Phone Interview w/Andrei Claude

An interview with Andrei Claude

I had the extreme pleasure of doing a phone interview with Actor/Model, Andrei Claude. Andrei called in from London where he is currently based and pursuing his acting career. Although some may know him for his previous exploits as a fitness model and gracing the covers of over 50+ romance novels, he is so much more.
Andrei is a man bound and determined to see his vision as a successful actor to reach fruition. Eloquently spoken, he had a fluid, yet commanding presence why we conducted our interview. He was so easy to talk to, that I really had a wonderful time. We discussed his previous work, but I tried to focus on what he really wants to do in the future. His recent move to London is just the first step towards reaching his dreams, and he said “I’m cannot just sit on the couch waiting for the phone to ring, I need to work hard to accomplish my goals”, although he said it in an utterly sexy Italian accent. Sorry Andrei, but you are even sexy over the phone.

Which brings me to my next subject: profiling. In this case job profiling; meaning that just because Andrei Claude works hard to look good, be healthy and stay fit, he shouldn’t be denied the opportunities to branch out into other fields of work. Men that are muscular, possess good symmetry and proportion should not necessarily be stereotyped as senseless, in fact, in order to maintain the regimen it requires to obtain and keep looking as good as Andrei takes discipline and intelligence; of which Andrei has truck loads. I know that we all wish we looked like the models we adore and worship, but they have many obstacles to overcome. Andrei said that he was even denied work as a fashion model due to his defined physique. Although Andrei stands 6 foot and only 182 pounds of lean muscle, he was often not given jobs because of his looks.
What? You say, yes, fashion designers would see pictures of Andrei with his shirt off and tell his agent he would never fit the clothes. Believe it or not, Andrei can wear an average size 40 jacket from the rack, even though his pictures deceived him.

Right now I want to introduce you to someone new, Andrei Claude, my friend. He is a wonderful man, hard working and dedicated to his craft. He has never been married, loves to cook and appreciates a well equipped kitchen. Although he might still be a struggling actor, he had no trouble reining in my appreciation for the truly remarkable man he’s already become in a short 30 years. His dedication and desire to achieve great things, only makes me admire him more. What successes he’s achieved thus far haven’t tainted him, he remains grounded and thankful for all the blessings that have come his way.
I wish Andrei great success in the pursuit of his dreams, but mostly I wish him happiness in all of life’s journeys. He definitely has the drive and desire to do anything he puts his mind to.

Q & A

with Andrei...

1. How do your significant others deal with your job?

Do they get jealous?

Well, yes most times it’s not easy to deal with this kind of work and a relationship. It takes a mature approach and somewhat open minded too.
2. How often do you have to work out to keep that gorgeous body in shape?
I’ve been on a 4 day per week workout regime ever since I started working out, and it’s proven to work well for me. Obviously it also takes a sensible diet to stay in shape.
3. How did you break into the business?
The very first job I got was as a fitness model in California. I was approached by a sports & fitness agency in San Diego who expressed a great interest in representing me.
4. What is your favorite part of being a cover model?
I like the idea of being on a book cover because it seems to last longer, as opposed to a magazine which gets thrown out by the end of the month.
5. Have you read any of the books that you appear on the cover of?
     a. If so, what did you think of the books?
I’m embarrassed to say it, but no I haven’t ever read any of the books I’m on. I do have a few stacked up at home though.
6. What photo shoot did you have the best time doing? Why?

I enjoy every photo shoot I do, otherwise I wouldn’t do it. I must say that I particularly enjoyed working with a photographer named Murray Grondin in Detroit, Michigan. He’s so creative, talented and just fun to be around.

7. Is there a type of book cover you like to do best?

I feel I can relate best to historical/period novels, so possibly my favorite character to embody would be some kind of knight.

8. What kind of books do you enjoy reading?

I’ve read several health and fitness books, and it seems like I never get enough.

9. Out of all your covers, which is your favorite?

I think “taken and seduced” by Julia Latham, published by Harper Collins turned out great. Yeah, I like that one a lot.

10. Do you feel nervous getting naked for all the world to see?

Well, for the record I never actually got naked in front of a camera, and probably never will. However, I have no problem taking my shirt off if it’s required for the job.

11. Honestly, have you ever been turned on or aroused by the women in the photo shoot with you?

No, when I’m working it’s all about getting the job done right and my mind doesn’t wonder off anywhere else.

12. How many book covers have you been on?

It’s hard to tell, between e-books and print I would say around 50.

13. Have you ever been spotted in public, knowing you are a cover model?

Not that I recall, but of course at conventions and other book related events it does happen.

14. Underwear or commando?

Underwear, it’s just more hygienic.

15. Boxers or Briefs?

Briefs.

16. What is running through your mind when doing a cover shoot?

       (Do I need dog food? I need to get milk at the store?) LOL

I’m normally paying attention to what the photographer has to say, making sure we get the job done well and as quickly as possible, unless I’m on an hourly rate… LOL (just kidding)

17. Do you have a routine to get in the mind set for a shoot?

Usually some good music gets me in the mood, but once I’m on set it’s like I’m on autopilot. You do get used to it after around a hundred shoots ☺

18. What are the 3 things you find most attractive in a woman?

Confidence is very sexy, and so is a light character. Someone who can laugh and be themselves.

19. What do you look for in a girl/woman?

I don’t have any particular criteria really, if there’s an attraction and we could have a good time the rest is kind of irrelevant.

20. If you could create the perfect romantic evening/date, unlimited resources, money, etc; Who? Where? When? and describe exactly what you’d want it to be?

Oh God… who came up with this question? Well, anyway let’s go for it… If you’ve watched the movie ‘Indecent Proposal’ I think they staged a perfect date, and that of course includes the woman.

So, if resources were unlimited and time travel was available, it would probably be 1993, Demi Moore, on a large yacht in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. I would just have a chef, waiter and skipper onboard. It would begin with a brief

Mediterranean cruise until sunset, followed by an early dinner on the deck accompanied with some really easy listening music and the best wine. What would happen next needs no explaining ☺

Because Andrei selected my question #20 (DemonLover's)

as his favorite, I asked him to please donate additional

photos so I can pick the some winners at random.

Stay tuned...

I will announce the winners of signed photos

as soon as I know how many extras he can provide.