Robert Kazinsky - Biography

Robert Kazinsky (born Robert John Appleby; 18 November 1983) is an English actor and model. He is best known for his appearances as Casper Rose in Sky One drama Dream Team in 2005/2006 and Sean Slater in the BBC One soap opera EastEnders from 2006 to 2009.

Background

Kazinsky was born in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, England, the son of Phyllis and Paul Appleby, and grew up in Brighton. He has an older brother, Michael. Kazinsky is Jewish, descended from immigrants from Poland and Russia. He was educated at Hove Park School in Hove, from 1995-2000. Kazinsky was expelled from both Hove Park School and later, his college. He appeared in their productions of Bugsy Malone and A Midsummer Night's Dream. He achieved a grade B in his drama GCSE in 2000.

Career

Kazinsky trained as an actor at the Guildford School of Acting from September 2002 to July 2005. He took his grandfather's middle name as his stage name. He has appeared in Israeli television commercials. He made his acting debut in 2005 when he had a guest role in an episode of the CBBC children's show The Basil Brush Show, playing a character named Sven Garley. He then got a role in Sky One's football drama Dream Team where he played Casper Rose from late 2005 until 2006, when he was killed off towards the end of the ninth series after Kazinsky announced his intention to leave.

It was announced on 18 May 2006 that he would be playing Sean Slater in EastEnders, and he made his first appearance on 22 August 2006.

Suspension from "Eastenders"

On 27 March 2007, Kazinsky was suspended from work on Eastenders for two months. A story in "People" newspaper alleged that Kazinsky had bombarded a model with "obscene text messages and photographs." Kazinsky issued a statement apologising "for any offence caused and for bringing the show into disrepute".

It was announced on 18 January 2008 that Kazinsky, would leave EastEnders. Speaking to This Morning on 31 July 2008, Kazinsky confirmed that he would not be pursuing a career in Hollywood but would instead begin an apprenticeship as a mechanic when he leaves EastEnders, saying: 'With the writers' strike and the newly confirmed actors' strike, it's not the best time to go (To America)'.

Kazinsky has also been penning a new television series inspired by Sex and the City although it is unknown if this will air. George Lucas offered him a part in his new Second World War fighter film Red Tails where Kazinsky plays a "pilot who has to adapt to being among African-American comrades."

On YouTube, Kazinsky was featured as the presenter in the EastEnders launch video when they launched their own video channel on the website.

On 22 October 2010, it was announced that Kazinsky had been cast in the upcoming film The Hobbit. He would have played Fili, a member of the Company of Dwarves, but in April 2011, Kazinsky resigned from the role due to personal reasons.

On the 9th January 2011 he guest starred in the US television show Brothers & Sisters as Dr Rick Appleton.

Personal life

Kazinsky is a close friend of many of his Dream Team co-stars, including: Jamie Lomas, Kara Tointon, Ricky Whittle, Danny Husbands, Junior Nunoo, Julie Healy, and Lauren Gold. In an interview, Rob stated that despite playing enemies on EastEnders, he is actually close friends with Matt Di Angelo (Deano Wicks). He is also good friends with Rita Simons (Roxy Mitchell). He is an avid supporter of Brighton & Hove Albion. He also went to Stafford for part of the Special Guest in one of the nightclubs, following in the footsteps of fellow actor Will Mellor.

Awards table

Other accolades

• In 2008 was honored by All About Soap on their annual list of 100 Sexiest Men in Soap. He received the #3 spot.

Filmography

Films

Television

External links

• Robert Kazinsky Website