This story originally appeared on the Gents Cafe Newsletter. You can subscribe here.
Meet Anthony Waldron (@anthonywaldron). Born in Birmingham, England, and now living in New York, he’s a TV producer and writer with a background in magic.
What are your main passions and how do you cultivate them?
Photography is one of my greatest loves. While I’ll occasionally snap a moment with my phone (the best camera is the one you have, after all), my heart belongs to film. I shoot on a 1950s Leica M3 and a Rolleiflex from the same era. And for sentimental reasons, I still reach for my dad’s old 35mm Zenit; it feels like he’s there with me when I do. There’s something that attracts me about the process; the patience, the craftsmanship, the tangible nature of it all.
I also have a lifelong fascination with sleight of hand; something I’m sure we’ll dive into later. In recent years, I’ve found myself painting and sketching, and I find joy crafting meals in the kitchen. If I’m creating, I’m content.
How did you first develop an appreciation for style?
I can’t pinpoint an exact moment; it’s more of an evolution. Growing up, classic films played in the background: Bond, The Talented Mr. Ripley, the effortless cool of Steve McQueen and James Dean. I was always drawn to the idea of being “well-dressed,” though for me, it’s never been about labels or trends.
What does “being well-dressed” mean to you?
Being well-dressed is as much about presence as it is about clothing. It’s about fit, cohesion, and most importantly how your clothes make you feel. A well-dressed man isn’t defined by brands but by confidence and comfort in his own skin. Style should make you feel like… you.
What’s a small habit that has made a big difference in your life?
Keeping a notebook. For over a decade, I’ve always had one by my side. It’s a space to brain dump, sketch, work out ideas. Yes, I could use my phone, but there’s something special about writing things down. Many of my notebooks have the Apple sticker on the cover. I call them my analogue iPads.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, and who gave it to you?
Keep going. Most people quit far too soon. Adapt when necessary, but persist longer than everyone else, and you’ll find success. And when everyone else chooses the easy route, do the difficult thing; it’s where you’ll find your unique value.
A chance meeting that changed your life?
I was at a magic convention when I met Andy Nyman – an incredibly talented actor, magician, and writer. He introduced me to Anthony Owen, a brilliant magician and TV producer who became my mentor. He saw in me something special and helped me lean into my talents and grow them, which set me on the path to a career in television. That single encounter led to countless adventures I could never have anticipated.
What’s a driving experience that left a lasting memory on you?
Does being the passenger count? My wife and I have driven the famous ‘Road to Hana’ in Maui. It’s a 50-mile winding road that hugs the coastline and leads you to the small town of Hana. It includes 59 one-lane bridges, around 600 hairpin turns plus numerous blind spots – it’s not for the faint of heart. Many online articles say it’s the test of a marriage to make it through the journey roundtrip; I think we passed the test since we’ve done it – twice. The whole drive was incredible, and the best part is the drive, not actually reaching Hana so it represents the experience of life being about the journey rather than the destination. Some of my favorite photos were taken on that drive.
Is there a particular item in your wardrobe or accessory that holds special meaning for you?
My father’s signet ring, passed down from my grandfather. It’s a small piece of my family’s history that I carry with me, including having it with me on my wedding day.
Can you describe an art form you create and what inspires you to pursue it?
Magic has always been a performance art close to my heart. There’s something extraordinary about giving a jaded adult a fleeting moment of pure wonder; when everything they know is suspended, and anything feels possible. More recently, sketching and painting have become my refuge from screens, allowing me to create something tangible, imperfect, and beautifully human.
Do you collect anything? If so, how did that passion start?
Magic books, props and playing cards. My library is filled with them, each one a portal to secrets and stories.
What’s an object you’d love to pass down to the next generation?
My Fender Stratocaster, a Martin Acoustic, and my Leica and Rolleiflex cameras. Beyond their craftsmanship and design, they each hold the power to create and capture memories. That, to me, is legacy.
What’s the best way you would spend 100€?
An afternoon out with my wife and son; simple, meaningful moments.
What’s the most unusual job you’ve ever had?
I once worked as a demonstrator at a magic shop and performed sleight of hand at weddings. There’s something special about amazing people up close and giving them a sense of impossibility. To feel lost in magic is a rare treasure in life.
What’s a challenge you’ve overcome that shaped who you are today?
Losing my father at ten years old shaped much of who I am today. It made me deeply aware of life’s fragility and the kind of man I wanted to become.
My father was a working-class gentleman. The oldest of five children, he didn’t own luxury goods and didn’t measure himself by the size, status or contents of his home. He carried himself with grace, kindness, and impeccable manners. At the pub, petrol station or when taking me to the park, he could chat with anyone about anything. Wherever we went, people were happy to see him. He was the type of man who was quick to offer his coat in inclement weather, help someone with their groceries and always held the door for others – it was his instinct to support others. He embodied what it truly means to be a gentleman, I bring his spirit to my life and interactions with others as much as I can.
It’s important to say; My mother played just as pivotal a role. As I hit my teenage years, as a single parent she showed me, through strength and tenderness, what character really looks like. She led by example, raising me with resilience, kindness, and an unwavering belief in doing the right thing. A true gentleman is often shaped just as much by the women in his life as the men.
What are your three favorite books?
The Bond novels will be a forever staple on my shelf, no matter where I live.
High Fidelity, for its wit and heart.
The Great Gatsby, for its timeless elegance.
(Bonus) Tarzan of the Apes holds a special place – my dad used to read it to me before bed when I was a child.
What are your three favorite restaurants/cocktail bars?
Mama’s Fish House in Maui for its breathtaking setting right on the beach, its warm hospitality, and its fresh, island-inspired cuisine. There’s a magic in the air there that’s hard to put into words; it’s one of those rare places where time seems to slow down.
The Magic Castle in Hollywood for its air of mystery and wonder. It’s a private members club, home to the Academy of Magical Arts, and stepping inside feels like entering another world. Hidden doors, secret passages, and nightly performances from some of the world’s best magicians make it a truly unforgettable experience.
The Peacock Inn in Birmingham – an old country pub dating back to the 1800s. I’ve been going there with my family since I was a child. It’s a place filled with memories, laughter, and the kind of warmth that only familiarity can bring.
