About Insider sat down with Claudio Musso to discuss his latest happenings and more!
Claudio Musso was born to tell stories. His passion for acting ignited before he could even fully understand it. At just four years old, he would lose himself in the mirror, becoming anyone, his imagination allowed. His first taste of the stage came in second grade, and not long after, he landed what felt like a dream role, playing the Scarecrow in his school’s production of The Wizard of Oz. That moment solidified everything. The thrill of stepping into another world, of breathing life into a character, was electric. With the unwavering support of his Italian parents, Claudio pursued his craft with relentless dedication, training at the American Film Institute and Lee Strasberg. Now, every performance is a chance to dive into the unknown, to live truthfully under imaginary circumstances, and to bring audiences on a journey that feels as real as life itself.
HELLO CALUDIO MUSSO, WELCOME TO ABOUT INSIDER! WHAT GOT YOU INTO ACTING AND MADE YOU REALIZE THAT IT WAS YOUR CHOSEN PATH?
I was drawn to acting through my father’s love of cinema and the home movies he created, which sparked my passion for storytelling. Over time, I realized that acting was more than just a craft—it was where I felt most alive, blending creativity, emotion, and connection in a way that made it clear this was my path.
WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER ACTORS?
What sets me apart as an actor is my dedication to constant growth and collaboration. I see every project as an opportunity to learn from others, refine my craft, and bring authenticity to each role.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE PROJECTS THAT YOU TYPICALLY PREFER?
I gravitate more toward screen projects, as they offer unique storytelling opportunities and the chance to work with a variety of techniques. However, the stage still holds a special place in my heart, and I cherish the energy and connection it brings.
WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS WHEN PREPARING FOR AN AUDITION?
When preparing for an audition, I like to start by really breaking down the scene to understand the core needs and wants of the character. I focus on what drives them in that moment — what they are trying to achieve, how they feel, and what they’re thinking. I look at the relationships they have with other characters and how those dynamics influence their actions. I pay attention to any subtext, especially the moments that may not be explicitly stated but are critical for understanding the deeper motivations behind their words and actions. Once I have a solid grasp of the character’s internal world, I then layer in the physicality and vocal choices that align with that emotional truth. The goal is to bring the character to life with authenticity and clarity, allowing the audience or casting director to truly feel the character’s journey.
HAS THERE BEEN ONE PARTICULAR MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER THAT YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
There have been a few defining moments, but one that stands out is booking my first commercial, a Pringles Super Bowl ad. It was a huge milestone, not just because of the scale, but because it validated all the hard work, I had put in. Unfortunately, I couldn’t be on set due to COVID, but just getting to that level was a proud moment. On the producing side, being part of The Lofters, Canada’s first reality TV show, was also special. It was groundbreaking at the time, and knowing I played a role in something so influential makes me proud.
WHAT’S BEEN THE PROS AND CONS OF PURSUING YOUR ACTING CAREER?
Pursuing my acting career has been a journey filled with both incredible highs and significant challenges.
On the pro side, the rewards have been immeasurable. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of bringing a character to life and connecting with an audience. The passion I have for storytelling fuels me every day, and the love of performance keeps me going, even in the face of uncertainty. Every role, every audition, and every experience on set reminds me why I chose this path—it’s what I was meant to do.
But with the highs come the cons. One of the biggest challenges was facing the fear of the unknown when I made the decision to leave my full-time position and go all in. Stepping away from stability was terrifying, but I knew I couldn’t ignore my passion any longer. Another difficult part has been leaving my family behind to chase this dream. While their love and support mean the world to me, being away from them is never easy.
Still, despite the challenges, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. The sacrifices have only made the rewards that much more meaningful.
WHICH ACTORS / DIRECTORS WOULD YOU LIKE TO COLLABORATE WITH IN FUTURE?
So many talented directors and actors…and some may have not been discovered yet but are out there honing their skills. However, there is Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard, Meryl Streep, Diane Lane, and Al Pacino..
IF YOU HAD ONE MESSAGE TO GIVE TO YOUR FANS, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
See you at the movies!
IF YOU WEREN’T AN ACTOR WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU BE DOING?
If I weren’t an actor, I’d be living a life of deep dissatisfaction. Acting is the truest expression of who I am—without it, I’d feel like a piece of myself was missing. It’s not just a career; it’s the way I connect to the world and find meaning. Without that, I don’t think I’d be truly happy.
AS A CANADIAN-BORN ACTOR NAVIGATING HOLLYWOOD, HOW DO YOUR ROOTS AND HERITAGE INFLUENCE YOUR WORK AND THE ROLES YOU CHOOSE?
As a Canadian-born actor with Italian Sicilian parents, my heritage deeply influences the way I approach my craft. I draw on the strong sense of family, passion, and resilience ingrained in my roots, which allows me to bring authenticity and depth to the roles I choose. My diverse background offers a unique perspective that resonates with both my performances and the stories I want to tell in Hollywood.
IN TODAY’S HOLLYWOOD, THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT PUSH FOR GREATER INCLUSIVITY AND REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN. HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR WORK CONTRIBUTING TO THIS MOVEMENT, AND WHAT CHANGES DO YOU STILL HOPE TO SEE IN THE INDUSTRY?
In today’s Hollywood, inclusivity and representation are no longer just buzzwords—they are essential to telling authentic stories that reflect the world we live in. As a man in this industry, I recognize the privilege I have in this space and the responsibility that comes with it. My work, whether on screen or behind the scenes, is shaped by a conscious effort to contribute to this movement, whether it’s advocating for strong, multidimensional female characters or supporting the voices of women who have often been sidelined.
But it’s not just about putting women into roles. It’s about giving them agency, depth, and real complexity. I want to see stories where women aren’t just the love interest or the sidekick but where they take the lead, where they have their own narratives, power, and flaws. I want to contribute to a culture where all voices are heard equally, where the experiences of women—especially those who’ve been marginalized in the past—are centered.
Still, there’s more work to be done. It’s not enough to merely include women in the stories. The structures that shape our industry need to evolve. This means more women in decision-making roles—directors, writers, producers—and creating spaces where they are supported, not tokenized. It’s about dismantling the old power dynamics that have held back diverse voices and creating a truly inclusive environment where gender, race, and background no longer limit opportunity or storytelling potential.
Hollywood is evolving, but I hope the future holds a space where it’s not just about diversity for diversity’s sake—it’s about authenticity, true equality, and narratives that feel real, compelling, and representative of all walks of life. My work, my contribution to this change, will always be with that vision in mind.
IF YOU WENT BACK TO THE GOLDEN ERA OF HOLLYWOOD, WHICH ACTOR DO YOU RESONATE WITH MOST AND WHY?
If I were to step into the golden era of Hollywood, I’d say I resonate most with Gene Kelly—but not just for the tap dancing. Picture this: me, on set, an extra-large cup of coffee in hand, trying to juggle musical numbers, charm, and intense choreography, all while sporting a leather jacket and trying to act like I’ve got it together. Gene Kelly exuded that mix of relentless passion, work ethic, and suave charm, even if it meant getting drenched in a downpour mid-dance (which, let’s face it, would probably happen to me too).Why? Because he was both a perfectionist and a natural goofball, and I like to think that’s me at my core—always serious about the craft, but I’ll never turn down a good laugh or a good flip of the hair. Plus, if I had a chance, I’d totally try out a “Singin’ in the Rain” sequence, even if it meant slipping on a puddle or two. Classic Hollywood chaos, right?
LOVE THAT! HOW CAN PEOPLE FIND AND FOLLOW YOUR JOURNEY?
Thank you. People can check out my work on IMDb.
