ITALIANS CAN DO IT BETTER

ITALIAN-BORN ACTOR DOMENICO CUOMO, HAS APPEARED IN THE FILM MIMI, PRINCE OF DARKNESS AND HIT TV SHOWS INCLUDING CATCH-22, A PROFESSOR AND THE SEA BEYOND. HERE HE TALKS TO US ABOUT DIVERSITY, DREAMS AND THE MEANING OF LIFE.

Full looks **Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello**

You’ve played a lot of complex young characters. Are you drawn to those kinds of roles?

I'm attracted to all kinds of roles. I believe that the real essence of being an actor is to find the personal truth of each character and make it credible. When I study a character that’s so different to who I am, I see it as the opportunity to explore the depths of myself. I hope, one day, to know myself better thanks to my acting work.

So, tell us about Mimmo, your character in the much-anticipated second series of A Professor, about the story of two young boys who fall in love.

What I love most about Mimmo is his genius. Who sets the rules? Who decides what is right and what is wrong? Those are the questions I asked myself about him when preparing for the role. I tried to connect with him by having imaginary conversations, and I am very grateful to Mimmo for keeping me company over these many months! When filming my last scene, I realised that the character had taught me a great truth; that the real meaning of life is just living, without being obsessed about the constant search for happiness. Just do what you believe, no matter what.

Left Full look **Prada**
Right Full look **Balenciaga**

When you got the call for the series, did you have any trepidation about playing a character who loves another man?

I'm always anxious when I play any role, as I feel a great responsibility to ensure the audience can connect in some way, as someone may have experienced the same joys or pains as my character.

How did you connect with playing Mimmo then, besides being a human who experiences love?

Mimmo talks about love, not sex or sexuality. Love is love and is for everyone. I'm still young and I’ve only fallen in love once. So, I tried to recall my feelings and use them to play him, and in a way, he gifted me the awareness that to love someone you also need the courage of facing your own fears. And… again, I'm not referring to sex or sexuality, but the ability to just give yourself completely to someone you trust and to be loved in return. When I prepare for a role, I always associate an animal to the character, it’s just a thing I do! For Mimmo, I chose a fox and I tried to create the bipolarity of its expression to differentiate the "defensive" and the "peaceful" characteristics that are typical of this animal.

Left Full look **Miu Miu**
Right Full look **Balenciaga**

The show has such a devoted fan base. What makes you care about what happens to queer people and their well-being and their place in culture?

Sometimes, I watch a movie, a cartoon, or I listen to a song which I think represents me in some way. In those moments I feel less alone, I know that someone out there, just like me, has felt the same in my same situation. That’s what drives my desire to be an actor, to help people and remind the world that we are all the same and not alone. I have watched many actors in stories about the Queer community and culture, and they masterfully bring an intensity and truth to their character. I hope one day we can break down the boundaries that try to divide us about race, religion, or sexual preference, and just allow ourselves to return to the true meaning of life - the reason why we are all here, to live and love unconditionally.

Do you think this TV series is indicative of a change in the attitudes of young people being more open about being gay, in Italy? The country regularly ranks in reports as being among the worst in western Europe for LGBTQ+ rights.

You know, it saddens me to know that there are people in this world who are still considered "different" from one another. That there is a right and a wrong way. Everyone is free to live life as they wish. Personally, I believe that meeting someone "different" from us, I don't really like that word or expression by the way, represents a moment of growth. If you are different from me, you can only help me to know something I didn't know before. So yes, for me diversity is important and there is a great wealth to be gained in the knowledge of understanding that.

Left Full look **Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello**
Right Full look **Fendi**

Italian TV and cinema can often be stereotyped as being all mafia stories or clichés of Italian-ness. What do you want to represent as an Italian actor?

Each country has its own cultural heritage, but I don't like stereotypes. Of course, we must always remember who we are and where we come from and, as I said before, I hope for a world with fewer and fewer barriers. Whether it's Hollywood or Cinecittà or the street, I hope to tell stories that excite both me and the audience!

Speaking of which, audiences are loving you in The Sea Beyond, which is now in its 4th season. Tell me more about your role as Cardiotrap?

Well, I was only 14 years old when the first season of the show was airing, and now I am 20. So, I literally grew up with Cardiotrap and his iconic mullet! He’s a very complicated character, and he’s in jail because of his background, but despite all of that, he’s always looking for redemption, which we as humans, the audience, can relate to. I met so many great young actors working on this show, who are now my closest friends, and it means so much to be a part of this series, as it’s really helped me gain the recognition I have.

Left Jacket **Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello**
Right Full look **Loewe**

So, what about films, do you have a favourite movie?

What Dreams May Come!

And if dreams come true, what’s the role you really want?

I dream of many roles! I have so many dreams, the more time goes by the more they increase, but as I said before, I just want to do things that inspire those who watch me, in a sincere and genuine, honest way.

Any actors you admire then?

I really like Gary Oldman, Alberto Sordi, Tony Servillo and Johnny Depp. They manage to transform themselves completely. They can make you laugh and cry in minutes.

What about DeNiro, a fellow Italian. He’s been the reigning badass of acting for years. I’m seeing you as the next DeNiro for Gen-Z, what do you think?

Wow, thank you for the compliment, I’ll always remember that now! Well, De Niro has been giving us his masterpieces for so long. I hope, one day, I can bring my characters to the screen with even a tiny crumb of his strength and charisma!

Well, you’ve already received the David di Donatello Award for Italian Rising Star. So, you’re on your way to the top….

I never take anything for granted. There are so many good actors of my generation in Italy. But receiving the award was a great honour, and I hope I won’t disappoint anyone’s expectations of me! Every award is an encouragement, so let's all take courage and move forward to discover what life will bring us!