1. Look inwards. Don’t look out, look inwards. What do you like? What do you love? What are you drawn to? What moves you? What scares you? What do you want to understand about yourself? What movies do you like? What music do you like?
2. Write. As an actor, at the end of the day, we’re serving a text, a story. We are channeling something bigger than us. So write. Understand what writing means because, for an actor, the written word is bread and butter. You need to learn how to write. It doesn’t matter if it’s good or bad, just understand the process.
3. Watch. Observe human beings, animals, flowers, trees. There’s nothing more interesting in your iPhone or device than the world around you. Put it aside from time to time, go out without it, and just open your eyes. Look at the sunset, the colors, the sunrise, the stars. Get connected to nature.
4. Take care of yourself. Your voice, your body, your mental health. You want to be in good shape. Take risks with your expressions, with your body. Put on music, dance weirdly, make faces in front of the mirror.
5. Don’t lose your inner child. Keep it simple, and pray.
I had the pleasure of talking with Tomer Capone. Tomer, an acclaimed Israeli actor, has rapidly risen to prominence both in his home country and internationally. Born in Holon, Israel, Capone has become one of the most successful Israeli actors working abroad, second only to Gal Gadot. Known for his versatile acting skills and compelling screen presence, he has captivated audiences with his performances in critically acclaimed series and films.
Capone grew up in Rishon LeZion, the second child of business-owner parents. His upbringing was marked by a blend of cultural influences, being half Sephardic and half Ashkenazi. This diverse heritage deeply influenced his worldview and approach to acting. After graduating high school, Capone served in the Israel Defense Forces as a soldier and later as a squad leader in the 202nd Battalion of the Paratroopers Brigade.
Following his military service, Capone pursued his passion for the arts at The Yoram Loewenstein Performing Arts Studio in Tel Aviv. His early career saw him taking on various jobs, from waiting tables to working on construction sites, all while honing his craft through acting courses and workshops. His breakthrough came with the Israeli youth series “Galis” in 2012, but it was his role in the political thriller series “Fauda” (2015) that brought him widespread recognition.
Capone’s portrayal of Boaz in “Fauda” was lauded for its intensity and authenticity, establishing him as a formidable talent in Israeli television. He further cemented his reputation with his role in “When Heroes Fly” (2018), a series that won Best Series at the CannesSeries Festival and was later acquired by Netflix. His performance as Aviv Danino, a war veteran on a mission to rescue a friend, showcased his ability to convey deep emotional complexity.
In 2016, Capone received the Ophir Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “One Week and a Day,” a film that explores the nuances of grief and healing. This accolade marked a significant milestone in his career, affirming his status as a leading actor in Israeli cinema.
Capone’s talents soon caught the attention of international filmmakers. He was handpicked by Natalie Portman to star as the romantic lead in her feature directorial debut, “A Tale of Love and Darkness” (2015). This opportunity not only introduced him to a broader audience but also demonstrated his versatility as an actor.
In 2018, Capone was cast as Frenchie in Amazon’s superhero series “The Boys,” a role that has since become one of his most recognized. The show, which premiered in July 2019, was an immediate hit, and Capone’s portrayal of the charismatic and morally complex Frenchie garnered praise from critics and fans alike. “The Boys” has been renewed for multiple seasons, with Capone continuing to deliver standout performances.
Looking ahead, Capone is set to star in the Ridley Scott-produced sci-fi thriller “Slingshot,” alongside Lawrence Fishburne and Casey Affleck. The film, slated for release in August 2024, is highly anticipated and expected to further elevate his profile in Hollywood. Additionally, he will be making an appearance at San Diego Comic-Con, an event that underscores his growing influence in the entertainment industry.
Beyond his professional achievements, Capone remains deeply connected to his roots. He has been in a relationship with Israeli actress Ortal Ben-Shoshan since 2012 and often speaks about the profound impact of his family and cultural heritage on his life and career. His grandfather, Shmuel, played a pivotal role in nurturing his love for the arts, introducing him to cinema and literature from a young age.
