Winsford actor shares the drama of living in America in 2020

From starring in hit TV series American Horror Story: 1984 and celebrating at the Golden Globe Awards, to living through LA’s pandemic lockdown and Black Lives Matter protests, actor Liam Haynes has experienced some of the best and worst of the United States during the past year.

Liam grew up in Winsford and was a pupil at Grange Community Primary School and Verdin High School before studying for his A Levels at Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College.

Having always performed in school plays decided to pursue his love of performing at university, and went on to study drama and theatre at Royal Holloway, University of London. Shortly after completing his degree spent time travelling the world with friends, then applied to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York and began working straight after completing his acting course.

“I was able to stay in the US due to getting sponsorship by Across the Board Talent Agency,” said Liam.

“I am on an Extraordinary Artist Visa and currently applying for my third. I'm a confident and ballsy individual so I met my agent at a hotel and convinced him to sponsor me. Opportunities came in swiftly. I was casted by Darren Aronofsky for a TV campaign and I launched the ;Good News Billboard in Times Square.

“Cut to nearly 10 years later and I am living in LA and 2019 was a rather successful year. I was in a nationwide Footlocker and Nike campaign and was the face of Rooftop Cinema Club. I played Jack Frost on Ryan's Mystery Playdate, starring Ryan Kaj, one of the highest paid YouTubers in the world.

Liam, second left, on the set of American Horror Story: 1984

“My biggest recent success was playing Nick Beggs of Kajagoogoo in American Horror Story: 1984. It was so much fun as I am, like many, a huge fan of the show. I got to work with Leslie Grossman and Leslie Jordan, who were both lovely. And the family of Nick Beggs actually got in touch with me after the episode aired in the UK.

“It was great celebrating the year at the 2020 Golden Globes. I am friends with affluent members of The Hollywood Foreign Press Association and have attended the past three Golden Globes, along with a wealth of film and TV events and premieres.

Liam at the Golden Globe Awards

“Well shortly after the pandemic hit. Los Angeles, like much of the world closed down. Here in LA they closed parks, beaches, everything. Only takeout was offered and essential services. In LA you are required to wear a mask outside, which I fully support, but in 100 degrees weather it definitely posed a challenge.

“And then the murder of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor happened and the streets of LA filled with people. I live just off of Melrose Avenue and the feelings of social revolution mixed with a worldwide pandemic were right on my doorstep. Stores along the street were looted and set ablaze. I actually went to bed with a hammer on my bedside table a couple of nights. Then came the election build up. When Donald Trump won the election in 2016 I was incredibly distraught.

“The level of social injustice in this country got out of hand and people were polarised into different brackets.

“I was ready to leave if he (Trump) won again. Luckily he did not and on the Saturday the press projected Biden's win I awoke to hear cheering in the streets. Roll on January 20th! After a rollercoaster of a year, I am ready for new successes.”