Rick Okon new to the “Sisi” cast
Why he doesn’t miss his “Tatort” role
Rick Okon plays the Empress’s brother in “Sisi”. In the interview he reveals what attracted him to the role and how filming went.
Rick Okon (35) stars in the fourth and final season of the series “Sisi” (first two episodes from December 1st, linear broadcast from December 8th on RTL). The former Dortmund “Tatort” detective embodies Sisi’s (Dominique Devenport, 28) brother Louis, who stands between his responsibility as the new head of the family and his love for opera singer Henriette Mendel (Antonia Moretti, 26).
In an interview with the news agency spot on news, Rick Okon reveals what connection he had to the story of Sisi before filming, what he found exciting about Louis’ character and how the costume design helped him in his role. He also talks about his farewell to “Tatort” and his desire to become an actor.
Did you follow the last few seasons of “Sisi” or did you have to catch up on the episodes before filming?
Rick Okon: I watched the first two seasons before filming and then the third while filming.
To what extent were you familiar with the historical story of Sisi and her family? Have you also seen the “Sissi” films that are traditionally shown on TV at Christmas?
Okon: To be honest, I didn’t really know much about it. And I had never seen the “Sissi” films with Romy Schneider before.
You play Sisi’s brother Louis. What makes the character special for you?
Okon: The special thing about the character is that he is completely conflicted between his private wishes and family traditions. After his father’s death, he automatically becomes the head of the family, where he now does everything to keep the family together and has to make decisions in the interests of the family. On the other hand, he loves a woman who he is not actually “allowed to love” because she is a commoner.
Louis is appointed head of the family and is also supposed to become a minister. How does he deal with that pressure and what was it like for you to play that?
Okon: Louis tries to get everything together and of course always meets resistance. For me it was exciting to play someone who is torn between tradition, the burden of his family and his own personal desire: to marry the woman he loves.
The love for the opera singer Henriette also becomes a challenge. What was it like filming with Antonia Moretti? Did you know each other beforehand?
Okon: Antonia and I only knew each other by sight and we had already had a casting together for another project. Shooting and working with her was really nice. Antonia is not only a wonderful actress, but also a great person.
The season was filmed in Riga, Vilnius and surrounding areas as well as Croatia and Slovenia. Where were you present and what difficult but also funny moments on set do you remember?
Okon: I shot a lot in Riga and a few isolated days in Vilnius and the surrounding area. The first few weeks we were just in the studio in Riga. At some point it felt like my “own living room”. Every day in the same dressing room, every day in the same location. There were countless funny and beautiful moments. And once this studio part was filmed, we traveled around a lot and were able to shoot in really beautiful locations.
In a historical series, costume design is very important. What looks did you wear and how did they make you feel?
Okon: Yes, the costume department really did a great job. Of course, Louis has a uniform that was practically set. Otherwise I mainly wore suits. When I came on set out of costume and makeup, it felt like we had been transported to another time.
The last “Tatort” episode with you was shown in February. Do you miss the role?
Okon: The role of Jan Pawlak will probably always have a place in my heart. I liked him a lot and am also happy about his “end” in the Dortmund crime scene. But I wouldn’t say that I miss him, just that I’ve let go of him quite well.
With the vampire series “Love Sucks” you have dedicated yourself to a completely different genre this year. What genre of film and series would you like to see in the near future?
Okon: “Love Sucks” was of course a big playground for me, especially in the role of Theo. I would like more genre projects. I would also like a little more action (laughs)! Basically, for me it is always the case that I can emotionally identify with the character.
SpotOnNews
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
