Go Away With … Idris Debrand

By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Tribune
March 28, 2023

Last seen in the Apple TV+ series “Dear Edward,” Idris Debrand is at work on the streaming site’s upcoming series “Sinking Spring,” where he plays the younger version of a character played by Brian Tyree Henry. “Ray is a complex character and we see some of the choices he’s made as a teenager and how they affect him in the present day,” said the British actor. “So [without giving] too much away, I play the reason why Ray is the way he is.” Originally from London, Debrand currently splits his time between Philadelphia and New York.

Q: Of all the characters you’ve portrayed, which one would make a good travel partner?
A: I played a character named Sid in a feature film called “Kat and The Band.” He was a talented, sometimes slow, drummer. He was always full of energy and had so much optimistic vibes even in the worst scenarios. I’d love to travel with Sid because I know he would make the holiday memorable. He would dance with the locals, he’s not afraid to make a fool of himself in the name of fun and he’d always be down for the excursions. Granted I’d probably have to explain everything to him like he’s a child so that he gets it. But once he gets it, he’s all in and committed!

Q: How have your travels affected your craft as an actor?
A: Being well traveled can enhance your acting ability, because you’ve got a lot of experiences to pull from. The more you have to pull from, the better you can be as an actor. Traveling to different countries has allowed me to see different perspectives of things. For example, poverty in London is not the same kind of poverty in Nigeria or in Los Angeles. Being in other countries, you get to hear the authentic accents [which] can make them easier to learn.

Q: What was the first trip you took as a child?
A: Nigeria. I must have been about five or six years old and I went with my mum. I’m the youngest of six and it was only me that my mum took with her. Initially I was excited to know I was going on holiday. But close to the time, it dawned on me that I’ll be leaving my sisters and brother back home. It mortified me and I remember begging my mum to not take me with her. I’m glad she didn’t listen to my whining. [Laughs.] Nigeria was an incredible time! I got to meet so many family members – my grandparents and my parents’ siblings. My uncle took me to so many places, put me on the back of his motorbike, which my mum was furious about! I was told so many stories. I loved seeing how the people there who didn’t have much were still very happy. It made me appreciate the privileges I have back home.

Q: Have you planned any trips for 2023?
A: I’m going to Jamaica in December. I want to perhaps visit Ghana, South Africa and Tokyo this year.

Q: Do you speak any foreign languages?
A: Unfortunately, I don’t speak any foreign language. I’m Nigerian and my tribe is Yoruba. I can understand about 70 percent of it, but can’t speak. I do wish one day to learn it fluently.

Q: What are your five favorite cities?
A: Las Vegas, Antalya (Turkey), Los Angeles, London and Stockholm.

Q: Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?
A: New York City reminds me of home the most. As most people would say, London and New York are very similar. I would go as far as to say New York is London on steroids.

Q: Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A: I really want to go to Tokyo. Ever since I watched “The Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift” as a child, that country has been on my radar. I had plans to go for the 2020 Olympics, but COVID-19 had other plans. But that is a place I’m really looking forward to exploring in the next three years.

Q: What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?
A: I definitely have to look at the reviews on the place I’m staying, whether it’s a hotel or Airbnb. I particularly look for reviews on cleanliness, food and customer service. Of course, I have to research the area and make sure it’s safe. I do like to be in places where everything is kind of in close proximity, so I’d be researching distances.

Q: When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A: Laptop, sunglasses, swimming gear, Kodak camera and sleeping pills.