Capone is also known for his humanitarian efforts. He was among the signatories of an open letter to President Joe Biden, expressing gratitude for his support of Israel. He continues to use his platform to advocate for peace and support charitable causes, particularly those related to animal welfare and post-traumatic care.
In interviews, Capone has shared insights into his journey, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs that have shaped his career. From his humble beginnings in a small town in Israel to becoming a celebrated actor on the international stage, his story is one of perseverance, passion, and an unwavering commitment to his craft.
Tomer Capone’s rise to fame is a testament to his talent and dedication. As he continues to take on diverse and challenging roles, he remains a compelling figure in both Israeli and global entertainment, captivating audiences with every performance.
Tomer, It’s an honor to meet you. Before we dive in deep, our readers would love to learn about your personal origin story. Can you share a story of your childhood and how you grew up?
Tomer: Oh man, I grew up… did I grow up? (Laughs) Yeah, I think I grew up. I grew up in a small town in Israel, which is 40 minutes from Tel Aviv in the center.
I wasn’t a big world traveler. Until the age of 17, I never left Israel. I was born into a very basic family, middle class, with hardworking parents and grandfathers. I’m half Sephardic and half Ashkenazi. Well, you go by your mother, so I guess I’m Ashkenazi.
One side came from the horrors of the Holocaust, more religious, with big questions about life and God. My grandfather and grandmother lost a lot of their family members and came from Siberia, Russia, and Poland. The other half is Ladino, Sephardic, more uplifting and loud. So from one side, I learned how to be tough, and from the other, I learned how to be soft. From one side, I learned how not to eat, and from the other, I learned how to cook. From one side, I learned how to be a gentleman, and from the other, how to be a barbarian. From one side, I learned how to play chess, and from the other, how to play backgammon. But from all sides, I learned love. A lot of love. Love comes in all ways, shapes, and colors. Sometimes it’s rough, sometimes it’s gentle. It was all over, man.
Not necessarily an easy childhood, just because everybody has some struggles growing up around them. I had my fair share, combining that with me being a very shy individual who grew up in a very machoistic and strong environment. So being sensitive in that kind of environment meant dodging a lot of fights. I had to learn how to run fast like Forrest Gump to avoid getting hit. But when they caught me, I wasn’t shy about hitting back.
It was just a funny, interesting life in a small town in Israel, where you don’t have enough time or space to think beyond what tomorrow will bring. From my point of view, it was about surviving every day and claiming my space in this reality. I was always an adventurous person. I remember, from a young age, packing some cookies, a bottle of water, some snacks, and going into the dunes. We lived next to big dunes in Israel. I would spend days and hours building camps by myself. Slowly, a lot of other children discovered the camp and joined me. From that aspect, I had a lot of imagination and playfulness in me.
My grandfather from my mother’s side, the Polish side, was an amazing man and, in a way, my mentor growing up. He raised me more than anyone. When I say raised me, I don’t mean just food and shelter. I mean intellectually, emotionally, with culture, Judaism, religion, and respect for other human beings. We used to walk on the streets together, wearing nice suits. He came from Europe and always wore nice suits. His name was Shmuel. God bless his soul. Everyone wanted to shake his hand when we walked down the streets. He had that Frank Sinatra essence in him, although he didn’t know how to sing.
Ever since I was a baby, I remember him holding me, singing “Moon River” by Frank Sinatra. He didn’t know English well, it was broken English, so he kind of understood the words. “Moon River” is a simple song, and he would sing it in Yiddish. I’m just remembering it now, it’s beautiful. When I grew up, I had a CD player, and I heard Frank Sinatra. He bought me a Frank Sinatra CD. I said, “Grandpa, that’s not the words. That’s not a Yiddish song. What’s happening?”
