"Shameless" interview with Luca Oriel

April 19, 2015 | The young actor Luca Oriel plays Debbie Gallagher's MMA boyfriend Derek on "Shameless (US)". In our interview we talked to Luca about the relationship between Debbie and Derek and about his own MMA experiences.

Spoiler alert: The interview contains spoiler about "Shameless (US)" season 5 including the season finale.

German translation of the interview.

Foto: Luca Oriel - Copyright: Collin Stark and Jessica Stark
Luca Oriel
© Collin Stark and Jessica Stark
Note: © myFanbase 2015 - The interview is exclusive to myFanbase and may not be published on other websites or the like. You may share the first two questions (up to 180 words) if you link back to this site. Translations other than English and German may be posted with full credit including the link to this site.

1. You play Debbie's boyfriend Derek on "Shameless", who really is a good guy. How much do you think the MMA training factors into the character shaping of this South Side kid?

I think Derek's MMA training definitely gives him the confidence and discipline to stay out of trouble in the South Side, but I think what makes him a good guy is that he comes from a very stable and loving family.

2. In the season finale it looks like Debbie is pregnant and the fans' reactions are mixed. Some people would like to see Debbie navigate her relationship with Derek without a teenage pregnancy. What do you think are the biggest challenges for both Derek and Debbie if she decides keeping the baby or not?

I know some of the fans have mixed feelings about Debbie possibly being pregnant but teenage pregnancy is a very real and serious issue for many teens and I'm glad the show is dealing with it. Debbie and Derek are still in high school, they don't have jobs or money and they are just starting their relationship. I'm sure the huge responsibility and stress of taking care of a baby would be very difficult and challenging for them. I don’t know what the writers have planned for Debbie and Derek but I’m sure they will handle this difficult issue with humor and with brutal and heartbreaking honesty.

3. Have you been asked back for season 6 or is that still pending or under wraps?

I can't really say, so far it is still under wraps.

Foto: Luca Oriel - Copyright: Collin Stark and Jessica Stark
Luca Oriel
© Collin Stark and Jessica Stark

4. What is your personal favorite moment from season 5?

One of my favorite moments was the Carl and Chuckie drug smuggling and court sentencing episodes, and their showdown in juvie! I also liked the scene in the finale when Lip and Ian are having a brotherly moment. It was nice to see them bonding like old times and to see Ian laughing after all he went through this season.

5. Who is your favorite character among the Gallaghers and why?

My favorite would have to be Frank. His witty humor and long speeches about life are always enjoyable to watch. Also it was nice to see a more caring side of Frank helping Bianca through her struggle with cancer.

6. What one thing about "Shameless" would people not know?

That all the actors that portray the Gallagher family are just as close off camera as they are on the show.

7. You received the black belt in Okinawan ShorinRyu Karate at the age of ten, right? Is Karate still a big of a part of your life now that you got into acting?

I don’t compete anymore but I still practice jujitsu and kickboxing regularly; it's an incredible workout.

8. Since myFanbase is an online magazine about U.S. television shows, we would like to know what your favorite shows are?

I have been a fan of "Shameless" since the first season. I also love "Ray Donovan", "Orange Is the New Black", "Kingdom", "Family Guy" and Impractical Jokers.

Thank you for making time for us, Luca, we wish you all the best for your future!

Nicole Oebel - myFanbase

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