There’s a quiet confidence about Thomas Boguszewicz that makes you pause. At 6’2”, with a presence that fills a room, he doesn’t need to announce himself — you feel it. Born in Poland and raised in Canada, the 24-year-old actor and model has already carved out a place on the international stage, carrying a mix of discipline, charisma, and warmth that makes his story impossible to overlook.
Earlier this year, Boguszewicz made history as the first Canadian man to represent the country at the Mister Model International competition. Held in Barranquilla, Colombia, the 9th edition of the pageant saw him place in the Top 17 and earn the Mr. Congeniality award — recognition of the genuine kindness that distinguishes him.
Beyond the stage, Boguszewicz is multidimensional. He is an actor with a passion for film, a fitness enthusiast dedicated to the gym, and a reader who turns to books as readily as the latest movies. Fluent in English, Polish, and Spanish, he moves easily across cultures, his journey stretching from Calgary to Guadalajara to international runways. Encouraged by his mother to step into modeling, he has built a path that now transcends borders.
With the world watching, Boguszewicz is intent on using his platform for more than fashion. He is building a legacy grounded in empathy, discipline, and representation — a reminder that in pageantry, as in life, substance matters just as much as style.
Avola: Can you take us back to when you first got into modeling—what drew you to it?
Thomas Boguszewicz: So it was actually my mom who drew me into modelling when I was 18 years old. It was during my birthday and at the family gathering my mom suggested that I should become a model in front of everyone. At first, I kind of brushed it off, but a couple months later my mom suggested it to me again and showed me a few agencies that she found online. After that, I went and had an interview at one of the agencies, and shortly after I was invited to partake in a modelling convention that takes place in Vancouver. My career kicked off from there.
Avola: Who were your earliest inspirations in fashion or pageantry?
Thomas Boguszewicz: My first sort of inspiration into modelling was Lucky Blue Smith. Seeing the amount of work that he has done and what he was able to achieve in the male modelling industry inspired me to want to push to that level.
Avola: Before the crown, who was Thomas? What were you doing and dreaming about?
Thomas Boguszewicz: Before the crown, Thomas was a student in broadcast media studies who had a passion for becoming an actor, and for helping people achieve an amazing physique.
Avola: How did it feel to be the first man chosen to represent Canada at the Mister Model International competition?
Thomas Boguszewicz: It felt absolutely amazing. It felt as if the hours I put in learning Spanish finally paid off. I was really happy and really surprised to have gotten the title. The surprise came from the fact that I’m obviously so new into the industry. Pageantry still to me is a new sort of playground, so the fact that I was already able to achieve the title in such a prestigious competition is simply fantastic.
Avola: Winning Mr. Congeniality shows you’re admired by your peers. How important is kindness and personality in this industry?
Thomas Boguszewicz: It’s really, really important. I think it’s really important outside of pageantry in general. I truly believe it’s not about expecting anything in return, but rather just about being empathetic and wanting to be kind to people. We all have bad days. We all have good days. The best that we can do is support one another as best as we can.
Avola: Pageantry often opens doors—what kind of opportunities are you most excited about now?
Thomas Boguszewicz: So I am getting into a passion of mine right now, which is acting. I just finished filming a vertical film in Toronto, and I am hoping to get things rolling from there.
Avola: If you could walk for any designer tomorrow, who would it be and why?
Thomas Boguszewicz: Rhowan James. I was given the chance to use one of his couture outfits during Mr. Model International and I was such a fan of the suit. If I had to pick one designer to walk for, hands down it’d be him. His suits are simply fantastic.
Avola: What’s one fashion trend you love—and one you’d rather see disappear?
Thomas Boguszewicz: I thought the ripped jeans trend was super cool. In regards to a trend I’d like to go—I will say one thing: you won’t see me wearing a super baggy pair of pants.
Avola: What keeps you grounded amidst the glamour of modeling?
Thomas Boguszewicz: Little day-to-day things, such as spending time with those around me like my family, taking care of myself both mentally and physically. I like to go to the gym a lot and I like to read a lot, so those are my ways to detox and handle the pressure that the modeling industry at times causes.
Avola: Many see pageantry as confidence on stage. Offstage, how do you build that confidence?
Thomas Boguszewicz: I think confidence is built through consistency—the little actions that you do on a day-to-day basis that add up with time. For instance, a good physique could not have happened without consistently going to the gym. When you are able to do what you need to better yourself on a daily basis, even if you don’t want to, that is what builds true confidence.
Avola: What’s a misconception people often have about male pageants and modeling?
Thomas Boguszewicz: That it’s all about looks and your physique. When the fact of the matter is it goes way further than that. Your personality, how you get along with everyone, leadership skills—these are just a few things that determine your success. It goes way past just your appearance on the surface.
Avola: Being the first Canadian man to wear this title is historic—what responsibility do you feel comes with it?
Thomas Boguszewicz: I think what’s important is to set a good example of what type of people could get this crown. I want to set an example by being kind to others, and I want that to be carried on as something that is worth doing always. It’s my job to instill that upon people.
Avola: How do you want young Canadians who look up to you to see your journey?
Thomas Boguszewicz: Kind of going off of my last answer, I want them to see that I am empathetic, kind, always willing to listen and always willing to give people the benefit of the doubt. Kindness goes a long way, and I want to share that.
Avola: When the competition is over and the spotlight shifts, what kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
Thomas Boguszewicz: I want people to remember me as a genuine and caring person. Someone who was always there for others and someone who also appreciates the opportunity that was presented to me by this competition.
Featured Images: Joshua Vgarcia