He took me to see movies. I remember the first time I saw Jurassic Park. I was like, “What? How? Who? What is this?” He explained that there’s this great director called Steven Spielberg, who uses cameras, lights, computers, and actors to make movies. I asked, “Is this not real life, Grandpa?” He had a big library, and he had this amazing book about how cinema is made. Spielberg was in it, not with Jurassic Park, but with E.T., which was before that. He explained it to me. Growing up, we went to movies together. We watched The Aviator, Scorsese, Tarantino. My grandfather loved plays, Israeli plays, Tennessee Williams. He was my link to a world of culture that I would never have reached without him.
He introduced me to the idea that there’s a craft called acting, make-believe, and music, which became a big part of my life and culture. I always thought about how I could do something related to this art form. Unfortunately, I didn’t grow up in an environment that had any of it around me. Growing up, I had to admit to myself that maybe I was too shy to say it out loud because of the survival mode I felt I was in.
Then, fast forward, I was in high school, about to graduate, and getting into some trouble. I wasn’t being a good student, skipping a lot, having big arguments and fights, and eventually, I found myself outside of school. Just towards the end, I started working in the outside world, and that’s when I got my first subpoena to join the army, the IDF.
Never in my life did I think I was going to go into this militant, hardcore service. To be honest, I was thinking about avoiding it, just keeping on working and hoping for a miracle. I was young, stupid, and in a lot of trouble. Then, I had a bet with my friend to see if I could get through the trials for the paratroopers.
I was eager to win that bet, so I went and did a three-day trial. It was one of the most profound experiences of my life, pushing me to my limits physically, mentally, and intellectually. It was challenging, and for the first time, I faced a fight-or-flight moment. I had to decide whether to quit and return to my old life or push through and discover something new. I chose to fight.
That was my first spiritual experience of choosing something profound over getting lost. The experience was a tough, life-changing ride, but looking back, it made me a better person. I don’t think I could handle the stress I’ve dealt with in life without those three years in the army, with all its obstacles and ups and downs.
You learn that the bitter is never bitter without the sweet, and the sweet is never sweet without the bitter. It’s a yin and yang situation. It was more than 10 years ago, but it gave me a lot of character and a new perspective that I carry with me to this day.
After the army, I never thought about acting or doing anything in the arts. Like many young Israelis, I went to travel the East — India, Thailand — exploring new cultures and people. I even got to know Beit Chabad in a good way. Eventually, I felt the pull to return to Israel and get to know my own country better.
Back in Israel, I traveled all over, from the north to the south. I started working with animals, children, and other people, but horses were my passion. I loved being around animals; they taught me more about acting than any course or teacher ever could. I still watch animals for inspiration and ideas for characters and stories.
One day, while playing the guitar on a farm, I met an amazing person who became my mentor. He’s a well-known Israeli agent, mainly for directors, writers, and musicians. We became good friends, and he suggested I try acting, as I was too shy for music. This took me back to memories of watching movies with my grandfather and pretending in front of the mirror.
I decided to give acting a chance. It worked out very fast, not easy, but fast. I took a course in Tel Aviv, traveling up north every week. When I went on stage, I felt liberated, at ease, and relaxed in my body while acting.
So yeah, man, that’s where it all started.
You are such a great storyteller, thank you. So, can you tell us the next part of the story? You told us how you started, so how did you get your first break? You’re a very successful actor now. How did that develop?
Yeah, you know what? How do they say it in English? Be careful what you wish for. I didn’t like my first job. It was everything I didn’t expect it to be. It was a teen TV show, and I got it really fast. The school where I was at basically told me, either you stay in school or if you go and do this TV show, we’re gonna kick you out.
I had like three shekels in my pocket and, maybe out of ignorance, I decided to go and do the show. I thought I’d learn from my own experience. But the experience was horrific. I didn’t like it, I didn’t love it, and I didn’t want to do it anymore. I thought I made the biggest mistake, so I gave up on the dream and went back. I said, “This is not for me, this is not what I imagined it to be.”
