Actor Fabrizio Brienza Shares His Thoughts on The Film and TV Industries

Actor Fabrizio Brienza has made quite a name for himself in the entertainment world throughout his career. Although he had started out in modeling for high end designers such as Gucci and Armani, it was in the mid 1990s that he was discovered and cast for a role in the The Versace Murder film, directed by Menahem Golan. We asked Brienza, now that his career has progressed, if he has a preference to the type of role that he is cast for. He explained, “I have luckily been able to play all different types of roles from drama to comedy, but if I have to choose a favorite genre, my personal preferences are action and comedy roles. Perhaps because I always like to include action and comedy in my daily life, it keeps you on your toes, so to speak and who doesn’t like a well written comedy?”

He and his fans agree that his acting style is natural and authentic. “I think it is best for actors to challenge themselves when it comes to character roles, but to have that come from their inner self. I am often cast for roles that are derivative of my Italian heritage, which makes sense, but that doesn’t mean that I can’t get out of that stereotypical role and get into comedy and action despite my background in drama,” Fabrizio explained. Although he does have a desire to branch into theater later in his career, for now, Fabrizio remains focused on the path that has led him to his current success. He goes on to state, ”At the moment, given the age of digital media and how important streaming is to the Entertainment world, I do remain more focused on film and television roles. 

We were curious as to what he considers to be the toughest role for him to change into character for, he laughed, explaining, “Ha! There was a time that I had to play a Gay Sugardaddy . . . needless to say that was one of those fun, challenging roles because it was outside of my wheelhouse but I got the job done with flying colors at the end of the day!”

The New York based actor spends his free time working out at the gym, watching movies with his friend and remaining active, leading a healthy lifestyle to keep in shape both mentally and physically while preparing for his upcoming roles. He is adamant about appreciating and maintaining a chill environment to unwind in, especially in the hustle and grind of New York City. He further explains that one of his biggest pet peeves is small talk, gossip and fake people. “Although I think the ‘fakeness’ has always been a part of people in the Entertainment industry, with the explosion of social media networks over the last decade or so and the rise of so called “influencers” though, I think it has taken over society as a whole and that is discouraging. I value realness and people that are down to earth, it is more respectable in my eyes to show the world your real, true self. And those are the types of individuals I keep close in my circle, whether it is in friendships or in my professional career as an actor.”

Fabrizio shared with us some of his all-time favorite films. He is a true fan of action movies with bank robbery plots. “Oh I have so many favorites! I would say Heat with Robert deNiro (1995) which just has an amazing storyline, script and cast… simply an incredible movie! Another favorite is Point Break with Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze (1991) the cinematography with the surf scenes combined with the plot and cast are mesmerizing. I would also have to include The Equalizer with Denzel Washington (2014) and Sicario, Directed by Denis Villeneuve (2015).” We asked him, should he have an opportunity to meet any fictional character in real life, who would it be? Fabrizio responded, “I would LOVE to meet Jim Carrey’s character(s) in The Mask! He is so talented and to be able to play so many different characters throughout the film, what a talent! And another one would have to be David Rice from The Jumper (2008), the idea that the character has the ability to transport himself anywhere he wants is intriguing to me!”

Along with the success in the film and entertainment industries, often comes strange encounters with fans. Fabrizio has been lucky, but has had his fair share of stalkers over the years. “Trust me when I say social media has often fueled the fire when it comes to crazy fans. It’s not just the female fans though, I have had one guy that is constantly coming after me trying to be my ‘double’ copying my style and harassing me to be his mentor, it can get creepy at times especially when in their tone and the phrasing of their demands!”

Fans can follow Fabrizio on his Instagram account at @fbrienza and his IMDb account online.