Its no secret that I love all things TV Land and am a huge fan of their show, Younger. I have worked alongside my TV Land family, live tweeting the premiere and am an avid viewer from home. I dont need a twitter party to motivate me to live tweet what I love (as you all know). I have enjoyed the entire first season but havent crossed paths with any of the stars, until now.
A mutual friend, Richard Hine alerted me to the fact that Nico Tortorella had done this amazing Indie film, Hunter&Game, about the world of Indie music in my hometown of Brooklyn, NY. This was of major interest to me because Nico is a favorite actor of mine but also because I have many friends who are Indie musicians in NYC and was even a part of the scene for a few years myself. (promotions mostly, not performing).
When I was given the opportunity to speak to Nico about the film, I didnt hesitate to say YES. I was not disappointed in any way. Nico Tortorella is as fun to talk to as you would imagine from seeing him on screen. He definitely shares many qualities with his character Josh on Younger in his spirit, authenticity, and ability to make others feel comfortable around him. He also shares the fun loving quality of his character in Hunter&Game, Carson. You can tell why he was drawn to the character and why the character is so endearing.
We spoke last Friday night about life, Younger, and of course Hunter&Game. I think you will enjoy Nicos advice, humor, and insight as much as I did:
Tell me a little about Hunter and Game. What drew you to the role?
Ninety percent of the film was real life. I was supposed to read for Sasha but I knew I had to go in for Carson. Carson was obviously the role I was meant to play, he is the heart of the movie. So, I smoked a joint, put on a fur coat, and got the role.
Are you a musician as well as an actor?
I taught myself to play the guitar and bass. Ive also written some sappy love songs. When this film came around, it was perfect because Ive always seen myself as more of a rock star than an actor.
Did you or do you hang out with many Indie musicians?
While filming, I did but I dont have an abundance of musician friends. Musicians were around constantly during production.
Hunter and Game is being called Spinal Tap meets Bushwick. How does that make you feel?
It feels EPIC, its everything we ever hoped for. We went into this with a first time filmmaker, low budget, like a bunch of friends hanging out. I think Hunter and Game has a reality Spinal Tap didnt have, a relate-ability.
Can we talk about Younger for a minute. The show will be returning for a second season this January after a phenomenal first season. What is that like for you? Have you settled into being a TV star and a leading man?
You cant really take any of that too seriously. I think I keep a sense of humility, its the first series Im in that hasnt been cancelled early. The first time Im coming back for a second season. Lets face it, romantic comedy is a dying genre but we can turn that around.
Do you like your character, Josh?
Id hang out with Josh, he shares my core values of life. Hes cool, wants to have fun, and wants everyone to live authentically.
Whats the best advice youve ever been given? From who?
Scott Fellows (Big Time Rush) said something with me that really resonated early on. He said, As an actor, if youre starting off and theres ANYTHING you think you can do other than act, go do it now.
That hit me hard and I realized I truly belong in this industry.
Whats the best advice youve ever given? Are you usually able to take or heed your own words of wisdom?
To young actors, Id say if you have an audition, really think about what everyone else is going to do for theirs and do the opposite. Dont be predictable or like everyone else going in.
As far as taking my own advice, yeah, Id like to think I can and do.
What is one thing you absolutely cannot live without and one thing you wish we could all live without?
I absolutely cannot live without honey, I just love it. As far as something we could all live without, Jealousy. Its a nasty mofo!
Whats up next for Nico Tortorella?
Theres a small rumor about a season three for Younger and Im also reading scripts. Id love to play a superhero and tackle the action genre. Other than that, I just want to do good work and work with good people.
Do you have a preference between New York City and Los Angeles?
I miss LA, my heart is there for sure.
Since you are in New York City, any plans to do Broadway?
Id love to! I just havent seen the right script. But itll happen at some point for sure!
Id like to thank Nico for taking time out of his Friday night for me and for being such a delight!
Source: Teeco71
