About insider sat down with Alessandro to discuss Hollywood, heritage and working in an upcoming Netflix TV show.
HELLO ALESSANDRO DE GENNARO, WELCOME TO ABOUT INSIDER! FOR THOSE UNFAMILIAR WITH YOU, TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF OUTSIDE OF SHOWBIZ.
I am an actor, born in Caracas, Venezuela, although I have lived in Argentina, Colombia and Mexico, before settling in Los Angeles. My family is Italian, with my parents being the first generation born in Venezuela. My father’s side of the family comes from a city called Bari in the south of Italy and my mother’s side of the family comes from a very small town near Naples. I grew up speaking Spanish, Italian and English. It was always kindof interesting growing up the way I did, I have no regrets. I learned a lot about how to adapt to new places, cultures and experiences. It helped me become a very extroverted individual and very sociable withwhomever I am placed in front of… but I would have to say that the hardest part was growing up away from the rest of family. Not being able to see my grandparents, cousins, etc. Especially because I consider myself a big family guy.
WHAT DO YOU THINK SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER ACTORS?
Other than my linguistical skills, I can do a southern accent, British/cockney accent and multiple Hispanic dialects.I think my multi-cultural background and my drive sets me apart. I have passion, dedication, drive and most important… persistence.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE PROJECTS THAT YOU TYPICALLY PREFER?
I would describe the projects that I typically prefer as projects that communicate a beautiful message. A story that inspires people and leaves them thinking after watching it. A genre that I have always loved to be involved in is Romance. Mainly because I like to believe that there are so many unique and beautiful love stories in the world and it’s always nice to sit down and watch a love story since it will always make us feel something beautiful inside, because we have all experienced love in some way, shape or form. Love is the strongest connection there is.
CAN YOU SHARE YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS WHEN PREPARING FOR AN AUDITION?
My creative process is mainly surrounding music. I love to connect music to a particular character or a particular story or scene. It helps me connect very well with the mood. It helps me embody the character and incorporate myself in a stronger way with him. Aside from that I always make sure to have my lines fully memorized, so that I can focus in the moment of performing and really be able to play.
WHAT’S BEEN THE PROS AND CONS OF PURSUING YOUR ACTING CAREER?
Pros have been the amazing people I have been able to meet for the time that I have been in this industry and having the opportunity to read for so many beautiful stories and characters. Another pro is seeing the reaction of the people I love when seeing my work. And the cons are definitely the sometimes the industry. Sometimes it can be a very plastic and fake industry. Not very trustworthy. And in many moments, I have seen how it can turn a passionate actor into an insecure, sad and non-passionate artist. Another con that we all know is how hard it can be to make this career into a profession and not having many other resources to make a living as an actor.
WHO ARE YOUR INFLUENCES GROWING UP THAT HELPED TO MOLD YOU INTO WHO YOU ARE TODAY?
My mom, my dad and some of my friends. Mainly a friend named Raul and another name Enrique. All of these individuals helped me become a wonderful person. My mom and dad made me loving and my friends made me accepting of who I am. My dad helped me be more responsible and see life with a plan and my mother helped me be thebest version of myself, seeing life through the eyes of love, acceptance and passion.
AS A VENEZUELAN-BORN ACTOR NAVIGATING HOLLYWOOD, HOW DO YOUR ROOTS AND HERITAGE INFLUENCE YOUR WORK AND THE ROLES YOU CHOOSE?
It has influenced me in a way that I want to bring life to characters that most people wouldn’t see Hispanics being a part of. Being able to mix my heritage and prove its adaptability to any story.
IN TODAY’S HOLLYWOOD, THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT PUSH FOR GREATER INCLUSIVITY AND REPRESENTATION. HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR WORK CONTRIBUTING TO THIS MOVEMENT, AND WHAT CHANGES DO YOU STILL HOPE TO SEE IN THE INDUSTRY?
I would love to see my work contributing in this way by being able to show the industry that any heritage can represent an American nowadays. That there are infinite stories that come from many heritages that are worth setting our eyes into.
YOU’RE A LEAD CHARACTER IN THE FILM, ‘ANORANZA’ CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THAT PROJECT?
The mini synopsis is – a grandfather, Lencho, struggles with keeping his grandson from living a rebellious lifestyle.
I play the role of Antonio. The grandson of one of the leads (Grandfather). The parents of Antonio died when he was very young and since then his grandpa has been raising him by himself. Struggling to keep Antonio from hanging around the wrong crowd of people and making sure that he can have a very bright future. This causes Antonio to not be open with his grandpa about what he does and what he wants from life. Making their relationship very hard. His grandpa only wants what’s best for him and he wishes to be able to feel closer to him. It isn’t until Antonio hears about his parents’ deadly accident that his grandpa shares with him about who they were, allowing them to start having a relationship initiated by the stories his grandpa shares to Antonio about his grandparents.
It’s a great film that we shot in Chicago.
IF YOU WENT BACK TO THE GOLDEN ERA OF HOLLYWOOD, WHICH ACTOR DO YOU RESONATE WITH MOST AND WHY?
What a question! I would most definitely have to be Marlon Brando. The class, the elegance and the intensity of his performances.
DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU’RE CURRENTLY WORKING ON?
Yes, I am currently filming for a new NetflixTV series in Mexico. I can’t say much more but stay tuned!
Wanna know more about Alessndro? Follow his work on Instagram @alessandro_dgennaro
