Interview by Lori Bizzoco. Written by Courtney Shapiro
One of the hottest actors on television right now is heartthrob Sterling Sulieman. Sulieman is one of the cast members of the new drama, Station 19, where he plays Grant. A spin-off of Grey’s Anatomy and produced by no other than the brilliant Shonda Rhimes, the series centers around firefighters who put their lives and hearts on the line for others. And of course, Sulieman’s character Grant is a firefighter.
In our exclusive celebrity interview, we talk to Sulieman about his current role on Station 19 and the path he took to get where he is today.
Celebrity Interview with Sterling Sulieman: Acting as a Career
When asked if he knew anything about firefighters, Sulieman acknowledged that he didn’t know too much or have any friends who fought fires when he was growing up. In fact, he says that stepping into this role helped him understand their day-to-day life much better. “It’s so interesting, but most of us don’t realize the ins and outs of what they [firefighters] do,” the actor says. “They do so much more than we know and they risk their lives.” He says that this role has been a very eye-opening experience for him.
While talking about his career, the 34-year-old explains that there are many ways an actor can connect to their character. He said when you’re preparing for a part, you always look for similarities between you and the person you are playing. “It really makes you examine yourself,” Sulieman told us. “I do share some of the same qualities as Grant.”
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However, Station 19 was not Sulieman’s first encounter with the inspirational Shondaland TV production company. He also starred in their television series, Still Star-Crossed as the power-hungry Prince Escalus. When Cupid’s Pulse asked Sulieman what he’s learned from working with the Rhimes productions he said, “I’ve learned a lot from exploring the characters they’ve given me because they are so three-dimensional,” he confessed. “I really have to figure out where they are coming from, and what they do, and it makes me think about my life.” After getting offered the role in Station 19, the Still Star-Crossed alum jumped at the opportunity to work with the renowned producer again.
Many people find their passion by experimenting with different hobbies and interests or they explore what they like and eliminate aspects that aren’t as fun or interesting. Sulieman chose acting after trying many different interests. He said that he’s had a love for theater and performing arts since the age of seven. “I knew that I wanted to act at a very young age,” the Oahu native explained. “I played sports and took art classes, but it eventually came back to acting.”
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Sulieman has faced his share of challenges while being an actor. There is always the possibility of rejection or not being successful, but he says that hasn’t stopped him from doing what he loves. His advice for people who are starting out in this career is to stay focused on why you love what you do. “Create opportunities for yourself, and it will fall into place,” he says.
Before finishing our interview with Sulieman, we had to ask him about his dating life and whether or not he would date another actor. He shared, that he was “single as can be” and dating another actor was very complicated, but admitted, “You never know.” Sulieman also explains that dating a non-actor presents difficulties too since non-actors have a hard time watching their significant other kissing someone else on the screen. Well, whatever the future holds in love or career, one thing is for sure, Sulieman is following his passion!
You can catch Sterling Sulieman in Station 19 or by following him on Twitter!
