Image credit to Blake Gardener
Langley Kirkwood is well known for his roles in Invictus, Son of God and most recently Dredd. He is also a dedicated triathlete and fitness fanatic who regularly participates in the South African Ironman competition. He currently lives in beautiful Cape Town and has three children with ex-wife, model and photographer, Josie Borain.
We spoke to him to get the inside scoop on his key to success; in both health and career.
The Langley Kirkwood Interview:
Q: What do you believe the key to being a successful actor is?
A: It’s different for everyone. I like to believe I am successful because I do what I’m passionate about, and that I invested time and effort in transforming talent into skill.
Q: You live a jet-setting lifestyle between Cape Town and LA, how do you manage to stay healthy?
A: I focus on eating well and exercising regularly.
Q: You enjoy trail running, what are you favourite routes in Cape Town and in LA?
A: Leg 2 of the Hout Bay Trail challenge, from Suikerbossie to Constantia nek via Llundudno ravine. Topanga and Malibu Canyon have some pretty trails.
Langley Kirkwood’s Journey To Wellness:
Q: When did your journey to a lifestyle of health and wellness begin?
A: When I kicked my pack-a-day habit eight years ago.
Q: What is your biggest fitness challenge?
A: Finding the time to train, it just means I have to get up really early when I’m working, which took a while to get used to, but I now love training early and sunrise has become my favourite part of the day
Q: What is your personal view on health and wellness?
A: I believe that the body, mind and soul are all intertwined, and all deserve and need to be loved. It’s always challenging to find the right balance, but it’s worth striving for.
“My life has not been without its obstacles and challenges but that is part of the human journey, and I am very aware of how fortunate I am and try not to ever take that for granted.”
Q: How do you keep motivated?
A: By doing what I love and hoping that at some stage I might inspire my children.
Q: Describe your fitness routine?
A: My fitness routine is what some people might call obsessive. But it’s way more relaxed and flexible than it was 3 years ago. I really don’t have a ‘set’ routine, due to travel and work, I have to be pretty flexible. But I’ve just started training for the Lake Tahoe IM 70.3, so I try to get in 2 training sessions per day. A typical week will involve 4 bike sessions, 5 swim sessions, 5 runs (with 1 track session and one long run in there), 1 long brick session on Sunday and a few core and strength sessions thrown in if time allows. I wish I could fit in more time for a yoga class or two, but I usually run out of it!
Q: What is the most important thing a person needs on their journey to a healthier lifestyle?
A: To find one’s own personal bliss. We’re all different and we’re all worth the effort that it takes to discover what it is that makes each of us tick.
Q: What is the biggest health lesson that you have learnt?
A: It is never too late to quit smoking and start training. I only became a triathlete after I quit. I would encourage others to quit and rediscover their bodies potential.
Langley Kirkwood’s Secret Passion:
The Hollywood star turns out to have a soft spot for all things green, stating the environment as our most important form of wealth.
Q: Why is conservation a passion of yours?
A: The environment is the only material wealth that matters in life. It’s the only legacy we really need to protect and leave to our kids, for them to enjoy as much as we are privileged enough to. If we give up on the environment, we’re ultimately giving up on ourselves, so call it selfishness if you like.