Zane Phillips, American actor known for his role in the queer comedy of this summer Fire Island, is no stranger to the famed hedonistic destination in the title of the movie. ‘I love going to the island,’ says Phillips. ‘I haven't been a regular for too long, but honestly, it's one of my favourite places to recharge.’ Zane’s recent absence from the gay utopia has been possibly caused by his super busy working schedule - he’s starring in the highly-anticipated Netflix show Partner Track (out later this month) and is currently filming another series for the platform set within a beauty empire titled Glamorous. For us, Zane talks about his go-to Fire Island destinations, acting alongside Kim Cattrall on the upcoming show, and his NYT Crossword addiction.

How did the role in Fire Island come about for you and what made you want to be a part of this project?

Getting to do this movie felt like a cosmic convergence of things that I love - Jane Austen, queer storytelling, every single individual person in this cast!!! When I first received the script in May of last year, it didn't take any kind of consideration to figure out whether I wanted to be a part of it. I remember having an extraordinarily rough day, having had a full day of tutoring in Westchester and then dealing with personal issues on top of that, so I didn't get to working on this tape until about midnight. Thank god for my roommate, who stayed up with me and helped me get this thing in. It's still one of my favourite auditions I've done.

The cast is full of great comedians. Who made you laugh the most on set?

I mean, Tomás [Matos] has to be everyone's answer here. An absolute light who makes everyone fall in love with them immediately. And then when they got together with Matt [Rogers], I mean...the fish were unstoppable.

Do you like to go to Fire Island? If so, what are your favourite spots there?

I do love going to the island! I haven't been a regular for too long, but honestly, it's one of my favourite places to recharge. One of my favourite underrated activities is going to the Pantry at 9 in the morning, when most of the island is still asleep. It's times like these where you can actually get in touch with yourself. I also love the Sunken Forest, but it's a bit of a trek.

What’s your craziest Fire Island story that you can say on record?

Ok, I am unfortunately very boring when it comes to Fire Island shenanigans. I take part but I'm also the one making cinnamon rolls the next morning.

Up next, you’re starting to shoot Glamorous. What can you tell me about the show?

Honestly not sure what I can or can't say - but what I *do* know is that this cast is extraordinarily talented, and Jordon Nardino's vision is razor sharp. Essentially, it's the story of a young, bright, gender non-conforming man named Marco, played by the brilliant Miss Benny, and how they shake up this cosmetics company, as well as, of course, the various characters within. I get to play Chad, the brand's director of sales who absolutely exemplifies the name in every way possible.

What’s it like to have Kim Cattrall play your mom?

I mean, Kim is incredible. She absolutely has elevated the show to a new level and given us the opportunity to see her in a new light. She's all about the work, which I adore.

When did you first realize that acting is something that you would like to pursue?

It really was a moment during my junior year of high school. I was doing a production of Man of la Mancha with my local community theatre, because my high school only did one play a year, and I was starting to really enjoy the process of being in a musical. It had to have been one of our final dress rehearsals - seeing the final vision (which, for a small town community theatre, was quite good), hearing that music soar, and feeling something unlock in me. I felt like I had access to emotions that I'd spent years turning off. Acting became a way for me to get to know myself again. At that point, I decided to try and see if I could make it work for myself. I guess it's not for me to judge whether it has, but I'm certainly happy.

What’s a show or film that shaped your identity growing up?

Probably Clue? Screwball antics, perfect aesthetics, legendary performances, and every single thing that comes out of Madeline Kahn's mouth.

What’s one film you can watch over and over, and never get bored of it?

I think it's gotta be Bride and Prejudice, the Bollywood version of Pride and Prejudice. Maybe it's a testament to the source material, but it's so campy and energetic and fun, it always makes me happy.

What are the challenges that you are looking for as an actor right now?

The past year has led me to some incredible challenges in terms of the emotional side of acting. I'd love to engage more with the physical side - I've had to stay in good shape for a lot of things, so I'd love to have it be for something. It would be fun to get into the action side of things: learn some combat, swing a sword. That or I'd love to be able to try to meld my musical theatre background and do a musical movie or something like that.

What’s something that you’re good at that not many people know about?

Ok, so I am actually killer at the NYT Crossword. When I have the time, I'll do it every single day.

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Interview by Martin Onufrowicz

Photography by Hadar Pitchon