Yiannis Photinos shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Yiannis , it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: When was the last time you felt true joy?
Last time I felt true joy was last night when I was at the beach. My days are extremely demanding lately so the fact that I can swim at night in peace sometimes truly is heaven. It always reminds me to appreciate the simple things in life!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, my name is Yiannis Photinos. I’m an actor and comedian who’s been lucky enough to do what I love for quite a while now. I trained at the Stella Adler Academy of Acting in Hollywood, and since then I’ve performed in over 200 episodes on TV, plenty of theatre productions, and cinema projects as well.
What I love most about acting and comedy is the chance to connect with people. Whether it’s through a character on screen, a live performance on stage, or a stand-up set that gets the room laughing, I’m always aiming to give audiences something they can feel and remember.
I’ve had a pretty unique journey—coming from a background that includes serving in the special forces and working security—and I bring those life experiences into my work. They’ve shaped the way I tell stories, whether dramatic or comedic, and I think that’s what makes my performances stand out.
Right now, I’m focused on continuing to grow as an actor and bring both laughter and heart to everyday life. At the end of the day, entertaining people is what drives me, and I’m excited to keep doing it across stage, screen, and beyond.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One moment that really shaped how I see the world was when I booked my first big part on a TV show in Cyprus. It was a huge step for me—120 episodes back-to-back, which for a young actor felt like a dream come true. I was excited, motivated, and ready to give everything I had.
But it was also the first time I saw how actors were really treated in my country. The long hours, the lack of appreciation, and the feeling that performers weren’t always valued the way they should be, it hit me hard to be honest. That experience opened my eyes and taught me some tough but important lessons about the industry.
It shaped me in two ways: first, it made me stronger and more resilient as an actor. And second, it gave me a real determination to respect the craft and the people in it, no matter where I go. I think that perspective has stayed with me in every project since. That experience shaped me for the best!
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: “Trust yourself, you’re stronger than you think, and all the ups and downs will shape you into the person and performer you’re meant to be.”
When I was starting out, I put a lot of pressure on myself to get everything right, to be perfect, to “make it.” I’d tell that younger version of me to breathe, enjoy the process, and not let setbacks feel like the end of the world. Every experience, good or bad, is part of the story, and it all adds layers to who you are as an actor and as a person.
I would also say: Invest in Bitcoin!
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Two people I really admire for their character are Jim Carrey and Keanu Reeves.
Jim Carrey, beyond being one of the funniest and most talented actors ever, has a depth that people don’t always see. His family was homeless for a while, and instead of that taking him down, he used comedy as his escape. He’s been open about his struggles with depression, and I admire how he’s used his pain to create joy for millions of people. His outlook on life—how he talks about ego, letting go, and living authentically—has always inspired me.
Then there’s Keanu Reeves, who’s become almost a legend not just for his movies but for the kind of person he is off-screen. He’s faced incredible personal tragedies—losing loved ones, dealing with heartbreak—but he’s still known for his kindness and humility. Stories about him giving away parts of his salary to crew members, taking the subway like a regular guy, or just being generous with fans, show the kind of heart he has.
Both of them remind me that success isn’t just about power, money, or fame—it’s about the person you choose to be when no one’s watching. That’s the kind of character I admire and try to learn from.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If immortality were real, what would you build?
If immortality were real, I’d want to build something that lasts beyond just me—something that future generations could benefit from. I think I’d focus on creating a community or a space dedicated to the arts, storytelling, and creativity. A place where actors, comedians, and artists could come together to learn, perform, inspire and above all… Laugh!!!
I’ve seen how powerful stories can be—how they connect people, heal them, and make them see life differently. If I had all the time in the world, I’d want to build a foundation that supports that, so even when the world changes, there’s always a place where creativity thrives and people feel seen. Ideally a community that resembles a utopia where people don’t have to slave away for minimum salary and a boss that never cared for them.
Because immortality isn’t just about living forever—it’s about creating something that feels alive forever.
Contact Info:
- Website: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7780168/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yiannisph/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yiannis.photinos
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