As I went back, I worked numerous jobs — waiting tables, construction work, ice cleaning (which is a whole thing). I worked so many jobs. Then I slowly started reading books about acting and plays that interested me. I got into the works of Rabbi Levovich, Yeshua Levovich. He was like an atheist rabbi breaking all the rules, which is what every artist wants to do — break the rules and discover themselves.
It was a very interesting time in my life. I wasn’t looking for anything in the outside world; I was looking inside. I asked myself profound questions: What do you love? What movies do you love? What actors do you love? What books do you like to read? What’s your kind of music? What do you do when you wake up in the morning? How do you go to sleep? What do you nurture yourself with? These questions unknowingly shaped me into the actor I would become.
I didn’t want to be someone who just came out of drama school with sprinkles on them and became the next big star. I didn’t want to be a teen star with 12-year-old girls shouting my name. That wasn’t my path. I knew it. I built strong confidence and went to learn courses — not only in acting but also in mime, improvisation, dance, boxing, and movement.
I took acting courses and used all my salary from my stupid jobs to fund this learning. I didn’t have anything in my bank account, but I was so happy because I filled myself with things that I genuinely loved. I felt like I was building myself up.
And funny enough, the right auditions came one after another. I’m talking about “Hostages,” then Natalie Portman’s movie, and then “Fauda” right after that. Then came “A Week and a Day,” and everything felt organic again. Organic doesn’t mean easy. I’m taking us back to the idea that there is no sweet without the bitter. It wasn’t a smooth sail, and I don’t want it to sound like that, but it’s a lot of prayers, a lot of self-belief, and a lot of learning. I remember being a sponge.
I remember meeting Natalie Portman for the first time. I couldn’t believe this person was Natalie Portman because I used to watch her on the big screen. I thought this was unreachable, so far from me. But then you meet this person, and she’s amazing. I’m not saying everyone is, but she specifically, well, she’s Jewish, and she’s actually an amazing human being. She’s sensitive, real, exploring, and going through her own journey. She gave me a lot of respect while we worked, and I was nobody.
I remember thinking after meeting her, if one day I’m in her position, I will treat everybody around me with the same respect she showed me. There are always lessons to be learned. Everyone says, “An actor, what an actor,” but to me, this is my journey. This is what I do for a living, but I also join it with my life, my spirituality, and my beliefs.
I’m not the easiest person. My agents will tell you that because I’m not taking just any job and I’m not going to sell myself short. It’s very important to me to do things that have extra value for myself. At the end of the day, I’m going to sleep with myself at night, and I want to put my head on my pillow and say, “Yeah, you’re good. We’re fine.” So, it’s an interesting thing.
From all the different projects you’ve been a part of and all the different sets you’ve been on, can you share with our readers one or two of your favorite stories that kind of give us a sense of what your life is like?
A great story about what life is like or what it’s like to be an actor? I mean, maybe from the set of “Fauda” or “The Boys,” or tell a story about what you felt like on October 7th.
Listen, with October 7th, it’s important to talk about it. I told you about me jumping on the first flight. I wasn’t in Israel at the time, but I went back to Israel and understood that I had been given a lot of blessings. This was the time for me to use those blessings for my country, for my people, for my brothers and sisters. Using this well-known face to come back to Israel and start opening some doors. I don’t like to talk about it all that much, but we did a very good job getting necessities to whoever needed them. It’s still ongoing, and it’s amazing charity work, which I’m very proud of. You always feel it’s not enough because of the tragedy and the devastation of what we’re going through. It’s a very sad time, a very dark time.
Personally, I feel like I’m getting a lot of blind hate from people who don’t live in this area and know nothing about what it’s about. Trying to explain it is like brain surgery; you would never be able to do it. So, I decided my energy would be towards being a man of peace. Period. If you’re not, we can’t have a discussion right now. I’m talking about a peaceful existence for everyone. I’m obviously striving for my brothers and sisters to come back home and hopefully this very complex situation will come out with a revelation, with some hope and new discoveries, and not get us stuck.
