Darren Criss Got a Pedicure at Ricky Martin's House

TL;DR

Darren Criss reflects on his journey from college to fame after "Glee."

Transcript

Jimmy: DARREN, I KNOW -- EVERYBODY KNOWS YOU FROM "GLEE." WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE "GLEE"? WERE YOU ON SOMETHING? >> I DID A FEW THINGS. I WAS IN SCHOOL, I WENT TO COLLEGE, DID THAT WHOLE THING. I DID THIS MUSICAL IN COLLEGE THAT KIND OF SET OFF MY CAREER, AT LEAST IN SUBCULTURAL CIRCLES, A SHOW CALLED "A VERY POTTER MUSICAL." [ CHEERS AND AP... Read More

Key Insights

• 🎓 Darren Criss credit his success to the standout performance in "A Very Potter Musical," highlighting the impact of college experiences on his career.
• ❓ His background as a half-Filipino individual has influenced both his identity and appreciation for cultural cuisine.
• 💝 The portrayal of a spree killer in his latest role shows Criss's range as an actor, tackling darker themes and character complexities.
• 😓 The camaraderie among the cast of "The Assassination of Gianni Versace" emphasizes the importance of relationships in the entertainment industry.
• 🙂 Criss's humorous anecdotes about food and cultural experiences reveal a lighter side to his more serious acting roles.
• 💪 His interactions at Filipino restaurants demonstrate a strong connection to his heritage that continues to shape his personality.
• 🤩 The diverse lineup of co-stars enhances the richness of his current project, reflecting the blend of talents and backgrounds in contemporary Hollywood.

Questions & Answers

Q: What was Darren Criss's breakthrough performance before "Glee"?

Darren Criss gained recognition with "A Very Potter Musical," a comedic musical that reimagined the Harry Potter series. He not only wrote the music but also played the role of Harry. This production became a cult favorite among fans and helped him establish connections in the entertainment industry, leading to his later success.

Q: How does Darren Criss feel about his Filipino heritage?

Darren Criss embraces his Filipino heritage, frequently enjoying traditional Filipino food, which he associates with family celebrations. He shares anecdotes about his cultural identity, reflecting on food as a means to connect with his roots and highlighting the importance of his mother’s Filipino background in shaping his experiences.

Q: What character does Darren Criss play in "The Assassination of Gianni Versace"?

In "The Assassination of Gianni Versace," Darren Criss portrays a troubled young man and spree killer named Andrew. He describes the character as complex, lacking the typical traits associated with violent offenders, which allows for a deeper exploration of why someone with potential could commit such destructive acts.

Q: How does Darren Criss spend time off-screen with his co-stars?

Off-screen, Darren Criss bonds with his co-stars, including Ricky Martin and Penelope Cruz, through personal gatherings. Notably, he shares a humorous experience of hosting karaoke nights at Martin's home, where they mingled casually while enjoying simple pleasures like music and pedicures, creating a warm camaraderie among the cast.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Darren Criss gained recognition from "A Very Potter Musical," a college production he wrote and starred in, which ignited his career in musical theater and fandoms.

• Raised half-Filipino in the Bay Area and Hawaii, Criss appreciates his cultural background and regularly indulges in Filipino cuisine to celebrate milestones.

• Currently, he plays a complex character, a spree killer in "The Assassination of Gianni Versace," alongside a star-studded cast, highlighting his growth as an actor.