Elias Kacavas
Elias Kacavas, an up-and-coming actor hailing from Manchester, New Hampshire, attended American University to study Pre-Med. He dropped out after two years to pursue his acting career. In the hit show “Euphoria,” he portrayed the young Cal Jacobs. He is now set to be part of the recurring cast in the upcoming show “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin” on HBO Max this summer.
Jacket by TEDDY VONRANSON
You originally auditioned for the role of Nate Jacobs in “Euphoria” and got turned down. What made you decide to audition again for a different role on the same show despite the initial rejection?
As an actor rejection happens all the time and you just have to learn not to internalize it and to move on. When I did get another opportunity to audition, there was no hesitation to take the audition and try to book the role. “Euphoria” had a fantastic season one and was super successful. I would have been crazy to turn down the audition! I’ve just learned to accept rejection because you never know when there will be another great opportunity around the corner.
What was your experience meeting and working with the actor portraying Cal Jacobs, Eric Dane?
Eric Dane was one of the coolest guys I have ever met. I have seen his face on the movie and TV screen since I was a little kid. When I first met him, it was kind of a star struck moment but being around him was so natural and easy and he made me feel really comfortable. He complimented my work and gave me some tips on what to look out for in my future career as well. At the end of my time on the show, I wrote him a thank you note, and I feel really grateful to have played the younger version of his character on the show.
Coat by KYLE'LYK
Shirt by NANUSHKA
Pant by Officine Générale
Boots by 𝐐 𝐮 𝐞 𝐒 𝐡 𝐞 𝐛 𝐥 𝐞 𝐲 at Seventh House PR
You’re very proud of your Greek heritage. What’s your favorite Greek meal?
I love a good Greek red wine and Greek salad. I also love Loukaniko, which is a Greek sausage; keftedes, which are Greek meatballs; and you can’t go wrong with a classic lamb gyro. For main courses, I like octopus with pita bread, Tzatziki, and side of Orzo with salt, pepper, and butter.
Being a method actor, what are some techniques you used to get into character for the nuanced role of Young Cal?
For me, method acting is either reliving real life emotions or trying to get into some of the interests and activities of the character you are portraying. Before going to shoot in Los Angeles, I reached out to one of my friends, who was on the wrestling team. We grabbed an old mattress and found an abandoned building that I think his dad owned, and he showed me wrestling moves and techniques. He explained the rules of the sport, and I was so grateful to have learned from him to prepare for the role. From there, I continued my method acting process by going to different wrestling clubs and gyms to gain more experience.
You’ve mentioned that you considered studying in the business or medical field prior to enrolling at New York University for theater. What made you pivot to a more creative college major?
When I got into American University on the pre-med track, my parents were very happy and proud but before I made my final decision I had a conversation with my Dad. He basically sat me down and told me “you have to love what you do. Do you think you will love doing labs? Do you think you will love this job?” He really stressed the importance of loving what you do because that translates into enjoying and being great at your job. I took our conversation to heart and thought about it for a few days and realized I wasn’t going to love doing organic chemistry, labs, and all that medical school entails. I decided to take a gap year and slept on couches in New York City to give myself the time to figure out that I was passionate about starting a career in acting. I ended up going to NYU for two years.
How has it felt adjusting to the newfound curiosity and attention from the public, especially receiving such a strong response from the “Euphoria” fandom?
The response from my experience on “Euphoria” has been incredibly cool. The messages I get on Instagram, where people tell me I have impacted their life have been a heartwarming part of this whole experience. I won’t lie some have made me tear up. I even have shared a few with my family. It makes me realize that choosing to be an actor is a worthwhile pursuit that can be productive and impactful to others.
Left:
Jacket by ALLSAINTS
Shoes by 𝐐 𝐮 𝐞 𝐒 𝐡 𝐞 𝐛 𝐥 𝐞 𝐲 at Seventh House PR
T-shirt by AG Jeans
Paul Pant by Officine Générale
Right:
Black pants by ALLSAINTS
T-shirt by AG Jeans
Boots by 𝐐 𝐮 𝐞 𝐒 𝐡 𝐞 𝐛 𝐥 𝐞 𝐲 at Seventh House PR
Jacket by ALLSAINTS
When did you begin learning the guitar and piano? What’s your go-to song when someone asks to hear you play?
I started playing guitar six years ago and piano about three-four years ago. My go-to song on piano is “Bohemian Rhapsody,” by Queen. On guitar, it is “Always on The Run,” by Lenny Kravitz and Slash. That song is fun to play because they show off a bit.
You have an identical twin brother. Have you ever used that to your advantage in a prank? Do you feel twin telepathy exists?
In elementary school, we would switch classes occasionally and then this one kid in our class told the teacher, and the jig was up. We still haven’t forgiven him for ratting us out! We used to play pranks a lot when we were young because we looked so much alike. Now we look a bit different but when we were babies, it got to the point where my Mom had to put blue toenail polish on me and red on him.
As far as twin telepathy goes, there are things we do at the same time or things we both say. It really does make you think about how crazy the biology behind identical twins is.
Shirt by Billy Reid
Jacket by KYLE'LYK
Pants by Scotch & Soda
Shoes by 𝐐 𝐮 𝐞 𝐒 𝐡 𝐞 𝐛 𝐥 𝐞 𝐲 at Seventh House PR
If a magic genie granted you the ability to make three wishes come true, for what would you wish?
1) That my little brother could become one of my agents.
2) My twin could be my bodyguard.
3) That desserts would have the same nutritional value as salad and other healthy foods.
Left:
Jacket by ALLSAINTS
Shoes by Marc Fisher LTD
Union Suit by The Salting
Right:
Jacket by TEDDY VONRANSON
Shirt by Calvin Klein
Pant by Officine Générale
How will your role as Greg on “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin” contrast from your portrayal of Young Cal on “Euphoria?”
Young Cal and Greg are quite different characters in the sense that Cal is more emotional and has a lot more complicated things going on in his life. Greg, when you meet him in season one, is a happy go lucky guy and there isn’t a whole lot of adversity in his life. Greg is a simpler, more laid back, and funnier character than Cal. Cal is more complex because he had a lot more difficult things going on internally. Overall, I enjoyed portraying both characters because I got to really explore a full spectrum of emotions, personalities, challenges, and experiences with each character.
Social Media.
@Eliaskacavas on Instagram
CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
Creative Director + Photographer: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Talent: Elias Kacavas
Fashion Stylist + Producer Alison Hernon
Groomer: Jessi Butterfield at Walter Schupfer Management
BTS Video: Skylar Miller
Fashion Stylist Intern: Flora Medina
Studio: Blonde Studios
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Alessa Hatch, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