In terms of stories, at the end of the day, you go to the hospital, you visit the wounded, and they see your face and smile immediately. People call you by your character name, and that makes them feel good. It makes you feel good too. People in Israel know me better than those in the States because they’ve seen me in a lot of TV shows and have watched my characters go through all kinds of emotions. It’s easier for them to open up and tell me their stories. I’m blessed to be a channel for them to express themselves and share their experiences.
Unfortunately, I have some good friends I lost during this horrible time. A sister of my very good friend, who is part of an organization I’m involved with that treats animals and post-traumatic people together, was lost. That was very hard. But again, I’m trying to do the best I can. I’m a simple guy. I don’t live in any stardom or have stardust in my pockets. I remember my grandfather always used to say, “Stars are only in the sky, and they fall from time to time.” I’m not living in any illusion. I’m just having fun, trying to explore my adventure in this existence as much as I can and bring good and love to the world.
Can you share with the readers any other exciting projects that you’re working on now or maybe you’ll be working on in the near future?
I think I told you about the romantic comedy. I decided to do more than anything right now because I think it’s the right time for a romantic comedy, especially one in Hebrew. There’s also a movie coming out called “Slingshot” with Laurence Fishburne and Casey Affleck that’s supposed to be released this summer. I’m very excited for that. It was a very interesting project, and I can’t wait to see how it turns out.
More than anything, I just want to see the day where the hostages come back and this war is behind us. Maybe the Middle East will become a place that brings salvation and hope to the rest of the world. You know how they say, it’s always darkest before the dawn. Hallelujah.
You’ve been blessed with a lot of success and have a lot of experience now. Based on your experience, can you share the five things you need to create a successful career as an actor?
1. Look inwards. Don’t look out, look inwards. What do you like? What do you love? What are you drawn to? What moves you? What scares you? What do you want to understand about yourself? What movies do you like? What music do you like?
2. Write. As an actor, at the end of the day, we’re serving a text, a story. We are channeling something bigger than us. So write. Understand what writing means because, for an actor, the written word is bread and butter. You need to learn how to write. It doesn’t matter if it’s good or bad, just understand the process.
3. Watch. Observe human beings, animals, flowers, trees. There’s nothing more interesting in your iPhone or device than the world around you. Put it aside from time to time, go out without it, and just open your eyes. Look at the sunset, the colors, the sunrise, the stars. Get connected to nature.
4. Take care of yourself. Your voice, your body, your mental health. You want to be in good shape. Take risks with your expressions, with your body. Put on music, dance weirdly, make faces in front of the mirror.
5. Don’t lose your inner child. Keep it simple, and pray.
Final question: Because of your amazing work and the platform you’ve created, you’re a person of enormous influence. If you could spread an idea or inspire a movement that would bring the most good to the most people, what would that be?
Oh, that’s an amazing question. I feel like I’m a nobody and I don’t have all the answers. But no man is superior to you, and you are not superior to any man. It’s about sensitivity, modesty, and humility. No one is better than you, and you are not better than anyone else.
In terms of a movement, if millions and millions joined together with this mindset, the world would be fantastic. What’s crazy is that I always say humility when people ask me this question. Humility, man, yeah. I’ll take it. I learned something from you. Humility, that’s the name, that’s the concept, that’s what we’re riding with.
How can our readers continue to follow your work? How can they support you?
I’ll support them. Don’t worry, we’ll support each other. The fourth season of “The Boys” is coming up on June 13th. It’s going to be a roller coaster, this season is going to be crazy and interesting. And then, of course, there are the movies coming out. But just spread the love, man, spread the love. I’m everywhere, man, everywhere and nowhere.
It’s such an honor to meet you. I wish you continued success.
Thank you so much, man. Intelligent questions, good conversation. Really appreciated.
Tomer Capone Of The Boys, On The Five Things You Need To Create A Successful Career In TV & Film was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.