Interested in acting by the time he went to high school, later went to American Academy of Dramatic Arts and now is known for his role of Charles on ABC Family's Lincoln Heights.
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Daniel Franzese Interview Daniel Franzese is best known for his role as Damian in Mean Girls. But before that he was in his first commercial at age 11 and participated in school plays. He later attended Florida School of the Arts majoring in Musical Theatre and then earned himself a Carbonell nomination as 'Best Supporting Actor' in a musical for "A Tree Grows In Brooklyn." He landed his first feature film in 2001's Bully and he's currently filming Killer Pad a comedy set in the horror genre. This month Daniel appears in an episode of C.S.I, so look out for that on October 12!Juan Guerra: You were great in "Mean Girls"! What made you want to do this movie? And how did you get the part? Daniel Franzese: I think it was always part of my great plan.. slash..dreams as a kid to be on "Saturday Night Live." When I heard Tina Fey had written a movie it was really all I needed to hear to want to be a part of it. I was so excited just to recieve the script that when I read it I laughed so hard. I never laugh out loud when I read, so I guess that was a good sign. I met with Tina and the director Mark Waters at the casting director's Susn Shopmakers office. Susan cast me in "Party Monster" so I knew her pretty well and felt comfotable. Three months later I was flown out to LA to meet the cast and do the table reading but didnt have the part yet which was insnae for me and stressful. A few days after my reading they called and told me the part was mine. I was thrilled and I left for Toronto about 5 days later to film Juan Guerra: How was working with your co-star Lizzy Caplan (Janis Ian)? Both of you had great chemistry and it seemed you two knew each other pretty well.
Juan Guerra: How was it like working with Tina Fey on set, and did you learn anything from her? Daniel Franzese: I had alot of fun with Tina and with Amy Poeler as well. We made each other laugh alot and they are great people. Since I had seen every single episode of "Saturday Night Live" I had alot of questions. Tina limited me to one a day. Juan Guerra: "Mean Girls" was a huge success! Did you think it > would go that big? Daniel Franzese: I knew it would do well because my mom bought about 300,000 copies of the dvd. that's like half kidding. Honestly, I still can't really wrap my mind around it. When I do a movie, I know people see it and love it. And I know that's what I am trying accomplish, but everyone has seen this film. I get stopped everyday and probably will for a long time. It was freaky at first! I embrace it now. Juan Guerra: Have you gotten other opportunities with the success of Mean Girls? Daniel Franzese: I think every movie opens doors..im proud of the work i did in mean girls Juan Guerra: What projects are you currently working on? Can you describe the story of the movie and your character? Daniel Franzese: I am producing a horror film called "Fear Clinic" right now. The story is about an insnae doctor that tries to help teens conquer their fears, but he forces them to face them. Juan Guerra: You have a future project tiled "Killer Pad." Can you tell me about that?
Juan Guerra: How do you prepare for auditions? Is there a strategy that you do in order to get a part? Daniel Franzese: Oh man, I hate auditioning! I am the kind of actor that loves to research and get into the role as closely as possible. I just don't think auditions give you that right amount of time. I do pray before every audition. I find that to help. Juan Guerra: If you were to play a Hollywood legend, who would you portray and why? Daniel Franzese: Great Question. I would love to play Jackie Gleason one day. He had a huge part in making me want to be an actor. The way he made my dad laugh. I was like, "I want to do that!." Juan Guerra: What would be your idea role in a movie that you'd like to be in? why? Daniel Franzese: I have a bunch of ideas. My dreams so far have been coming true so lets just say hold off on this one and you'll see. Juan Guerra: You've done Television as well. Do you like it? How's it different from film? Daniel Franzese: I'ts totally different!! I admire people who do TV well. Im still figuring it all out. I would love to be on "The Class" to work with Lizzy again, who knows! you might see me pop up on there one day. I just did "CSI" and I am on the same episode as Kevin Federline Juan Guerra: What's been the most challenging thing for you in your career?
Juan Guerra: Are there any last words you'd like to say to your fans? Daniel Franzese: I love when people write things about me online, or send me letters, or just let me know what they are liking about my work and not liking. I care about you guys! that why I do what i do. Oh and my last name is pronounced FRAN-say-SEE. That should help as I get alot of people yelling weird stuff at me on the street Juan Guerra: Thank you, Daniel! It was a pleasure interviewing you!
Daniel Franzese: Thanks Juan! I hope these were helpful!
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