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Johnny Solo on acting with Hollywood greats and embracing his Greek roots

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Look out for actor and producer Johnny Solo in two high-profile TV shows later this year. He will appear alongside Hollywood royalty – Jodie Foster and Annette Bening – in the Netflix biopic ‘Nyad’, about the marathon swimmer Diana Nyad, and has a recurring role in the hit comedy show ‘What We Do In the Shadows’. It’s a far cry from his degree in economics and earlier corporate career – here he talks about how he traded it for the acting life, his love for producing, and why his Greek heritage is so important to him.  

Tell us about your exciting upcoming projects.

“I’m in a huge Netflix biopic, ‘Nyad’ as Aris Nyad (who’s Greek!). It stars Jodie Foster, Annette Bening and Rhys Ifans, and is directed by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi (Academy Award Winners for ‘Free Solo’). I’ve also got a recurring role as Nico on the huge Disney/Hulu hit comedy TV show, ‘What We Do In the Shadows’, starting this July.” 

Photo credit Todd Estrin

How did you get into the film industry?

“I went to New York University and studied economics. I met so many actors and directors there, and I fell in love with their artistic lifestyle. I was in awe of their courage for pursuing their passion. So I started taking acting workshops at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting, and eventually worked with some amazing private coaches long after I graduated from university. I was working at a corporation while studying until I quit my job and started auditioning for roles. One of my first jobs was a major film, ‘Man On A Ledge’ starring Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks and Edward Burns. After meeting Eddie, he added me to the cast of his independent movie,  ‘Newlyweds’, where I starred as Miles. It was a big success and became a Tribeca Film Festival favourite.” 

Your Greek roots are very important to you, aren’t they?

“Yes, both my parents are Greek and I grew up in a real immigrant first-generation household in New York City. After years of TV and film jobs, I started a TikTok and Instagram account under the moniker @JohnnySoloNYC – I’ve made so many viral videos about being Greek American. Some of my videos on TikTok and Facebook have been viewed by 500k to a million viewers! I’ve also played Greek roles a few times in Hollywood projects. My experience growing up as a Greek American was beautiful, with so much care put into the cultural traditions. I loved celebrating both holidays as a Greek and as an American. But it was also a bit limiting because my first language was Greek, and both my parents spoke Greek to me when I was a child. However, education was very important to my family as well.”  

Photo credit Emily Lambert

Can you tell us about your work as a producer?

“I’ve produced a few short films and a web series of my own. ‘My Ex is Dating a Hipster Chef’ and ‘Captain Sensitivity’ were both featured on Amazon Prime. And working on the feature film ‘Love Magical’ as a producer helped me understand casting better. I worked with my good friend Justin Foran, who taught me so much about what directors look for in actors in the audition room and most importantly the style and feel that they bring. I love producing and hope one day to produce a feature again, once I have the right script and team.”

What have been your favourite acting projects to date?

“My favourite acting projects have been in ‘Newlyweds’ and ‘Fitzgerald Family Christmas’. Also as a recurring character, Bazooka, in the ‘Lights Out’ TV show alongside Pedro Pascal. I’ve also been a recurring character (Tommy Vance) on CBS’s ‘FBI’, and Al, the security guard in ‘Hunters’, which stars Al Pacino. I realised when I was working with Edward Burns that my best acting is when I am present, alive and being myself. It’s something that sounds easy, but takes time to accomplish unless the actor immediately connects with the script.”

Featured photo from film ‘Captain Sensitivity’

We Speak Actors

Michael William Freeman on his exciting role in new Netflix medical series, ‘Pulse’

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American actor Michael William Freeman has appeared in many hit shows, but is perhaps best known for playing militia member Blake Sarno in Fear The Walking Dead’. Now he’s swapped the zombie apocalypse for a medical procedural, playing the character of Glenn Vogel in the new Netflix series ‘Pulse’, which follows the personal and professional lives of doctors and staff at a busy Miami trauma centre. We talk to Michael about working with his idols, the joys of collaboration, and why ‘Pulse’ feels like it comes from the golden age of TV. 

Tell us about your experience working on the new Netflix series ‘Pulse’?

“It was epic. I had such an amazing time on this show, and it was really great to work with Netflix. The very first day I stepped on set, the energy was palpable. Everyone was just so happy and grateful to be part of this project – it really elevated the whole process.”

“Sometimes work can feel like a grind, but this show was a real pleasure. It was such a warm and welcoming environment, and I know that is reflected on screen.”

What was it like working with series creator Zoe Robyn and co-showrunner Carlton Cuse?

“Man, what an absolute dream! Zoe is such a brilliant talent, her writing is so rich and compelling. And Carlton is a master of his craft, an absolute legend in the industry. Yet they both approach the work with zero pretension. It was inspiring and heartening to be around them both. I think it was the most supportive, collaborative environment I’ve ever worked in; it really felt like a family on set. I’d do anything for those two.”

Photo credit Braeden Moran

This is Netflix’s first medical drama – did you enjoy working in this genre? 

“I’ve done medical procedurals before, which are fun, but this is something different. The heart of this show is the relationships. Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty of action and excitement, but what really drives the story are the people. It feels like a show from the golden age of television, something like ‘ER’, it’s so thoughtfully crafted and executed.”

“The way all the stories intersect and collide is really special, I’ve never been a part of anything quite like it. I’m really excited for people to see the show, I think they’re going to love it.”

Who will enjoy watching this show?

“There’s something for everyone! There’s romance, action, drama… even a few laughs. It’s stunning work from Zoe, Carlton and the whole cast and crew. Seriously, every department killed it: from hair and makeup, to wardrobe, to camera, everyone really shines. And I know the audience will appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship. Plus it’s such a fun and vivid world to explore.” 

‘Fear The Walking Dead’ TV series, Photo credit Richard Foreman Jr. for AMC

You’ve acted in so many hit TV series and films; which projects have been the most pivotal for you?

“‘In Time’ was my first big studio movie and the first time I saw myself on a big screen in a movie theatre. So that was a pivotal job for me and I certainly learned a lot from that experience. ‘Doll & Em’ on HBO was another one. Getting to act with Chloë Sevigny and be directed by Azazel Jacobs was momentous; I was such a big fan of them both and working with them exceeded my expectations. But most people recognise me from ‘Fear The Walking Dead’ – that show definitely raised my visibility and had a lasting impact on my career. I’m really grateful to be a part of that franchise. And now I can add ‘Pulse’ to that list.” 

All episodes of ‘Pulse’ are available to stream on Netflix now.\

Featured photo credit: Netflix

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