Model turned actor Giuseppe Futia stars in the Netflix rom-com La Dolce Villa directed by 2004’s Mean Girls helmer Mark Waters. Futia, who is originally from Italy, was excited to be on his home turf.
“It was really beautiful knowing I was going to be part of such a magical and romantic presentation of my country,” Futia told GLAAD in a recent interview. “I know there’s a lot of love from Americans toward Italy and its culture, history, beauty and lifestyle. I’m so very honored to have been a part of this story.”
La Dolce Villa follows successful businessman Eric (Scott Foley) as he travels to Italy to stop his daydreaming daughter Olivia (Maia Reficco) from blowing her life savings on restoring a crumbling villa she purchased for €1. Instead, he discovers the magic and romance of Italy — and Francesca (Violante Placido) . Futia plays cook Giovanni, the romantic interest of Olivia.
Read GLAAD’s interview with Futia below.
What drew you to the role and are you as handy in the kitchen in real life?
I actually auditioned for another role at the beginning, Francesca’s (Violante Placido) assistant, who is very funny and is played by the hilarious Daniel Panzironi. I sent that tape out and didn’t hear anything back for a couple months. In the meantime I decided to go full blonde (Versace platinum to be exact) and when I received the audition for Giovanni I thought I was not gonna be taken seriously because of that! But I was apparently wrong! I instantly connected to Giovanni’s passion for cooking, I cook for myself anytime I can!
Tell me about your coming out process and journey to self acceptance as someone who is LGBTQ?
I was definitely pushed into self-acceptance while living in West Hollywood, which is one of the most prominent gay villages in the States. I was 19 and moved to LA to study acting and pursue this career and even knowing I was queer I did not have a good time back then looking at myself in the mirror and loving the reflection staring back at me. But my time there convinced me of how much representation matters. I saw people embracing their sexuality with fierce pride and also with a calm and centered sense of self-awareness. Every queer person I met was unapologetically living their truth. On a particular street — I think in front of Weho city hall? — the crossing lines are rainbow colored. I thought : “I can also love myself in this solid and truthful way”. It definitely took some time, but I went from telling myself “I’d rather die than admit that I’m gay and live by it” to being perfectly OK with and actually proud of the person I am.
What advice would you have for anyone out there who may be struggling with accepting themselves when it comes to their sexuality?
I would tell this person that being gay is the best thing that could actually have happened to them, for it will push them into rising above society rules and constructs and question their validity. Why would being gay be a problem? Because some religious groups or authority figure decided so centuries ago? Makes no sense. Dust yourself off, feel your anger and pain and honor them. Then go out and dance! You’re beautiful and alive.
We’re the any LGBTQ films or characters that were particularly impactful on you growing up?
I have to mention The Devil Wears Prada! I can quote that movie by heart. I don’t know why gay people relate a lot to that movie. Maybe Miranda Priestly’s coldness resembles the sort of shield a lot of us had to put on in order to survive. But I loved watching it and fell asleep to it every night for a couple years. It also cementified my love for NYC! Lady Gaga is also on my divinities list. She bridges the beauty of art with the beauty of being queer, different, weird. I was a theater kid taking the bus to school while blasting “Alejandro” and “G.U.Y.” These days it’s “Abracadabra” and the love for her (also given her acting roles) has just exponentially grown.
What type of role would you love to take on next? Could you see a sequel to La Dolce Villa being possible?
If La Dolce Villa gets a sequel I’m all down for it! Shooting in Italy is always magical and a privilege. As for my next roles, I’d love to do action movies or series! But I’d also love to go into something a bit more dramatic or fun. There’s not a genre I wouldn’t want to explore honestly. And especially, I’d REALLY love to play a villain, I think I’d have a lot of fun with it.