Between the high cheek bones and perfectly wavy curls framing his puppy dog eyes, it would seem Fernando Lindez was always destined for the screen.

Born in Madrid, but proud of his family from Algeciras (“I really feel that a part of me is from there”), the Spanish model-turned-actor grew up averse to being photographed—a now ironic characteristic for someone known for his ability to captivate the lens. Currently gracing the cover of VMAN, alongside a roster of two movies releasing in the fall (Tradita and Dímelo Bajito), it’s hard to believe that modeling wasn’t “in the plan.” But in his soft spoken humility, the little Lindez who shied away from the camera is still present.  “I never thought I could do it,” he tells VMAN, explaining how the prospect of seeing himself on screen seemed more like a fantasy than a possible future. “Since I was very young, [my father] was always showing me really good movies and good directors. So [acting] was a dream, but a very far off dream.”

Perhaps best known for his role in the final seasons of the hit Spanish drama Elite, Lindez sat down with costar Valentina Zenere to speak about his career trajectory and their shared experience on the beloved drama—plus his excitement for his first international project and shooting his American film debut. It’s safe to say Lindez is done shying away from the camera.

VALENTINA ZENERE: Tell me a bit about how you first got into modeling, how was it your first time?

FERNANDO LINDEZ: So one of my best friends, he posted a photo with me on his Instagram, because at that time I didn’t have social media.

VZ: How old were you?

FL: I was about 16. Very young. He posted a photo of me with him. And an agent from my mother agency saw that photo, and he asked my friend for my number, and a few days later they called me. And that’s how I met them, but it was not in my plans.

VZ: I think you’re great in both. 

FL: Gracias.

VZ: So we met acting in Elite. And what was your favorite thing about Elite—besides me?

FL: I was gonna say you.

VZ: I paid him a lot of money [to say that].

[Both laugh]

FL: Of course, the people I met in Elite. It was the best thing. It was so much fun. And also in a professional way, the things that I’ve learned as an actor. But of course, my friends, like you. 

VZ: We love them. It was a great journey. And your role was really nice, you had a lot [to go through]! 

FL: Yeah, especially in the last season. It was wild.

VZ: You were the dead one.

FL: I was the dead one.

VZ: Blood all over your body for how long? Months. Do you remember?

FL: Almost a month, yeah. Everyday I came to set, and they were covering me in blood.

VZ: Naked and in blood.

FL: Naked and in blood, my god.

[Both laugh]

VZ: That’s the best combination for Elite. And can you share your next projects that are coming out?

FL: So I have two movies that are coming out at the end of the year. One of them was my first international project, we filmed it in Rome.

VZ: I love it. I didn’t know this.

FL: Yes, yes, it’s an Italian movie with great actors like Giancarlo Giannini, William Levy. It was a different type of character than I’ve played before, estuvo guay [it was cool]. And then I’ve got another project that is gonna be for Prime Video that we filmed last year in La Coruña, it’s coming out pretty soon. And also this summer I’m filming my first American movie . 

VZ: American movie, congratulations!

FL: Thank you. It’s gonna be my first American production, the first time I’m acting in English, so I’m pretty nervous about that. It’s not that bad, but I’ve got to improve my accent.

VZ: No, you’re going to have such a great time. I have to improve my accent as well.

FL: I’m taking classes.

VZ: You’re taking classes? Maybe you can give me the phone number of your coach so we can work together.

FL: It’s an app—

VZ: Duolingo?

[Both laugh]

FL: It’s an artificial intelligence application, it’s just reading and spelling.

VZ: I want to know about this. So the AI listens to you and corrects you?

FL: Yeah and you’re talking with her, and she corrects you. And sometimes you have lessons where you read—I love my Spanish accent, it’s just vocalizing so people understand you. [Laughs]

VZ: Perfect, I love the apps today. So if you have a big dream—and I suppose you do, as we all have one—what would it be?

FL: Having a big family.

VZ: Aww, te quiero.

FL: Dos niños. Dos niñas. [Two boys. Two girls].

VZ: ‘Corto y al pie [short and to the point),’ as we say in Argentina. So you’re excited about that in the future, and what else too?

FL: Creating a family. That’s my personal [dream]. And as a professional: doing what I love, which is what I’m doing right now. Learning more and building a better version of myself.

VZ: You’re so lovely. I miss you now that I see your face. I want you to tell me about the [VMAN] shoot. Was it fun shooting the cover? Did you feel as handsome as you are?

FL: I got to say I was pretty nervous before getting to the set. It’s special for me, because it’s my first American cover. I was nervous. I know who Stephen [Gan] is. I know Alvaro [Beamud Cortés] too. They are big names in the industry. But the first moment I got to set they were so friendly with me. The styling was amazing. Alvaro is a fabulous artist. He’s a magician with the lights. I’m so excited to see them.

VZ: Baby, I’m so happy for you. Cover, two movies, an American movie coming. Abundancia. 

FL: Gracias, corazón. 

VZ: Me encantaría verte pronto. Estás guapísimo como siempre. [I’d love to see you soon. You look as handsome as always].

FL: Igualmente. [You too].

VZ: My first time as an interviewer. I love it. 

FL: Amazing interview. Best interview of my life. 

This cover story appears in the pages of VMAN 55: now available for purchase!

Photography Alvaro Beamud Cortés (Interlude Project)

Fashion Marti Serra

Creative Director / Editor-in-Chief Stephen Gan

Interview Valentina Zenere

Editor Charlie Kolbrener

Hair Stylist Anne Sofie Begtrup (Wise & Talented) using Oribe Haircare

Makeup Artist Camille Lutz (Walter Schupfer Management)

Production Interlude Project

Digital Technician Mitko Digital Capture

Location Studio La Factory  @Espace Lumière

Photo Assistants Simone Triacca, Giovanni Soffietti

Fashion Assistant Cari Lima 

Hair Stylist Assistant Line Juhl

Production Assistant Sara Murru