Jamie Putnam
Jamie Putnam is a talented actor and model whose journey through the fashion and film industries has been shaped by his rich multicultural background. Born in Hong Kong to a Chinese mother and a British father, Jamie was immersed in a blend of diverse perspectives from a young age. This unique cultural mix has deeply influenced his approach to both acting and modeling, fostering an open-mindedness and adaptability that allow him to fully embrace a variety of roles. In this interview, Jamie shares his experience of transitioning from modeling to acting, confronting insecurities, and learning from the inspiring creatives he’s met along the way. His passion for storytelling, commitment to authenticity, and unwavering support from his family have been the foundation of a career marked by continuous growth and self-discovery.
CREDITS
Talent: Jamie Putnam @jamieewanputnam
Styling: Jared Eng Studios @jaredengstudios
Photography: Kai Z Feng @kaizfeng
Grooming: Nathaniel Dezan at Opus Beauty using Lolavie @nathanieldezan @lolavie
@opusbeauty
Fashion Assistant: Jordan Blakeman @jumbosfrownroom
Personal
and Career Journey
How has your multicultural background (Hong Kong Chinese-British) influenced
your approach to acting and modeling?
My
multicultural background has given me the unique privilege of growing up
immersed in diverse perspectives. From my own experiences with Chinese and
British cultures to the global viewpoints of my friends, I’ve been exposed to a
rich variety of ideas. This exposure has nurtured an open-mindedness that
allows me to adapt and fully immerse myself in various roles. It has also kept
my imagination and creativity alive—qualities I feel are too often lost in
education and maturation today.
Jamie is wearing a Ferrari jumpsuit and gloves, Versace shoes, Salomon beanie, and Emanuele Bicocchi jewelry.
What’s the most unexpected lesson you’ve learned while transitioning from
modeling to acting?
I
actually started with acting at a very young age and fell in love with it
immediately. When I began modeling, I assumed it would be easy because of my
acting background. What I didn’t anticipate was the stark difference between
the two—acting allows you to become someone else, but modeling requires you to
present yourself authentically. Initially when modeling, I struggled with
stiffness in front of the camera, which revealed a lack of self-confidence I
hadn’t recognized before. Modeling pushed me to confront that insecurity and
embrace confidence in my own skin, which has been transformative in my acting
and daily life.
Can you share a moment in your career that completely changed your perspective
on the industry?
While
there wasn’t a single defining moment, I’ve been deeply inspired by the
incredible people I’ve met—photographers, designers, models, and creatives.
Their passion and dedication to their craft continually motivate me. Witnessing
such genuine enthusiasm reminds me why I fell in love with storytelling and
creative expression in the first place.
Jamie is wearing a Ferrari jumpsuit and gloves, Versace shoes, Salomon beanie, and Emanuele Bicocchi jewelry.
What’s the biggest misconception about working in both the modeling and acting
industries?
The
biggest misconception is that the two fields are interchangeable. While there
are transferable skills, they are fundamentally different and demand unique
mindsets and approaches. Both are challenging in their own ways but equally
rewarding.
What role does your family play in supporting your career in both fashion and
acting?
My
family has been my biggest pillar of support, and I’m forever grateful to them.
Growing up in Hong Kong, where academic success often takes precedence over
creative endeavours, they encouraged me to follow my passions. Their belief in
me and their open-mindedness allowed my sister and I to pursue what we truly
loved, and I couldn’t ask for more.
How do you handle moments of doubt or uncertainty in your career?
Not
always perfectly, but I’ve learned to accept that uncertainty is part of the
journey. I focus on what’s within my control and try not to waste energy
worrying about what isn’t.
In what ways do you bring elements of your modeling experience into your acting
work?
Modeling
has taught me to feel confident in front of the camera, which translates well
into acting. It also helped me shift from using acting as an escape to
embracing it as an extension of my personal growth and creativity.
What’s a skill or talent you have that most people might not know about?
I
can juggle! Oh, and I sing… just not well.
You’ve been spending time in Thailand for modeling. Do you have a dream job to
book while you’re there?
I’d
love to collaborate with the top magazines—GQ, Esquire, Elle—and experience the
diversity of creative processes and styles. Seeing how different teams bring
their visions to life is always fascinating.
Jamie is wearing an Issey Miyake look with Calzedonia tights and Hirotaka jewelry.
Fitness
and Lifestyle
What inspired you to prioritize fitness as an essential part of your daily
routine?
Once
I made fitness a priority, I felt better than I ever had before—it quickly
became an essential part of my life. For me, being healthy on the outside works
hand-in-hand with being healthy on the inside.
Can you share your favorite workout routine or go-to exercises that keep you in
top shape?
My
gym split includes: Chest, Back, Shoulders & Arms, and Legs (also known as
“skip day” sometimes). Then, I repeat. I do work on legs, but if I need a rest
day, it always seems to land on leg day.
Do you have a favorite piece of fitness equipment or a workout accessory that
you can’t live without?
The
bench press. But all I really need is a squat rack and a bench. I know that’s
technically two pieces of equipment but then do you consider each individual
weight a piece of equipment? The question is impossible! With that being said,
I absolutely love cable machines for their versatility.
What does a typical “day off” look like for you when you’re not modeling or
acting?
My
day off always includes some form of physical activity—gym, tennis, basketball,
or golf. I do, however, try to remind myself to take time for self-care.
Whether it’s skincare, relaxing, or just unwinding, those “me” days are so
important to recharge.
Jamie is wearing a Tony Ward look with Calzedonia tights.
Film
and Pop Culture Interests
You’re a big fan of anime like Attack on Titan. What lessons or themes from
anime do you connect with in your own life?
Anime
is such a brilliant medium for creative expression that it’s impossible to sum
it up in one lesson or theme. But if I had to pick, I’d say a recurring focus
is the importance of relationships and valuing the people in your life. It’s a
reminder of how special those connections are.
If you could live in any anime world—Hunter x Hunter, Naruto, or Attack on
Titan—which one would you pick, and why?
To
be honest, most anime worlds come with life-threatening stakes that I’d rather
avoid. But if I had to choose, I’d go with Fruits Basket. It’s such a sweet and
entertaining series, even though it still has its share of challenges.
What actor or project really made that indelible mark on you to pursue acting
as a career?
It
wasn’t one specific film or franchise, but a mix of inspirations. Brad Pitt in
Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Robert Pattinson in Twilight, Zac Efron in High School
Musical, Channing Tatum in a lot of his projects. Then there was Tobey Maguire
in Spider-Man and, above all, Christian Bale in The Dark Knight. I’ve always
been obsessed with Batman, and those films left a huge impression on me.
My
love for acting grew through school productions, where I discovered how much I
enjoyed being part of storytelling. Later, one of my teachers helped me develop
my craft and understand how acting conveys unique messages to each individual,
which solidified my passion.
Jamie is wearing a Bluemarble look and Calzedonia tights.
Jamie is wearing Milli Point Two pants, Zandria hat, Versace shoes, Seymoure gloves, Emanuele Bicocchi necklace, red ring and ear cuff by Hirotaka Jewelry and Dolce & Gabanna Sunglasses.