Off Campus star Stephen Kalyn has a strong connection to hockey. The 28-year-old actor began skating at six and continued through his teen years, even playing at the AA level. “Hockey was everything for me as a kid,” he shared during a recent chat.
His enthusiasm shines through as he talks about his character, Dean Di Laurentis, in the new Prime Video series. Kalyn notes that even when he stepped away from hockey, he never lost his passion for the game. “I found acting, which lets me keep hockey close,” he says.
Kalyn discovered acting almost by accident, auditioning for a high school production of Grease, where he landed the role of Danny Zuko. “I enjoyed every minute of those rehearsals,” he recalls, realizing he wanted to pursue acting seriously. Over the years, he built a steady resume, appearing in shows like the The Boys spinoff, Gen V, before landing his big role in Off Campus.
In this series, based on Elle Kennedy’s popular books, Kalyn plays the charming Dean, a carefree member of Briar University’s hockey team. The series kicks off with The Deal, the first novel in the collection, focusing on Dean’s adventures and romances.
Initially, Kalyn auditioned for a different role but later got a chance to audition for Dean. “I thought it was over for me until I got a call months later,” he says, excitedly recounting how he quickly connected with the team after a successful audition. “That was one of the best days of my life.” His preparation for Dean included a two-week hockey boot camp, which not only helped him prepare physically but also developed a bond with his co-stars.
Kalyn took on a mentorship role during the boot camp, assisting his peers as they learned the nuances of hockey. “It was fun for me, but I could see it was a challenge for them,” he points out with a chuckle.
Interestingly, his love for the character of Dean was amplified by his fiancée, who is a fan of the book series. “She has been rooting for Dean ever since she read the books,” Kalyn shares, highlighting how meaningful it was for him to step into those shoes. “Her approval was all I needed,” he adds with a smile.
Kalyn finds similarities with Dean but also enjoys the differences. “We both like to have fun and love hockey, but I’m not as impulsive or confident as he is,” he admits. This layered portrayal adds depth to the character that resonates with fans.
The chemistry between Kalyn and his on-screen love interest, played by Mika Abdalla, was nurtured through casual outings, including a failed Pilates class that turned into a bonding dinner. “That became a memorable start to our work together,” he reflects.
Kalyn hopes the themes of Off Campus resonate with viewers, especially around breaking down toxic masculinity. “I want people to see that it’s okay to express emotions and lean on others for support,” he states. He believes the show’s messages can help foster conversation and understanding among viewers, particularly young men.
As Off Campus prepares for its second season, Kalyn is excited about evolving his character further. He likens this opportunity to a stepping stone in his career, aspiring to follow a path similar to Ryan Gosling, known for his varied and impressive roles. “It’s going to be heartfelt, sweet, and even a bit heartbreaking,” Kalyn teases about the future of the series. “I see only good things ahead.”
To learn more about the themes and story behind Off Campus, check out [The Hollywood Reporter](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/). This series offers not just a love story but a chance to explore deeper societal issues and personal growth.
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