"Supernatural" fans love Aleks Paunovic from his role as Gunner Lawless from season 11's "Beyond the Mat." Sci-fi fans have seen him in "Stargate SG-1," "Stargate: Atlantis," "Battlestar Galactica," "iZombie," "The 100," and of course his recurring role in the highly anticipated fourth season of "Continuum." Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Paunovic is an actor, writer, director, producer, and stunt performer that has been in films such as "Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters," "Numb," and more. Now he's playing a main role of Julius in SyFy's "Van Helsing." As if he was not busy enough, he has eight other projects in the works including "War for the Planet of the Apes."
Colleen Bement: "Van Helsing" is one of the most talked about new shows.
What can you share about your role as Julius?
Aleks Paunovic: I'm so thrilled that people are loving the show. So many people are working so hard in front and behind the camera and I‘m glad they are getting therecognition. Plus, we have such a blast doing it. It’sexciting. Ha! Yeah, they freaked out I can totally see. Honestly when I read the script I couldn't wait to get my hands on that scene. SO creepy and fun. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, so in “Van Helsing” I get to do it all the time. It’s awesome! I’m hoping viewers see Julius' thirst for power and how he will do anything to get it. There's something else going on with him and his motivations. He’s such a great character to play and I’m having a blast.
CB: What was your reaction to be cast in such a cool new series?
AP: I was like...wait a second; Neil LaBute and Simon Barry? F**k yeah!
He instantly became friends with Jensen and Jared
CB: "Supernatural" fans loved you in your role as Gunner Lawless from the episode "Beyond the Mat." You've actually been on SPN three times.
What can you share about your experiences on the set of the show? You know fans would love a story or two.
AP: Seriously, I’ve been really lucky to be a part of that show and fandom; they are second to none. The first time I was on the show I instantly became friends with Jensen and Jared. They are amazing hosts. They have a family on that show, and every part of it from behind the scenes to the leads—they make you feel like a part of the family.
I remember Jared and I going to a MMA Fight in Vancouver and having such a good time; so much in common. While fans were trying to get his attention he was nothing but gracious to them yet was still attentive to the fights becauseIkept yelling,“OHHH, YOU MISSED THAT PUNCH!” Hewas like“NOPE; NO I DIDN’T!”Ha ha. They are both just solid dudes.
Started out in a heavy metal band
CB: You played in a heavy metal band when you were just 16? Did you plan on becoming a musician and found your calling in show biz?
AP: I love my band days. Still love seeing the guys when I go back to my home town of Winnipeg. We would play in clubs, and after our set we would have to go up to the hotel room because we were too young to be in the bar.
All of us were 15 and 16, but by the 3rd set the bar would come up to our hotel room to party. Ha ha. I was playing on stage one time and a casting director asked if I would want to come and audition for a movie in the morning. I’m quite adventurous and I said, "Sure, I'll see you there." Ended up booking the job and got bit by the acting bug.
Hits the boxing gym when he can
CB: What do you do when you're not entertaining all of us?
AP: Honestly, I love my job. I love the people that are around my job. I’m having so much fun, but when I’m not acting, I do some work for Impact/RedCross' Anti Bullyingcampaignin my home town. Istilllove to play music and hit the boxing gym.
