Robert Besta is a rising international actor who recently appeared alongside Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx in ‘Back in Action’, a Netflix film still generating considerable industry buzz. Known for his multilingual talents and charismatic screen presence, Robert’s performance has attracted the attention of UK-based agencies and opened doors to a broader international audience. His diverse credits also include a role in ‘Bonhoeffer’, directed by Todd Komarnicki, and a current appearance in the acclaimed series ‘Babylon Berlin’. With a growing body of work across languages and genres, Robert is quickly becoming one to watch on the global stage.
‘Back in Action’ has been getting a lot of attention—how has life changed for you since its release?
There was a lot of media attention, and many people saw the film and approached me about it. Wonderful opportunities have opened up with English and PR agencies, and I very much hope to be represented in more international projects as a result. It also gave me a lot of valuable experience, working on a set where I was speaking and filming in different languages. We shot some scenes in French, even with Cameron. Some I did in English and in Polish. I really enjoy juggling between languages, and I’m looking forward to continuing to work internationally. This production showed me how much potential, magic, and beauty there is in international projects.
You had the chance to work closely with Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx. What has stayed with you most from that experience?
Their precision and accuracy, but also the fun they never lost at work. In other words, the beautiful balance between concentration and ease. It was great to see Jamie and Cameron joking with the extras during breaks between takes, or doing a little dance. They made a real effort to keep the mood and atmosphere on set positive—especially as it was quite cold, and most of the extras in the scene were wearing short skirts. It was lovely to see how they looked after everyone and then slipped straight back into character once filming resumed. It was also fantastic to be on such a professional set. Everything was perfectly planned and executed down to the last detail.
What kind of roles or projects are you most drawn to now, after being part of a high-profile production like this?
It’s usually the antagonist or the villain. These are often wonderful and complex roles. But I also love playing the good uncle or dad sometimes. Often, these are characters to whom something bad has happened in life. They’re devastated and then usually fight their way back up. I’m very grateful for stories like that—when you can see that the character is fighting for something and manages to overcome it in the end. That’s what stories are so good at showing: that it’s always worth fighting on in life, and to keep believing in yourself and your individual path, even after setbacks.
Can you tell us about any new projects you’re currently working on or have coming up?
It was great to be part of Babylon Berlin. There are also some established German series coming up, such as ‘Ein Fall für Zwei’, ‘Die Jungen Ärzte’, and ‘Die Fallers’. So far, it’s these. As a freelance actor, you sometimes go through phases where nothing or very little is happening. Sometimes it’s difficult to keep working on yourself and not lose heart. But then it’s always a gift when a great new role comes along. I’m looking forward to the roles to come.
What do you think audiences can expect from you in the next chapter of your career?
I would very much like to be involved in more international productions. As I speak English, German, Polish, and French, I’d love to work more internationally. I’d also like to take on more roles that carry the story further and are more substantial. It’s a very special experience to contribute so much to a film through your role. Then you can add a lot more colour and emotion and tell a deeper character arc.
Outside of acting, is there anything you’re passionate about that fans might not know?
I have a band in which I sing, compose, and play guitar and violin. We’re called MICOR, and this summer we’re releasing our first album in July. The first singles can, of course, already be heard on the streaming platforms. We also hope to play as many concerts as possible, and I’m especially looking forward to holding our LP in my hands soon.
Featured photo credit: Nils Schwarz
