Zava! Meet Maximilian Osinski '06, the Breakout Star of Season 3 of ‘Ted Lasso’ on the ‘’Cuse Conversations’ Podcast
Back in 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic caused worldwide angst and turmoil, a show debuted on Apple TV+ that emphasized the importance of hope and believing in yourself.
“Ted Lasso,” which recently concluded its third season, has been a feel-good television hit from the first episode. Early in the third season, the show introduced a new character, Zava, who was never lacking in confidence and self-belief.
The enigmatic Zava, described as the world’s best soccer player, is searching for a new team when he decides to challenge himself and bring his talents to the Premier League’s worst team: AFC Richmond, coached by Lasso (wonderfully played by Jason Sudeikis).
While Zava’s bravado jumps off the screen, fans of the show might not know that the real-life actor who plays Zava is Maximilian Osinski ’06, who never played a minute of soccer in his life.
As he was earning a bachelor’s degree in drama from the College of Visual and Performing Arts, Osinski participated in a life-altering semester abroad experience in London and at the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Osinski was also selected to the University’s “Sorkin Week” program, a learning practicum in Los Angeles that provides students with a week-long immersion experience in the heart of America’s film and television industries with Oscar-winning screenwriter Aaron Sorkin ’83.
After graduating, Osinski eventually landed roles like Dennis on AMC’s hit “The Walking Dead: World Beyond” and as agent James Davis on ABC’s “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” He also appeared in films like “In Time,” directed by Andrew Niccol, “Love and Other Drugs,” directed by Edward Zwick, and “The Express,” directed by Gary Gleder, which told the story of Ernie Davis ’62, the first Black player to win football’s Heisman Trophy.
Unlike his coach Ted Lasso, who preaches to his players the value of believing in themselves, Osinski initially doubted whether he could pull off the part of Zava. After a pep talk from a friend in Australia, Osinski started to believe in his abilities, eventually impressing Sudeikis and casting director Theo Park with the confidence and swagger Osinski brought to the role.
“This has been one of the most unique experiences. I was a huge fan of the show myself for the first two seasons, so joining the cast was surreal,” Osinski says. “The fans have been amazing. People are always reaching out to me on social media or stopping me on the street. It’s been heartwarming and it’s nice to meet people who say they like the work you did and love the character you worked on. With Zava, you’re not sure how people are going to receive him, but it’s been great seeing the joy people feel for the show.”
On this “’Cuse Conversation,” Osinski discusses his breakout role on “Ted Lasso” and how he overcame his doubts about whether he could play the world’s greatest soccer player. Osinski also shares why Syracuse University was his dream school, the impact Syracuse had on his life, how being born in a refugee camp to immigrant parents inspired him to pursue his dreams and more.
Check out episode 142 of the “’Cuse Conversations” podcast featuring Osinski. A transcript [PDF] is also available.
