Exclusive interview with Fabrizio Filippo

Jan 10, 2012 | Fabrizio Filippo accepted the challenge of playing Ethan Gold on the drama series "Queer as Folk", the young violinist, who was involved in breaking up the dream couple Brian and Justin. In this interview Fabrizio talks about how he felt about playing this character and how he experienced working with the other cast members of this groundbreaking show. Moreover, he tells us a little bit about his time on "Buffy".

Foto: Fabrizio Filippo - Copyright: Fabrizio Filippo
Fabrizio Filippo
© Fabrizio Filippo
Note: © myFanbase 2011 - The interview is exclusive to myFanbase and may not be published on other websites or the like. You may share the first 2 questions or up to 160 characters if you link back to this site. Translations other than English and German may be posted with full credit including the writer's name and link to this site.

1. Looking back at "Queer as Folk" what comes to your mind first?

I didn't know how incredibly this show would resonate with people. The fans are amazing. I am so proud to have been a part of it.

2. What was it about the show and the role of Ethan that drew you to play this character?

When I was a teenager, I was introduced to this world of literature and theatre and my entrance was through the gay community of Toronto. Even though I am not gay, I always felt strongly about the community's issues because of this early exposure.

3. You came into the show in the difficult position of playing the guy that "broke up" Brian and Justin. Did you get a lot of immediate reaction from the fans?

I think the fans either hated or loved me at the beginning. My character was in direct opposition to Brian's POV of love and I think many people thought Ethan was so much better for Justin. They were proven wrong I guess.

4. Ethan was the safe haven Justin needed after his first two years with Brian. When did you learn that the relationship would end because Ethan would betray Justin the first chance he got? And what did you think about it?

I learned Ethan would betray Justin when I read the script. I honestly don't remember what my thoughts were at the time. I think I knew it meant I would be leaving the show and even though it made me sad, it felt right.

5. How did you approach the explicit love scenes? Was there a special procedure? And is that something you get used to as an actor?

They were always difficult for me. I could never shake the feeling I was doing porn, standing there on set wearing a robe, etc. Randy was more experienced and very easy to work with. We used to have private meetings to discuss what we would do and how comfortable we were with it. I'm proud of how brave these scenes were but if I never had to do another one again, I'd be okay with it.

Foto: Queer as Folk - Copyright: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
Queer as Folk
© Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

6. You were the new guy in late season 2. Did you feel like the cast was especially close maybe due to being used to get physical so much for the shooting?

They were very close but also very inviting. I felt very included in the dynamic. There's was also a bit of a competitive feeling, a feeling that I better bring my A game. I worked very hard on believably playing the violin because I knew it would earn me cred.

7. What is your best and funniest memory from your time on "Queer as Folk"?

The best memory was pretending to play the violin while the actual violinist was behind me, off camera, making my gestures have sound. It was pretty magical. Also, Randy and I had a lot of fun together. We made fun of each others characters quite a bit.

8. On "Queer as Folk" and on "Buffy" season 3 your characters had to compete with the meant to be's, Brian and Angel, still you managed to make these characters loveable. Is this an interesting challenge for an actor?

I don't think you can think about that. You have to look at the character and create it in a vacuum and then hope you do a good job. I have heard through the grape vine that joss whedan did not like what I did very much on "Buffy". It's very subjective. You can't please everyone all of the time. But you can be true to yourself.

9. What was Sarah Michelle Gellar like to work with?

Sarah was very focused and busy. I hardly got to speak to her. When I did she was very professional. I wasn't on "Buffy" for very long so I don't feel like I really got to know her.

10. You are also a writer for theater and TV. Do you prefer being the director when your play/script is put on stage/on screen?

I'm enjoying writing a lot these days. I get to be home with my son a lot more than if I was on a tv show. I also think it's just the next phase in my career.

11. Can you tell us a little bit about what you've been working on recently?

I have a movie coming out next year with Abigail Breslin that I co-wrote. I wrote a new TV comedy last year and am writing an hour long TV show right now.

12. If you could spend a day with any living or dead person, who would it be and what would you do?

I think maybe I would like to collaborate on a movie with Paddy ChayevskI (the writer of the Movie Network). Or I'd like spend an afternoon talking about life with Albert Einstein.

13. Do you come to Europe sometimes, maybe to visit Italy?

I do. I still have family in Italy, in Calabria. I hope to come this year some time.

14. Since myfanbase is an online magazine devoted to U.S. TV shows, do you have a favorite show?

I have to say that no show has topped (for me) what "The Sopranos" than did.

Nicole Oebel - myFanbase