Q: Jackson, can you share a bit about your Scottish roots and how they’ve influenced your life and career in LA?
JL: Aye, my Scottish roots are deep in me like the ancient forests back home. Growing up in Scotland taught me the value of hard work, integrity, and the strength of community. These values have guided me through the glitz of LA, keeping me grounded amidst the fame. I’ve always strived to bring a bit of Scotland to every role I play, be it through a character’s resilience or a subtle accent, as a nod to where I come from. It’s a reminder of who I am and where I belong, no matter where I am in the world.
Q: You’re known for your magnetic personality both on and off the screen. How much of that do you attribute to your acting skills, and how much is just the real Jackson?
JL: I’d say it’s a mix. Acting certainly hones your ability to connect and communicate, but the core of it, the warmth and charm, that’s just me. I’ve always believed in being genuine, in making others feel seen and heard. Whether I’m on set or having a chat at the pub, what you see is what you get.
Q: Surfing seems to be a significant part of your life. How does it help you connect with yourself away from the glitz of Hollywood?
JL: Surfing’s my escape, my bit of peace amidst the chaos. It’s just you and the ocean, nothing else. It demands presence, pulling you away from the noise of Hollywood. Out there, I’m not Jackson Levi, the actor; I’m just Jackson, a man and his board, finding solace in the rhythm of the waves. It’s grounding, reminds me of what’s real and lasting.
Q: Philanthropy is another passion of yours. Can you tell us about the causes close to your heart and why?
JL: I’ve been fortunate, and with that comes a responsibility to give back. I’m particularly drawn to causes that support children and education, aiming to provide opportunities to those who need them most. Coming from a modest background, I know the power of a helping hand. It’s about lifting others, offering a chance to chase their dreams, just as I chased mine.
Q: Your friendships with Shaun, Finn, and Nathan seem to play a significant role in your life. How do these relationships help you navigate the highs and lows of your career?
JL: These lads are my rock. We’ve seen each other through everything – the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. They keep me honest, make sure I don’t lose myself in this Hollywood maze. It’s a brotherhood; we celebrate each other’s victories and support through the defeats. In this industry, it’s easy to lose your way, but having friends like them, it’s like a compass, always pointing me home.
Q: Reflecting on your journey, what advice would you give to someone aspiring to make it in the acting world?
JL: Be relentless in your pursuit, but don’t lose sight of who you are. This industry can dazzle and distract, but remember, the roles you play are not the sum of your worth. Nurture your craft, yes, but also your soul. And never, ever give up on your dreams, no matter how distant they may seem.
Q: You’ve travelled extensively for both work and pleasure. What’s one place that left a lasting impact on you, and why?
JL: New Zealand, hands down. There’s something about its wild, untamed beauty that really gets to you, you know? It’s like nowhere else—makes you appreciate the simpler things and the sheer wonder of nature.
Q: What drew you to Ros, considering the stark contrast between your lifestyles?
JL: Ros is like a breath of fresh air in a room that’s been closed off for too long. Her independence, her passion for her craft, it’s inspiring. She doesn’t get swept up in the superficial; she’s grounded, real. It’s that authenticity, her strength and vulnerability, that drew me in. She challenges me, makes me want to be better, not just for her, but for myself.
Q: Without giving too much away, can you share a moment from your life that was particularly challenging for you?
JL: Facing the fallout from a public scandal not of my making was a test of character. That time was rough, no sugarcoating it. But it wasn’t just the public backlash or the headlines that kept me up at night. It was wondering about Ros, how she’d see me through all this mess. We weren’t exactly talking much then, and the silence… it was deafening. I didn’t know if she’d believe the stories, if she’d want to steer clear of the drama, or if she’d stand by me. It’s one thing to face the world’s judgment, but the thought of losing her faith—it hit me harder than any tabloid could. That was the real test, not just navigating the scandal, but facing the possibility of doing it without her support. It made me realise just how much I relied on our connection, how much I hoped for it, even when things seemed at their bleakest.
Q: Can you share a moment with Ros that you believe was pivotal in defining your relationship with her?
JL: At Finn’s wedding, Ros showed me a side of her I’ll never forget. She was fiercely protective, coming right up to me with fire in her eyes, warning me about letting Finn hurt her friend. She didn’t care that I was Jackson Levi, the actor; she only cared about protecting her friends. It was like a punch to the gut in the best possible way. I fell a bit in love with her right there. It made me realise, despite the ups and downs, and even when we weren’t on speaking terms, that if we could find a way through the mess, there might just be something real and lasting between us.
Q: How do you navigate the challenges that come with your public lifestyle and maintaining a private, meaningful connection with Ros?
JL: It’s a delicate balance, isn’t it? I try to keep certain aspects of my life sacred, away from the cameras. It’s about setting boundaries, choosing what to share and what to hold close. And when it all gets too much, I retreat to my surfing or spend time with those who know me best. They remind me that, at the end of the day, it’s not the fame that defines me, but the life I live and the people I love. Ros and I make the moments we have count, carving out spaces where the world doesn’t intrude. We focus on the simple joys, the quiet nights in, the laughter and shared dreams. It’s not always easy, but what we have is worth every effort, every sacrifice.
Q: How do you envision the future with Ros? What are your hopes or dreams for the two of you together?
JL: I see a future where we’re not defined by our careers, but by the life we build together. A life filled with love, laughter, and perhaps a wee family of our own. My hope is that we continue to grow, side by side, supporting each other’s dreams while forging a path that’s uniquely ours. With Ros, I believe anything’s possible. But the sooner her label launches and she gets herself a studio space outside of the house, the happier we’ll both be I’m sure.
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Fashionably Fake is a fake dating Hollywood romance following a head strong, down-on-her-luck fashion designer and the Scottish heartthrob actor whose spur-of-the-moment lie enmeshes them in a sham relationship, neither anticipating how deeply their staged romance will challenge everything they thought about love — and each other.
If you haven't had the pleasure of reading Jackson and Ros's fake dating romance yet, consider this a sign. Buy Fashionably Fake now or grab all of the Kings of Screen series so far in one convenient bundle.
