“What’s it all about, Alfie…” Lily Collins (Emily) sings Dionne Warwick’s famous 1966 song in Emily in Paris to Lucien Laviscount – a.k.a. Alfie – a charming British banker. Amid the cobblestone streets of the City of Light, Alfie’s bond with Emily blossomed into a love affair. Everything was coming up roses for Alfie — until a heartbreaking twist left us all on the edge of our seats at the end of Season 3: Alfie breaks up with Emily and runs off after discovering that she harbours deep feelings for their friend Gabriel, who reciprocated Emily’s feelings but was set to marry his pregnant (and secretly cheating) girlfriend Camille.
“Coming off the back of Season 3, there are so many unanswered questions,” Lucien Laviscount admits, echoing the sentiment of all those who were left reeling from the unexpected ending of the Netflix series’ third run. Who will Emily choose? Will Emily end up with Gabriel? Will Camille keep her child? There are so many pressing questions — but there is one Laviscount can answer: What will we expect from Alfie in Season 4?
“Alfie finds himself torn between his head and his heart — wanting what’s best for Emily and himself. He makes the selfless choice to make the decision easier for Emily, ultimately putting her heart ahead of his own,” he shares. “It’s a more tumultuous first half of Season 4 for Alfie as we see his vulnerability play out.”
Beyond the dashing looks, innate charisma, and charming accent, Laviscount’s portrayal of Alfie has endeared him to viewers worldwide. His character’s loyalty and honesty shine through, capturing hearts everywhere. Who wouldn’t fall for a man who stays in a foreign city for you and openly declares his affection? “Alfie is a great character to play, he speaks his truth and wears his heart on his sleeve. His heart has opened up over the seasons. He’s had a lot to contest with but still keeps that hopeful sparkle,” Laviscount explains as he traces Alfie’s journey, noting just how much of himself he sees in Alfie. “He simplifies the complexities that life brings, living in the moment. He isn’t afraid to ask the awkward questions. I think everyone deserves an Alfie in their life.”
Alfie’s love story is not the only romantic tale Laviscount is part of. The British actor also recently starred as Quinn, the male lead in This Time Next Year, a romantic comedy that follows the journey of two people born in the same hospital on the same day, just a minute apart, who cross paths by chance. Chance has a funny way of bringing people to where they are meant to be — just as it did for Laviscount, who seems to have serendipitously stepped into Quinn’s shoes. “Director Nick Moore actually reached out,” Laviscount reveals. “We met over Zoom before I’d even read the script. I’m a huge fan of his work. He helmed classics like Notting Hill and Love Actually. His passion for storytelling makes you want to be part of the ride.”
Romance has been a crowd-favourite genre through generations because love remains an enduring mystery. This abstract, elusive force shapes our lives in unexpected ways, often defying explanation, yet it is collectively understood by every living soul on Earth. As an actor who breathes life into stories of romance, what have Lucien Laviscount’s characters taught him about love? “Good question… They’ve taught me that love never comes around the same way twice. It takes a level of vulnerability to relinquish everything you’ve built up around you — ego, cool, expectations — before love can choose you,” he muses.
Love manifests in many facets of life beyond romantic relationships. It flourishes in the passions and hobbies that inspire and fulfil us. For Laviscount, it’s the thrill of adventures and the challenge of games that keep his adrenaline rushing. “I’ve fallen back in love with my martial arts — Muay Thai and boxing. They keep me focused and prepared. And if anyone wants to challenge me to a game of backgammon, I always have a board close by,” he shares candidly. “There’s so much of the world I want to explore. Sadly, I haven’t been able to climb Mount Kilimanjaro just yet [Mount Kilimanjaro was on Laviscount’s 2023 bucket list] but ask me next year, and hopefully, I’ll have a different answer.”
So…what’s it all about, Alfie? What’s next for Lucien Laviscount? “I want to explore the action comedy genre and take on roles that portray someone who has truly lived. Telling their story in a biopic would be a thrilling challenge, to fully embody the character and bring their journey to life,” Laviscount reveals. Ultimately, the actor leaves us with two simple words, a tantalizing promise of sorts: “Stay tuned.”
Photography: Quil Lemons
Fashion Direction: Angel Lee
Styling: Michael Philouze
Entertainment Director At Large: Jill Demling
Photography Assistant: Matthew Yoscary, Clay Campbell
Styling Assistant: Myron Hernandez
Grooming: Souhi Lee
Creative Producers: Marina Fairfax, Cloe Young
Talent: Lucien Laviscount
Text: Kaitlyn Lai
Editor
Kaitlyn Lai
