Biracial Actor Frank Dillane Navigates Fame and Artistic Integrity

In the past few months, 34-year-old British actor Frank Dillane has experienced a surge in acting opportunities, coming off his acclaimed performance in the film "Urchin." Dillane, who is biracial, has been a working actor since his late teens, but this recent acclaim has brought him a new level of industry recognition.

However, Dillane's path has not been without challenges. He previously stepped away from a major TV role on "Fear the Walking Dead" in 2018, frustrated with the public demands of the job, such as how he was told to dress and the constant questions about playing a heroin addict. Dillane says he was "very young and very sensitive" at the time, but has no regrets about leaving the show.

Now, Dillane's brilliant, raw performance in "Urchin" has earned him the best actor prize at the Cannes Film Festival. The film, which follows an unhoused Londoner trying to rebuild his life, demanded a great deal from Dillane, who says director Harris Dickinson "really pushed me to my limits." Dillane's complex, deeply human portrayal has further cemented his reputation as a talented and versatile actor.

As Dillane navigates his rising profile, he remains thoughtful about the challenges of the industry and the need to protect his artistic integrity. He is set to take on a key role in an upcoming adaptation of "Sense & Sensibility" and is considering other exciting projects. But Dillane is clear-eyed about the pressures that come with increased visibility, saying, "An actor's currency is his or her emotions...I do feel slightly exposed by that, but it comes with the territory."