Anthony Keyvan. Photographed by Tommy Flanagan
With roles in Love, Victor and XO, Kitty, Anthony Keyvan emphasizes the importance of authentic storytelling and representation, both on-screen and behind the camera.
Anthony Keyvan has always been passionate about cars. “Whether it’s learning about different models, going to car shows, or even taking stunt driving courses, it’s something I genuinely enjoy,” he shares. When he was five years old, he was handed a flyer for acting class at the Newport Beach Classic Festival by chance. Keyvan shares that he was “instantly drawn to the idea,” begging his parents to sign him up. A few months later, he was signed with his first print and commercial agency.
Since then, he’s always dreamed of being on the big screen. “I was always a naturally performative kid. I loved dancing, singing, and reenacting scenes from my favorite movies,” he says. But as he made his way into the industry, it was clear that he would have a different set of challenges from most of his peers. “As a young actor, and especially as someone who’s half-Filipino and half-Iranian, there have been times when I’ve questioned where I fit in,” he shares.
Early in his career, he felt pressured to fit into whichever racial box casting directors thought he should be in: “There were times when I’d audition for roles that were clearly written for someone of a different background, but I was expected to make it work. On the flip side, [there were times] I’d be told I wasn’t the ‘right kind’ of Middle Eastern or Asian for a certain part.”
In Western media, representation has come a long way, but there are times when Keyvan feels that it is still limited. “Too often, characters from underrepresented backgrounds are either written with their identity as their entire personality, or they’re just there to check a diversity box without any real depth,” Keyvan says.
It’s not just representation on screen that matters. For Keyvan, the biggest difference goes beyond casting. “It’s about who’s behind the camera too,” he shares. When he landed the role of Q in XO, Kitty, Keyvan got the opportunity to discuss his character with then-showrunners Han and Sacha Rothchild. It was then that he asked to make Q half-Filipino and half-Iranian, just like him.
Beyond representation, Keyvan prioritizes playing roles with authentic stories. “It’s always been about staying true to who I am and choosing roles that feel honest rather than ones that require me to shrink myself into a stereotype,” he says.
In an exclusive interview with Vogue Philippines, Keyvan talks about Love, Victor and XO, Kitty, his passions outside of acting, and his experience being a biracial actor.
Love, Victor and XO, Kitty both have strong coming-of-age themes. What do you love most about playing roles in this genre?
Coming-of-age stories have this incredible way of capturing the messiness, beauty, and growth that comes with figuring out who you are. What I love most about playing roles in this genre is the depth and authenticity they require. There’s something really special about portraying characters who are in that in-between stage of life. Navigating love, identity, friendships, and all the uncertainty that comes with it.
For Love, Victor and XO, Kitty, in particular, I loved how these stories give space for diverse perspectives and experiences. They’re not just about growing up; they’re about self-discovery in a way that feels real and relatable. As an actor, getting to step into those shoes and bring those emotions to life is both a challenge and a privilege. Plus, knowing that these stories resonate with people, that they might see themselves in these characters, makes it all the more meaningful.
Can you share a memorable moment from working on XO, Kitty?
Filming XO, Kitty in Seoul was such a surreal experience, especially since I had only ever worked in the States before. It was exciting but definitely came with its own set of challenges: adjusting to a new culture, a different working environment, and even the time difference. But what made it all so special was getting to go through that journey with my cast. We were all in it together, navigating this new adventure side by side, which really brought us closer.
One of the most memorable moments for me was our first night out as a cast. We had just wrapped one of our early shoot days, and a bunch of us went out to explore the city. We ended up at this little drinking street by our hotel, just sitting around, eating Kyochon, and taking it all in, this realization that we were actually here, filming this incredible show in such a vibrant city. It was one of those moments where everything just clicked, and I knew this experience was going to be something really special.
Outside of acting, what are some of your biggest passions?
Outside of acting, I have a lot of passions that keep me grounded and creatively fulfilled. I’m a huge foodie. I love trying new restaurants, cooking, and just exploring different cuisines. There’s something about food that brings people together, and I think that’s really special. I’m also super into cars. I’ve been obsessed with them since I was a kid, and that hasn’t changed.
Travel is another big one for me. Getting to work in different places, like Seoul for XO, Kitty, really opened my eyes to how much I love experiencing new cultures. If I wasn’t acting, I think I’d want to do something that lets me see the world and tell stories in a different way, maybe through photography or filmmaking.
And of course, spending time with friends and family is huge for me. This industry moves fast, so I really value any time I get to just slow down and be with the people who know me outside of all this.
The entertainment industry can be brutal, especially for young actors. Have you ever felt disillusioned with acting or the industry? How did you deal with it?
Absolutely. The industry can be tough, and there have definitely been moments where I’ve felt disillusioned. People on the outside often see the glamorous side: the red carpets, the premieres, the exciting projects. But what they don’t see is the rejection, the long periods of uncertainty, or the pressure that comes with constantly putting yourself out there. As a young actor, and especially as someone who’s half Filipino and half Iranian, there have been times when I’ve questioned where I fit in. Representation has come a long way, but I’d be lying if I said I haven’t faced moments where I felt like I was either “too much” of one thing or “not enough” of another for certain roles.
That being said, I’ve learned to focus on what I can control: honing my craft, telling stories that matter to me, and surrounding myself with people who uplift me. The challenges are real, but at the end of the day, I love what I do. And if my presence in this industry can help open doors for more actors who look like me, then it’s all worth it.
Photographed by Tommy Flanagan. Styling by Maison Privee, Sean Reilly, Ed Solorzano, and Trina Duarte.
