Fresh off the series 4Minutes, Jes Jespipat Tilapornputt chats with Men’s Folio on what it takes to get into character, managing expectations and what makes him the sexiest besides being in his Calvin Kleins.
The human experience binds us to the limitations of time. While opportunities may appear abundant in the grand scheme of things, the shape and form they inhabit may not always be equal — especially for an actor. At 32 years of age, Jes Jespipat Tilapornputt now takes on every opportunity with an air of gratitude and self-awareness.
(Pictured above) Jes wears a matching denim ensemble and underwear from Calvin Klein.
“As a child who excelled at everything, I had thought my acting was great at the start of my career, even when it was not,” he confesses. During his early years, he thought of becoming a soccer player and a musician. And if he did not choose acting, he saw himself working in finance instead.
In the same way restraint delivers nuance, the tension created between fantasy and reality is Jes’ recipe for theatrical performance. But how does Jes make sense of the already-fantastical elements of his latest series 4Minutes? He seeks out a common ground between himself and the characters he plays to humanise them. “My character Thyme is a reserved person just like myself. We tend to keep things to ourselves and overthink quite a bit.”
Jes wears a T-shirt and the 90’s Straight jeans from Calvin Klein, a fit that elongates the legs and sits low enough on the waist to flaunt the brand’s iconic underwear bands as it was worn on most men in the 1990s.
Jes does not overthink his wardrobe, however. Apparent in the way he performs and dresses, timelessness is a quality he possesses. Rather than picking out the baggiest of jeans or the tightest quad-hugging silhouette that reads overtly trendy, he goes for the Calvin Klein Straight Jeans — from the Authentic Straight, the 90’s Straight, and the Standard Straight — that convey a deliberate nod to the classics. Denim, from its humble workwear origins to its iconoclastic status imbued by Calvin Klein is a wardrobe staple that only gets better with time.
And in an industry where sex appeal is paramount, Calvin Klein Underwear becomes the undergarment du jour for leading men like Jes. Even when worn in ways that are not visible to the camera, he expresses a sense of ease. To him, it is the second-skin construction and the pop culture symbolism the brand represents. What else makes him feel sexy and cool? “Whenever I am doing something I love, especially when I do it well — like playing the drums or soccer.
Jes wears a tank top and the Authentic Straight jeans from Calvin Klein, which features the everlasting classic of a no fuss straight leg and a straightforward five-pocket styling with washes so imbued in indigo that only a tank top is needed to complete the fit.
Congratulations on 4Minutes. Can you tell us more about the show and who you portray?
4Minutes is a BL series blending drama and suspense. I am proud to be a part of this project as it is not a common theme in Thailand. In this story I play Doctor Thyme, a surgeon with a past he cannot reveal to anyone.
What was the experience of filming the series like? Was it different from the other series you worked on previously?
It is different as we used many different techniques for visual storytelling. To capture the perfect scenes, we spent much more time on set-up. Most of the cast members have never worked together before either.
Every actor has their own habits and rituals to get into their characters. What are yours?
I listened to music to get into character while we made our way to the set. This helps me get into the state of mind of who I am about to portray.
Jes wears a sweater, underwear and the Standard Straight jeans from Calvin Klein that bends that terms “formal” and “casual” as the brand does well.
Can we talk about the risqué scenes in 4Minutes? How do you prepare yourself? Because if I am being honest, they looked realistic.
The preparation involved discussions to find a middle ground between what the production team wanted and the actors’ concerns. With safety measures in place, we let the scene flow naturally on set.
I imagine it would be easier if your risquè scenes were done with someone you are comfortable with. Were you already close to Bible before filming these scenes? And if so, did that help?
Yes, that is right. I trust Bible because he is a colleague of mine who is very clear and dedicated to his work. I was not worried about anything that might make me uncomfortable.
What about your body? How do you get comfortable revealing yourself on screen?
To get ready, it was about being disciplined with working out and controlling my diet. I caught up with food after filming, though.
The Straight leg line of jeans from Calvin Klein makes putting together a casual outfit easy. Pictured on Jes, even the most formal item of a men’s wardrobe — the classic white shirt — can have its casual moments, as long as it is paired with the right jeans.
Sorry if we are being a bit nosy, but we need to know — did your family and close friends watch the show? If not, will you ever show it to them?
It is up to them, I do not force it. Sometimes they would watch it and not tell me, so I would not know [laughs]
What are some things that absolutely tick you off, and why?
I dislike people who take advantage of others and those who are two-faced. It really makes me angry whenever I encounter that.
You have taken on a darker, and we dare say, more mature character as Tyme in 4Minutes. Given that you have had had an acting career for a decade now, was there a point where you wish you could play such characters?
There have been many opportunities in the past. Some of my previous roles were dark in different ways. In Chiwit Phuea Kha Hua Jai Phuea Thur, I played a hitman, while Rak Rai, I played a complex person with a broken past.
Shirt, Calvin Klein
What is one character you have always dreamt of playing but have not had the chance yet?
I want to play a boxer, like in the movie Creed. I would really connect with the training and determination of the character.
What was one lesson you have learnt in your career that you will always remember?
Not every day is a good day. On good days, be joyful but stay mindful, and on bad days, do not let disappointment overwhelm you.
Was there any pressure in your career that made you feel like you wanted to quit? If so, how did you carry on?
There are many challenges such as high pressure and expectations from others that take up a lot of energy. It is not always possible to satisfy everyone, so we try our best to keep those frustrations aside. There were times I wish I could quit, but I kept going because I have the support of a wonderful family.
T-shirt, 90’s Straight jeans, underwear, all Calvin Klein
Favourite moment on set with the 4Minutes family?
There is no specific day, but a general feeling that everyone is very dedicated to their work, which gives me comfort.
What about your favourite moments with your fans?
I have them very day. Whenever I post a picture and they comment, we chat and joke around. Every interaction becomes a form of encouragement.
On to something less serious. Can you reveal your last Google search? No bluffing!
Rory McIlroy’s swing. He is a pro golfer.
What is your favourite food?
Beef steak.
If you could choose one person, dead or alive, to have a chat with, who would it be?
I want to chat with Cillian Murphy, he is my idol. I want to ask about Peaky Blinders.
T-shirt, Calvin Klein
Go-to karaoke song?
Don’t Look Back in Anger by Oasis.
The best place to have drinks in Bangkok?
There is a secret bar near my school called Wander BKK. I love it there.
What is your most memorable DM on Instagram?
I texted Thiago Alcântara, the former Liverpool footballer, to ask him to get back on the field soon.
The most interesting fact about you that no one knows?
I am quite a lazy person [laughs].
What is the cutest thing a fan has said to you?
That I sometimes act like a puppy.
Photography Park Sangjun
Creative Direction & Styling Izwan Abdullah
Production & Interview Manfred Lu
Story Tuang LingJie
Grooming Sapsiri Siriwong
Hair Topurk Thongwisate
Photography Assistant Kim Jaewon
Production (Photography) Park Haeju
Production & Styling Assistant Ratchada Tuptimphet
Once you are done with this story, click here to catch up with our October 2024 issue.
