Actor, dancer, singer Antonio Cupo is as versatile as he is talented. The Bomb Girls heartthrob talks about how his roots in Vancouvers Italian community have shaped him. (He next appears in Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade, shot in Vancouver, with Autumn Reeser.)
What do you love about being part of Vancouvers Italian community?
I love the Italian culture, the food, and especially the people.There is a sense of family even when youre just friends. Where you come from is important and, if theres a culture thats not afraid to show where they come from, its the Italians.Plus, who can resist the chicken dance at the banquets?
In fashion, what do you prefer, the West Coast casual look or the European flair for a well cut-shirt and suit?
There is a time and a place for everything. I always prefer to be over-dressed than under.I do enjoy the casual West Coast thing for just lounging around but nothing beats an Italian-made suit for those special occasions.
Where are your favourite places to shop for clothes in Vancouver?
There are plenty of stores where you can find good clothes.I prefer the little Italian tailor shops you can find around town; get one of them to build you a suit and rest assured you wont blow out a seam while doing the limbo at the Italian Centre.
If you want to take your grandmother out for dinner, where would you take her?
I think that neither of my grandmothers would have let me take them out. They probably would try to convince me not to spend money and we would end up in Nonnas kitchen.
And if it was a romantic dinner (not with your grandmother, of course)?
Ive been dabbling in the kitchen for years and I love to cook.The most romantic dinner is a candle-lit table for two on the terrace, oysters, champagne, pasta con vongole, followed by baked salmon, asparagus, rice and a nice Gewürztraminer. Jazz softly playing to the summer breeze as the sunsets orangy-red glow warms our skin. You get the picture.
Weve heard you love to dance.
Part of my experiences in the seven years of living in Rome was participating in Italys version of Dancing with the Stars. I made it to the finals, placing third. I learned to rhumba, salsa, cha cha, samba, tango, ballroom and some others.It was a few years ago but I still remember some moves.
You sing, too. Are you excited about your first album?
Ive been writing and recording music for years. Ive taking several long breaks because of how busy I was getting with acting but Ive managed to record eight songs that I will likely be releasing on two EPs. You can expect to find it oniTunes soon under The Violet Chronicles.
You played Penelope Cruzs lover in Elegy? Did you wish she wasnt married in real life?
We shot Elegy before she was married. Its interesting how actors show up on set and shoot a love scene at 7am.We introduced ourselves and literally 15 minutes later we were making out.
And speaking of leading ladies, do you think the platonic relationship between your character and Meg Tillys character will heat up in the upcoming season of Bomb Girls?
A gentleman never tells, but I can assure you that it will be worth watching.
