Malick Bauer - Actor of the Month for September 2025

Actor: Malick Bauer | Interviewed by: Cassandra Han, CSA

1) Has there been a Casting Director who has really championed or supported you in your career journey?

I am blessed and favored to say that two Casting Directors immediately come to mind for me. One of them is Cassandra Han, CSA, who granted me the most understanding and beautifully curated casting process of my career.  The movie I got to be a part of, thanks to her, comes out this Christmas, “The Physician II”, directed by Phillipp Stölzl. It is also my first English-speaking project, which I am very grateful for because working more internationally is a big goal of mine. She’s also blessed me with invaluable guidance from a CD’s point of view. 

The other brilliant CD is Iris Baumüller, who has granted me the opportunity to cast for the widest array of roles imaginable, especially ones that are not necessarily tied to my appearance or political identity. These were roles that she imagined could match with me as a three-dimensional artist, not my markers of “otherness", which is the greatest gift to all of us actors.

2) What is the project you’re most proud of, and why?

It is definitely “Sam - A Saxon” for multiple reasons: personal passion and overall mission meeting at an intersection.

It was Disney+’s first German original. It was the first-ever opportunity for a black actor in Germany to lead a show of such scale; therefore, I always wanted to deliver a proof of concept: good stories are universal. Most importantly, it was based on true events and the dynamic, and at times tragic, life of Samuel Meffire. A rise and fall story intertwined with Germany’s complex history. I loved the multilayered responsibility that I was given. The team and Samuel trusted and supported me through the journey. Additionally, I always felt that if we get this right, the market will create more opportunities for our diverse society to be seen and for everyone to be included in the narrative of our country. We need to come together now more than ever. Embrace each other’s flaws and humanity. 

3) What or who inspired you to pursue acting as a career?

I still remember odd-jobbing around, not knowing where to go, what to pursue after high school. I must have been 21 when I watched the movie “Training Day” by Antoine Fuqua. Denzel Washington’s performance and his dynamic with Ethan Hawke were so intricate, I felt like I was in that car with them. The picture hit me like a bolt of lightning when I didn’t know where to go next. The arts or acting professionally were never on my mind before that evening.

But when that beacon of inspiration hit me, I can remember popping out the DVD and researching Denzel’s path —watching interviews, how he talked about his craft, and the stage. Next thing I did was Google “Acting lessons,  Hamburg.” Then came Ulrich Mühe’s acting school. Then came the Berlin stages, “Volksbühne“ and Brecht’s “Berliner Ensemble“, then the camera. 

4) What was your first IMDbPro credit and how did you feel when you saw it?

The first one I saw was “Frau Jordan stellt gleich” by Ralf Hussmann, a comedy series I loved doing. I did the corny thing of Googling myself, and there it was. Seeing the IMDb credit did give me hope, though. On this path, which is not guaranteed at all, it was a moment of confirmation or reinforcement in some sense. 

5) How has IMDbPro helped you either to market yourself or connect with other industry professionals?

What I love so much about IMDbPro is that you can find artists from all departments–Cinematographers, Casting Directors, Producers, Costume designers, whose work you admire and draw inspiration from. The greatest feature is that you can find their contact information. I went to watch “Sinners“ five times. I loved it. Doesn’t mean I should contact Zinzi Coogler or Ryan Coogler directly. But their company “Proximity Media” or their representatives - that’s an opportunity. I need to see Wakanda somehow, someway after all. Jokes aside, I grew up trilingual. Working more in English or French is a goal of mine. So yeah, I might be in your inbox.

6) Any funny or memorable casting room stories you can share?

It’s God’s timing, not ours. It was last year. After “SAM” I really struggled. I thought “Now it’s going to jump off“, but nothing. Has no one seen this? What’s going on? 

The first casting came. Went well. Got invited to a callback. Nice project, but not necessarily a meaty part. I craved work fiercely. I asked my agent if anything else came through. She told me there was an availability check made by Cassandra Han, casting “The Physician” sequel, a movie that was part of my youth. I jumped on it, knowing it would be shot in English.  I wrote Cassandra a note inquiring about the casting process and its timeline. She answered in the kindest way. I wrote to her again, asking if I could somehow expedite the process. 

She wrote back and shared Phillipp, the director, would be in town in two weeks. I  shamelessly reached out again – “could I tape maybe?” She wrote, “I’ll see what I can do.” 

An hour later, the director texted me. Coffee in 2 days. We sat. He was lovely. After an hour, I asked him anxiously, “When could I cast for the part?“ He looked at me, befuddled, but smiled. “Cassandra told me about your situation. We loved your work on “SAM. “ I just wanted to see if we  vibe.” Two days later, I was confirmed. Again, God’s timing and a whole lot of empathy from a great CD.

7) If you could play any character in any movie, past or present, who would it be and why?

Othello. The first monologue I ever learned.

8) What show or movie that you’re currently watching or have watched countless times could you nerd out about forever? What do you love about it?

“The Wire” is my favorite show of all time. Watching Baltimore peel itself back, layer by layer, season after season, was incredible. I have the privilege of a late birth. Storytelling is more inclusive today. People before me fought for that. Otherwise, I would not be allowed to speak to you right now, or live this dream of being a working actor. But to come up with the character of Omar in 2002, when the culture was way different, to make the toughest and most feared gangster a proud gay man is a stroke of genius and hard to replicate. Don’t even get me started on Michael K. Williams’ performance.  May his beautiful soul rest in Peace. PS: please Google “Joe Budden Eulogy Michael K. Williams.”

My favourite character of all time is Tony Soprano. James Gandolfini’s performance is still the most wonderful and unique prism into a human’s soul I ever got to witness. His passing was gut-wrenching too, may he rest in peace. These two performances, their shows, and HBO in general, set the gold standard. Could go on for pages but will shut up now. Time for a rewatch. 

9) Tell us a fun fact about you outside of acting.

Being Trilingual can land you in funny situations. 

I was in Spain with some friends, sitting on a beach. We spoke French and  English. We had a time. Good people. Good food. Sunbathing.  All of a sudden, I heard a German man’s voice talking, not evil or menacingly, just joking on the beach, “Look at that black guy over there - is he trying to get even darker?” I sat up. Turned around. I saw a nice family. A woman. 2 kids. Locked eyes with the father. I told him in German, “Listen, my beloved comrade, I am one of you guys. I just trying to load up on my vitamin D. Enjoy your vacation.” His wife let him have it. Pure comedic gold.  He came over and apologized to me, and my friends were cracking up. We shared some fruit with him. No harm done. “In the End, It Was All About Love”. A good ending to that story, an eternal truth, and the title of a great book by the powerful Musa Okwonga.

Actor of the Month is a monthly collaboration between IMDbPro and Casting Society that celebrates the casting community and spotlights its members through a series of interviews between casting directors and actors about their acting journey, the casting process, and how IMDbPro helps them advance their careers.