give to young graduates just starting out?
The best advice anyone ever gave me was to actually get a degree. You’ll always fall back on it, rely on it. And Charles Sturt Theatre Media had such a practical basis that I took all my skills in to the workforce with me. Follow your dreams, be proactive and don’t give up even if it’s hard sometimes. It always works out in the end.
Meet Sibylla Deen Gossip Girl’s New Australian Addition
Sibylla Deen’s half-Pakistani half-English heritage makes for a striking beauty that’s been turning heads for years. But the Sydney-born actress ain’t just a pretty face, earlier this year Deen was awarded Actress of the Year at IMTA (International Model and Talent Association) and has since booked a three episode arc in season three of Gossip Girl. Transplanted to New York and staring down Chuck Bass we caught up with Sibylla to chat about the big apple, big breaks and not too surprisingly, gossip.
P: Can you tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do?
SD: My name is Sibylla Jane Deen, Actress, day dreamer, Scorpio. I was born and bred in Sydney but I now reside in New York.
P: How did you find your way into acting? Onto the GG cast?
SD: My way was simple, I’ve danced, acted and sung since I was tiny… it developed into more formal training as I grew older and has just continued on throughout my life. I recently won Actress of the Year at IMTA (International Model and Talent Association) which helped launched my career in the states.
P: Are you still modeling/have you been working over New York Fashion Week?
SD: Yes still modeling, in the sense of editorial, commercials and print. But no fashion week for me, I’m a teeny tiny 5’6″. I went to lots of great shows and parties though… The city was so buzzed!
P: What do you miss most about Australia?
SD: Mummy and Daddy, my beautiful friends, Mr Stuzicini, banana bread, mint slice, barbecue shapes… the perfect skim cappuccino. The beach, the great weather… Koko ha ha ha
P: What are the main differences between Australia and America?
SD: America has more people, more opportunities and better junk food. Ummm s’mores, need I say anymore? For an actress it is the center of the universe – best production companies, directors, studios etc…Australia is home, it is beautiful and so calming. I have been given some amazing breaks there and believe the training we have available for actors and our general nature makes us stand out! Everyone loves an Aussie.
P: Which Gossip Girl Character are you most like?
SD: Ummm, maybe Serena.
P: Have you ever been the target of ‘Gossip Girls’?
SD: Hell yeah! I went to a private girls school.
P: What’s the worst or weirdest gossip you’ve heard about yourself?
SD: That I am adopted, it was heartbreaking – I was 5.
P: What are your future plans with acting – Any projects coming up?
SD: Future plans include : movies, tv, commercials, more training… I’m auditioning for lots of things so fingers crossed for the next great opportunity.