Simon Kassianides is an award-winning British actor, director and producer best known for playing Yusef Kabira in the 2008 James Bond film Quantum of Solace, and for his recurring role on Marvel’s American TV Series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. His illustrious filmography also includes The Edge of Love alongside Kiera Knightley, Wuthering Heights, Between Two Fires and the 2011 drama Geezas, which Kassianides produced and directed.
Producer Piers Vellacott was the first to spot the young actor’s talent, when Kassianides was still working in his mother’s London coffee shop. He was offered the role of Pedro in Tennessee Williams’ play Night of the Iguana, receiving high praise from critics for his performance. The talented actor soon made his mark in television on both sides of the Atlantic, appearing in top shows including Casualty, Spooks and Hustle in the UK, and Marvel’s hugely popular Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.in the US.
His role as Yusef, a member of Quantum in the 2008 James Bond blockbuster Quantum of Solace put Kassianides on the map as an actor to watch: he has been continually adding to his impressive filmography ever since. In 2011 he produced, directed and starred in Geezas, earning him a nomination as Discovery Director to watch at the 2012 Hollywood Film Festival.
As the son of Greek parents, Kassianides finds time outside of his busy acting and directing career to support The Michael Cacoyannis Foundation, a non-profit created to help promote Greek artists. He was appointed a Global Consultant and Representative of the foundation in 2012.
