By Josie Goldberg
Los Angeles, California (The Hollywood Times) 12/4/2024
Born to Greek parents in Belgium, James Karis‘ multicultural upbringing has instilled in him a unique perspective and adaptability. Fluent in 10 languages, he has demonstrated his versatility in various acclaimed roles in film, television, and theater projects.
International Greek actor James Karis recently had a big break in his career. When you get to work with Kim Kardashian, DOLCE&GABBANA, & Kim Kardashian’s brand “SKIMS” you know you made some headway in Hollywood.
James is a talented star of TV, film, and theatre and worked with some of the hottest creatives in Hollywood including Nadia Lee Cohen (previously directing Beyonce, Rihanna, Sophia Loren), Danny Trejo and Barbie Ferreira. He speaks 10 languages! The Hollywood Times was given an exclusive Q&A and I would like to personally introduce James to the viewers of “The Hollywood Times”.
THT: When did you realize that you wanted to be an actor?
JAMES: For me it started with watching classic films. I was mesmerized by the actors, the stories and the sets. Since my childhood, I always knew that one day those actors would be my colleagues.
THT: What was your first big break?
JAMES: My first big break was working with the Director Shane Woodson on the gripping film 7 Days to Hell. I played the complex and intriguing character of a ruthless casino mafia owner.
THT: What language out of the 10 you speak, besides your native Greek language is your favorite.
JAMES: My favorite language is Japanese. The writing systems (Kanji, Hiragana and Katakana), the nuances and poetic vocabulary all fascinate me.
THT: What was it like working with Kim Kardashian?
JAMES: Working with Kim Kardashian was an inspiring experience. She is a hard worker and she knows her craft. And of course, that helped make the shoot smooth, enjoyable and productive. There is something truly magnetic about her.
THT: Since it’s the holiday season, what gift from Santa Claus would you want from the North Pole?
JAMES: As Santa Claus is coming from the North Pole, I would love to travel with him and see the Northern Lights.
James is featured as “Italian Paparazzo” in the new DOLCE&GABBANA x SKIMS Campaign, working directly with Kim Kardashian and red-hot director Nadia Lee Cohen. “Kim Kardashian is La Dolce Vita!” explains James. “This is as iconic as Kim Kardashian was a pioneer working on ‘Paparazzi’ which really helped make her career skyrocket because of her brilliant approach. Most celebrities run away from them, but not Kim K, she was her own vision.”
The DOLCE&GABBANA x SKIMS campaign video was shot in Los Angeles, and the limited-edition collection launched on November 19 on SKIMS.com, in SKIMS stores and in select Dolce Gabbana Boutiques. Photography and Video Direction Nadia Lee Cohen @nadialeecohen
Photos with James on IG: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCf6DsUJ_93/?igsh=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng%3D%3D
James co-starred in the horror film 7 DAYS TO HELL by award-winning filmmaker Shane Woodson. The Film will be distributed in early 2025 by DeskPop Entertainment. He appears in the sci-fi short, AI JUNKO, a complex story based in Tokyo and Los Angeles which will be released on Amazon Prime. And, currently in production, James is working on the feature The Day God Died from the director of LOVE KILLS.
When one is an actor, no one starts at the top. We all know that most start at the bottom and with hard work, patience, amazing talent and a couple of lucky breaks one makes it to the top sooner than later. It does not matter about your level in the industry and all entertainers want their own little Christmas or Chanukah present and or miracle around the holidays from the North Pole. In our industry terms “Hollywood Executives”. I am “Only Josie Knows” and if I am asking my guest James Karis this question, I also must answer my own questions from time to time. For my gift from Santa, I would love to host on “EXTRA-TV” with a “Only Josie Knows“ segment. What is your Holiday gift wish from Santa?
About James Karis
James Karis, (aka Vassilis Karathanassis), is an international actor living in Los Angeles USA. James was born in Belgium of Greek descent and is also known as the “Polyglot actor”. This cosmopolitan, and man of the world, speaks 10 languages. He is fluent in English, Spanish, French, Japanese, Italian, Greek, Dutch, and has conversational knowledge in Russian, Catalan and German. He has lived and worked as TV actor, TV host, radio host, theater, and in commercials in Spain, Japan, and the United States.
His talent and versatility are also pictured in his charismatic photos and videos. James can transform himself with the same ease he can switch languages, and play roles of various age, in all movie genres . His aristocratic appearance makes him a perfect royal or historic period drama character. His deep voice has landed him hosting jobs, in radio and television, as well as voice overs. He dances, boxes, sings and does yoga.
James embraces a healthy lifestyle which is imprinted in his look, positive self-image, and warm affectionate beaming smile. His ability to be happy, energetic, confident, excitable, and compelling, bestow him that “X factor”, to connect and to draw people like a magnet.
He possesses an impeccable work ethic, reliability, politeness, and respect for the craft/business of acting. Always with a positive attitude, he will follow directions and work, with focus and passion. James’ unique style and love for fashion, has also landed him recognition, and award as a fashion/costume consultant.
He moved to Los Angeles in 2019, ready to launch his career to the next level.
