Canadian actor Kaden Connors chatted about starring in the popular sports drama series “Heated Rivalry” on HBO Max.
In the global smash TV series “Heated Rivalry,” Kaden plays Sasha, the childhood friend and first lover of Ilya Rozanov (played by Connor Storrie).
He is also known for his acting work as Stephen in the rom-com “The Wrong Paris” on Netflix.
American entrepreneur Sam Altman once said: “Young people willing to push super hard to make something happen are among the most powerful forces in the world.” This quote applies to Kaden Connors.
‘Heated Rivalry’
On being a part of “Heated Rivalry,” he said, “It has been wonderful! It has been a crazy journey since it has been released. Most importantly, it has been really fun.”
“I’ve really been lucky with the projects I’ve worked on. I’ve collaborated with some amazing people who don’t have their heads in the clouds or any kind of egos at work. So, it has been really wonderful,” he elaborated.
Playing Sasha in ‘Heated Rivalry’
“I really liked getting into the mindset of Sasha because he’s a character and a person who has a really fun kind of approach to life, but obviously, behind the mask are layers that —as an actor — you have to investigate.
“Sasha has a lot of deep wounds from his past, which feeds into the mask and the confidence out front that I think he leads with so much,” he added.
Working with Connor Storrie
On playing the first love interest of Connor Storrie’s character, Kaden said, “Connor Storrie is just such a fantastic person and actor. So, it was just an easy thing to be able to go through that moving scene with him.”
“I was really lucky to have had him as my scene partner,” he admitted.
Working with Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova
On working with Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova as his scene partner, Kaden said, “Ksenia is so wonderful, she is so beautiful inside and out. She is very talented and strong.”
“So, when we got to do that scene when it was just the three of us in the bathroom, it was just amazing,” he admitted.
It was such an interesting dynamic scene. It was just so fun to play that scene out between all three of us… we created a certain dynamic and energy that was just really fun, playful, and it felt very organic,” he acknowledged.
Lessons learned from the ‘Heated Rivalry’ screenplay
On the lessons learned from the “Heated Rivalry” screenplay, Kaden said, “I think that the screenplay taught me to really tell the stories I want to tell, and to do it boldly, as well as to do it with courage and joy.”
“Seeing the way that writer and director Jacob Tierney approached this whole project is really inspirational. Jacob really inspires not only me but so many other people as well,” he elaborated.
Fan event with Benjamin Roy and Callan Potter in Atlanta, Georgia
Most recently, Kaden was a part of a “Heated Rivalry” fan event with Benjamin Roy and Callan Potter in Atlanta, Georgia.
“That was so much fun,” he exclaimed. “Callan and Benjamin are such great guys. Atlanta was a really incredible time to just connect with the fans on a personal level and to meet the people who just love the story. So, to have these meet and greets with them was a very special moment.”
“It was also so much fun to hang out with the boys Benjamin and Callan. The three of us got to travel and enjoy a new city like Atlanta,” he added.
‘The Wrong Paris’ on Netflix
On being a part of “The Wrong Paris,” he said “That was great! I love a good rom-com. When I got attached to that project, it was really fun. My character was just a very classic, arrogant country stud.”
“The cast and crew of ‘The Wrong Paris’ was amazing. Michael and Janeen Damian are such a power couple,” he noted.
“So, it was fun to go through that scene with Miranda Cosgrove and Harry Jowsey with the three of us in a bar, which was really fun to play out,” he added.
The digital age
On being an actor in the digital age, Kaden said, “It’s new and it’s different. I’ve never really been an actor in the age before, so I don’t know how much to compare it to; however, I think it comes with a lot of new challenges.”
“There are a lot of like benefits with the digital age, but I also think it’s a weird… sometimes it can feel a little bit oversaturated, and things are so connected where people can get stuck online,” he noted.
Kaden continued, “I think operating in this digital age takes some discipline to know when to step out of that because there’s no changing it. The digital age is what it is, and it’s the world we live in now.”
“We need to learn how to navigate the digital age with a good head on our shoulders. I think that is really key. I’ve been enjoying the digital age as an actor,” he added.
Advice for young and emerging actors
For young and aspiring actors, Kaden stated, “Do not rush your journey because it’s going to be unique to you and it’s going to be different from everyone else. Comparison truly is the thief of joy. I really believe in the need to stop and smell the roses, especially while the roses are in bloom.”
“Remember to celebrate your wins no matter how big or small and take time for yourself. You need to take care of yourself all the way through and keep your health at the front of it all,” he elaborated.
“Also, don’t be stubborn about how it turns out or how it looks. Your success needs to be a collaboration with the universe,” he added.
Stage of his life
On the title of the current chapter of his life, Kaden revealed, “The Artist.” “For me, I am really stepping into being an artist,” he noted.
“An actor is an artist but just as things land on my plate and my life happens as it is, I’m realizing that I am more than just an actor… I’m a writer, an aspiring director, and filmmaker,” he elaborated.
“I really feel that art and expression are just keys to the human condition and the human spirit. Also, I think it’s really important for us to create,” he added.
Superpower of choice
If Kaden were to have any superpower, it would be “to fly.” “I know that’s super simple, but I have always loved flying in planes even though I can be afraid of heights. I know it’s weird, but I still love flying so much,” he said.
“Perhaps that’s the thrill of it. I think it would be incredible to fly,” he added.
Success
Regarding his definition of the word success, Kaden said, “Success is quite literally just defined by yourself. I think success is a life full of experience, and that is a good life lived.”
Message for his fans
For his “Heated Rivalry” fans, he expressed, “I want to thank the fans so much. We really do feel their love and all the support, even if we don’t get to have personal moments with each and every one of them.”
“I want the fans to know how vital they are to all of our careers… you guys inspire us and encourage us to just continue to do what we’re doing,” he noted.
“The fans make this journey fun and they really bring smiles to our faces. Thank you guys for being around and I look forward to this journey, and I hope that you guys do too,” he added.
Closing thoughts on ‘Heated Rivalry’
Kaden concluded, “The one thing that I want people to get out of our show is this simple queer truth that love is love, and I feel that everyone deserves love.”
To learn more about Canadian actor Kaden Connors, follow him on Instagram.
