Interview with actor Michael Tait

Hello Michael, you started your career as a professional rugby player before transitioning into acting. How has your athletic background influenced your craft and screen presence?

I use a lot of my memories and experiences from my rugby career to tap into my emotions when I’m acting. Unfortunately I had to retire from rugby when I was in my mid-twenties due to a number of serious injuries. I had a lot of tough, low, painful, dark and emotional times during that period but also some of the best. So now its nice to be able to use all these experiences in something I love.

Many describe your style as powerful and physical. Do you consciously bring that intensity into your roles, or does it come naturally from your training?

I think from my athletic background I can bring that intensity when its needed quite naturally. Now I just need to keep working hard with my acting coach Dan Lemon with ‘The Actors Forge’ to try a make sure other emotions and actions come as naturally so I can bring more to my characters and roles.

ECHO, which screened at Cannes, was a big milestone. How did it feel to see your work recognized on such an international stage?

That was crazy. Echo was one of the first short films I had been involved with so for it to go to Cannes was incredible.

Casting Director Nicci Topping described you as “clearly a leading man.” How do you see yourself—more drawn to leading roles or character-driven work?

Hearing that from a top casting director is a dream. I think being a lead actor is the goal for me so i’ll keep working hard at that. I just love acting though so any type of acting, characters or roles that come my way i’ll give it my best go.

Independent films often demand versatility. What have been your biggest challenges and rewards working in the indie film circuit?

I think getting cast in something is the biggest challenge. There are so many talented actors here in the North East so there is always awesome competition to go up against. Then it’s the challenge of giving everything you can to your character and the film. The reward is definitely the people you meet. I’ve met and worked with so many lovely and extremely talented people. I feel very lucky.

Who are some actors or filmmakers that inspire you and influence your approach to performance?

Michael Fassbender and Mads Mikklesen.

Moving from Scotland to Newcastle upon Tyne, has your sense of place or culture shaped your storytelling in any way?

I’m very patriotic and proud to be Scottish and I think that’s a big part of who I am. I first moved to Newcastle to play rugby and i’ve been drawn to the place ever since. Newcastle is where I started my acting journey with The Actors Forge. Its gave me a team to be part of again, a sense of purpose and the ability to chase my dreams and passion. I’ve made some incredible friends here. I met my agent Laura Lee Daly here who has helped me a tremendous amount. So a lot of my best storytelling would be done around here.

What kind of roles excite you most right now—action-driven, dramatic, or something unexpected?

Well I’ve played a drug addict, drug dealer, soldier, abusive husband, zombie killer and a vampire recently so some kind of love story would be nice. I’ve not played a role that requires that yet so it would be nice to work with those emotions and see how I get on.

The film industry is rapidly evolving with streaming platforms and new technologies. How do you see opportunities for emerging actors today compared to even five years ago?

Self tapes are a massive thing now so you can get the opportunity to be seen no matter where your location is. I think for a long time you had to be based in London to be an actor but it doesn’t seem to matter so much anymore luckily.

Where can we find you online?

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/michaeltait.actor

Article published in The Relatable Voice Magazine - September 2025.

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