How did you get your start in acting?
My first time onstage, in a formal production, was my senior year of high school. I played the Scarecrow in the Wizard Of Oz. After that, I did bunch more plays and musicals locally. I, eventually, went to Fordham University in NYC, where I got my B.A. in theatre. I was lucky enough to sign with an agent and a manger who noticed me in my school showcase my senior year. Then, I started auditioning professionally.
What was your first major role and how did you react when finally landed the job?
My first speaking role was on Ugly Betty. I played a not-so-nice jock. It wasn’t a major role, but major in the sense that it was the first time I was going to have speaking lines on television. I remember that I was in the middle of waiting tables when I got the phone call. I quickly stepped outside into a stairwell and got the news. It was a pretty amazing feeling. It felt like I was taking a really big, important first step.
Which actor’s work and career do you admire most and which ones would like to emulate your career path after?
That’s hard because there are a ton of actors who I look up to and would love to be able to emulate. However, I would love to have a prolific career like Leonardo Dicaprio or somebody who worked steadily (on incredible projects). As young actor then, they made an impressive transition from younger roles into more complex adult roles. It’s a lofty goal sure, but you gotta be working towards something right?
You’ve had a pretty busy 2015 thus far, with the release of Teen Beach 2 and Staten Island Summer. What did you enjoy from the process of making these two projects?
I had so much fun making both of these films. Teen Beach 2 was amazing because I got to reunite with my amazing cast in Puerto Rico. Then, shoot a song and dance movie on the beach, I mean come on! Staten Island Summer was incredible because I got to take a step outside of what I was used to doing and I got to do it surrounded by comedic geniuses. It was an absolute blast and a wonderful educational experience, all in one.
Your resume highlights a variety of roles that include, drama, comedy and a mix of both. What sort of characters or roles are you often drawn to the most?
I don’t know that it’s really a matter of comedy vs drama. I’m just drawn towards good writing. At this point, I just want to do great work with talented people who are going to challenge me and make me better.
If you weren’t pursuing your carer in acting, what sort job or career would you have or want?
I honestly have no idea. There isn’t anything else I want to be doing. I think that’s why I’m still here doing it because this business is WAY too hard. A teacher in college told my class, “If there is ANYTHING else in the world that you can see yourself doing for a living and being happy, then do it, because it’s a tough road.” And, he was right. It’s been tough. But, not doing it has never been an option, because this is for me. It’s the one thing I truly believe I’m supposed to be doing.
It’s hard enough going through the audition process, let alone booking the job. What are some of the challenges you encounter as an actor and how do maintain your focus and drive?
Yeah it’s tough and really the main thing is, just not letting yourself get discouraged. As actors, we are CONSTANTLY putting ourselves out there, constantly auditioning for jobs, and not getting them. You have been said “no” to a lot. It can be disheartening. There’s no real trick to dealing with it, unless you’re working non-stop. It’s something you’re going to experience and have to work through, but I try to surround myself with positive people, people who believe in me. I work hard, attack any opportunity I’m given, and I just have faith that the rest will fall into place.
When you’re not working on set, what activities do you typically enjoy doing?
I try and get to the gym 4-5 times a week. I play basketball, tennis, and flag football with friends. Go to the beach. Watch movies.
In the realm of fashion, which fashion designers would we find in your closet and fit your personal sense of style?
Probably TopShop, Zara, Urban Outfitters, and John Varvatos. I also own quite a few pairs of Converse. Oh, and boots. I love me some boots.
We look forward to your next project. What do you have coming up in the near future?
I did an indie movie, set in the world of college gymnastics called, Chalk It up. It is my first real romantic lead, which was a lot of fun. That’s the only thing I can share though. Other than that, you’ll have to wait and see!
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Twitter: @Johnny_DeLuca