A chat with… fabulous fab

by laura

Fabrizio Filippo (“Fab”) is something more than an ordinary actor. Born in Toronto in 1973, he became famous not only in Canada, but well-known in the United States and around the world, primarily for his roles as Ethan Gold in “Queer as Folk” or Scott Hope in “Buffy”.

Please tell us something about your experience with Sophia Loren and the making of the movie La Terra del Ritorno.
This movie was a dream for me to do. At first no one wanted me for the role, including Ms. Loren. I had to prove myself. And even after I got the part I felt like I had to prove myself over and over each day at work. The most memorable moment came after a particularly emotional scene with Sophia after which she looked at me and said, “Bravo.” I felt like I would die.

Many people know you as the Queer as Folk character Ethan Gold. What was it like for you to work in an unconventional TV series that had, and still has, such a big impact on people’s lives?
I was excited to do Queer as Folk because it brought the life of gay men and women into the mainstream in a way that nothing had up to that point. It was significant in making it okay to tell gay stories. I am always grateful when a Queer as Folk fan comes up to me and tells me how much that show affected them.

You also played a part in the Action TV series. As a comedy series, it was probably a big change for you after playing in Queer as Folk, wasn’t it?
Action was the first time I was able to do comedy with the kind of edge that I always wanted. It helped me find my voice as a comedic actor, and the things I learned on that show will be with me forever.

You are a writer, a director and an actor. Is there any one of these roles that you like the most?

I haven’t directed a feature yet so I don’t think I can really answer that. And things change all the time. There was a period where I couldn’t stand sitting still in front of a word processor, writing a script. Now I love to be inside my head all day long with my characters. I don’t think I’ll ever not want to act, but the older I get the better it feels to be behind the camera.

Another big love for you is the theatre. White/Noise/Jump ran in NYC and you won an award for it: Best Comedy. What kind of things inspire you?
The reason I write is because I learn when I do it. I learn more writing than through any of the other disciplines.

You made this short movie The Human Kazoo: the story of a writer that recollects the life and death stories of his family. I really loved it. It’s like a dream, there is this surreal atmosphere that pushes me to watching it over and over again. Why did you choose this title and what do you like about short movies? Will you do others?
The Human Kazoo came from the idea that this man was “played” by anyone and everyone in his life. I never meant that movie to be a complete narrative but I did think there was something pretty clear to hold onto. In some ways I am very proud of that movie. But so few people understand it that, in some ways, I feel it is a failure. I think I will do more shorts when the opportunity arises.

Ok, ok probably you are sick of my questions so I’ll leave you with my fav question: If you could make a wish, a big wish, what would it be?
What else is there to wish for but peace, love and understanding?